Cashmere is one of those little luxuries in life — and we're going to help you find the best for a whole lot less. (Getty)(Getty)
If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I love a snuggly, cozy sweater. Cashmere? Yes, please! The price tag, though? Not so much. But finding a chic, warm, affordable cashmere sweater can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack — most styles start around $300 and can soar to upwards of $2,000.
I get why the cloud-like comfort of these pieces comes at such a hefty price; the yarn comes from the undercoats of cashmere goats, who only shed their winter coats once a year, making the yarn they produce pretty special. But let's be real — spending that much on even a timeless sweater isn't feasible for most of us. Thankfully, our fabulous shopping experts know a quality deal when they see one.
After wearing and enjoying a variety of cashmere sweaters over the years, we've got plenty of opinions and some great recommendations for you. And here's the best part: They start as low as $70, and every single one rings in under $250! So, treat yourself to a little luxury without breaking the bank. You can thank us later.
Commerce Manager Julia Webb really knows her stuff when it comes to cashmere — she even wrote a story comparing three machine-washable options. During her testing, she found that Nadaam's reigned supreme, calling it cozy, flattering and affordable. While it might not be the softest cashmere she's ever tried, she says it "still feels luxe, and it's also not too fragile — it's durable enough I can wear it multiple times a week."
The classic crewneck comes in sizes XXS-XXL, and while the brand recommends sizing up, Webb says her normal size was "just right for a comfortably fitted look." What really makes this piece a standout, though, is how long-lasting and easy to care for it is.
Another bonus? It's under $100! And with an impressive 25 colors to choose from, you're sure to find one (or more!) that you'll love.
I've had this Everlane V-neck for over five years, and it looks just as good as it did when I first got it. It has a slightly slouchy, oversized fit that manages to feel both comfy and polished at the same time. I've worn it with everything from cute silk skirts to cozy leggings, and I love how the neckline shows just a hint of skin, giving it a little bit of sophistication without being too revealing. It comes in four neutral colors.
While it's made from 100% cashmere, half of the material is recycled — an environmentally friendly fact that makes me feel good about my purchase. The only downside is that it's not machine-washable (common for cashmere). The brand suggests hand washing it in cold water, but I confess that I've just been taking it to the dry cleaner. Even with the extra cost, it's been a wonderful addition to my wardrobe.
When you think of cashmere, a chunky ribbed sweater might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But our Shopping Director, Jeanine Edwards, would suggest giving one a try! She loves this Quince option so much she has it in 10 colors so she can wear it multiple times a week. "It's honestly my favorite thing to wear when the weather is cold," she says.
"Plush," "soft" and "not itchy," are a few ways she describes the cozy pullover. The chunky knit may be less than $100, but it looks like a much pricier designer style. "This is a dupe for the super popular, super expensive Jenni Kayne sweater. I'm normally very anti-dupe, but this sweater is perfection in every way. Can't recommend it highly enough."
Though it is dry-clean only, Edwards says the extra cost is worth it to ensure it lasts longer, and the sweater "still looks, feels and fits as well as it did when I first purchased it!"
Black turtlenecks are reliable basics that effortlessly elevate any cold-weather outfit, and this luxe version from Everlane is proof positive. Commerce Writer Sarah Weldon says, "I feel like a fancy, old-money trust fund kid every time I wear it." She adds that the turtleneck is boxy without being oversized and is the perfect blend of a mock neck and turtleneck. "The silhouette makes it super easy to dress up or down. I love wearing it over a slip dress and boots, but it's just as good with jeans and sneakers," she says.
Plus, she can't get over how soft it is and that it's not itchy. Just a heads up, though: It's a bit warmer than you might expect. "It feels more lightweight than it actually is. Learned this the hard way after wearing it on a warm-ish winter day and immediately started sweating." At $248, it's a splurge, but Weldon felt it was worth it, saying, "I knew as soon as I bought it that I'd wear it over and over again."
This adorable, sporty style gives casual luxury vibes. Home and Garden Writer Kristin Granero raves about how incredibly cozy this sweater is, and she loves how the fitted style pairs with looser pants or skirts. "I own it in several colors now," she says.
Made from 100% Mongolian cashmere, this beauty comes in eight shades ranging from subdued heather gray to bold raspberry. Granero has owned her sweater for over two years and says it still looks amazing, with just a tiny bit of light pilling in the spots that get the most wear. One of the best parts? It's machine-washable, making it easy to keep clean.
While she loves the snug fit of this sweatshirt style, she also recommends the looser-fitting crewneck from the same brand, also in her sweater rotation. "I really enjoy the looser version for a more casual vibe with tapered pants," she shares.
