Every winter, I basically turn into a bunny rabbit and reach exclusively for cashmere and other natural fibers the second temps dip below 49°. Growing up in a cold climate made me take knitwear seriously, and over the years, I've built a sweater collection I'm genuinely proud of. Some pieces are new, but most are vintage because, for a long time, I swore nothing could beat the feel of true vintage cashmere.
I'm picky about my knits. They have to be 100% cashmere, they can't pill after two wears, and they need that satisfying weight you only get from a real, well-made sweater. Since moving to NYC, people constantly ask me where to buy great cashmere, and for a long time, my instinctive answer was to go vintage. But some recent TikTok discourse crossed my feed, making a very compelling case for how top-notch today's cashmere options are.
I decided to put the internet's "perfect sweaters"—the ones people swear are actually worth it—to the test. I tried 15 cashmere styles, and to my very pleasant surprise, several genuinely rival and surpass the quality of my longtime, mostly vintage favorites.
For my test, I wore each 100% cashmere piece at least five times to get a real sense of how it held up with wear. Ahead, I'm breaking down the seven best sweaters I found during my testing period.
Most Luxe Feel: Guest in Residence
This sweater from Guest in Residence is the kind of piece you'll want to live in all season. Well after my testing period concluded, I found myself reaching for it over and over again. Perfectly oversize for a relaxed, comfortable fit, it's incredibly warm without feeling overly heavy. I was genuinely impressed by how little it pilled over time, and it's truly a future heirloom piece I will keep in my closet forever.
Splurge-Worthy: Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is an American classic for a reason, and although it is a splurge, it's truly impossible to regret this purchase. This plush, buttery-soft Cable-Knit Sweater just exudes luxury. There is not a hint of itchiness, and it has just the right amount of fuzz that feels charming and cozy. It's polished enough to wear it alone, but layered under a blazer or coat, it instantly adds texture and depth to your look.
Coziest: Soft Goat
By and large, the Soft Goat sweater was the coziest one I tried. Its brushed cashmere gives it a cloud-like feel that makes even the chilliest days feel a little warmer. The brushed effect is uncommon and immediately catches the eye—so much so that I was stopped multiple times by people on the street when I wore it. It's truly a statement piece that balances comfort with undeniable presence.
Best Cost Per Wear: J.Crew
There's something about this J.Crew cashmere sweater that makes it impossible to take off. It's soft, cozy, and perfectly boxy while still flattering. Its classic cable-knit design makes it a go-to season after season, and at $228, it is such a justifiable purchase. Plus, it comes in a handful of fun colors. This sweater proves that investment-level cashmere doesn't have to break the bank.
Least Pilling: Modern Citizen
The internet seemed to agree that Modern Citizen cashmere sweaters are reliably durable, but I'll admit I was skeptical. After all, I've had my fair share of cashmere that pilled frustratingly fast. While all cashmere will pill eventually, the degree varies, and I was genuinely surprised to see little to no evidence of pilling on this sweater even after five-plus wears. Bonus points for the fun silhouette, which easily transitions from the office to a night out. Not to mention the price!
Best Color Options: Reformation
The quote from the TikTok trend perfectly sums up my feelings about this sweater: "If I like it and they have another color, I'm gonna grab it." It currently comes in nine core hues and seven seasonal colorways that are more experimental, so there's truly something for everyone. I opted for butter-yellow stripes this time around, but I'd be lying if I said I haven't already gone back for another basic black one. This sweater is lightweight and easy to layer. Mix it, match it, and style it for every season.
Most Travel-Friendly: Kilte
The Kilte cashmere sweater is a travel-wardrobe essential. It layers beautifully, making it the perfect choice for long-haul flights or a weekend getaway. What I love most is that it feels like you're wearing pajamas but looks completely put-together. Even better, it comes with matching pants, so your travel outfit is fully coordinated and ready to go straight from your suitcase.
