PureWow Editors Tested 5 Cashmere Sweaters Under $150 and Here Are Our Honest Thoughts

I’ve owned my Naadam Original cashmere sweater for almost three years, and it’s truly one of my favorite cold-weather wardrobe staples. I wear it regularly throughout fall and winter (and sometimes even spring), and it still looks and feels as nice as the day it arrived on my doorstep. The cashmere, which is ethically sourced from Mongolia, is shockingly luxe. I expected this to be a fairly thin sweater, given the price tag, but it feels really plush and the light hue (I own the camel color) isn’t at all see through. The fit is fantastic, with just enough extra room in the body and arms for comfortable layering without feeling oversized, however as someone who could fit either a medium or a large, I’m glad I opted for the bigger size.

Compared to other cashmere knits I own, some of which cost more than double Naadam’s design, this sweater 100 percent stands up to the competition. It’s never stretched out or become warped in the elbows or collar, the thickness is just right on its own for fall or layered over a cotton tee mid-winter and the look is totally timeless. And that deliciously plush feel has lasted through multiple seasons and washes, both by hand and at the dry cleaners, with minimal pilling (some pilling it pretty unavoidable, but I’ve yet to need a sweater stone or shaver for this guy). Overall, I’d say this sweater is 100 percent worth adding to your winter wardrobe.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Care Instructions: dry clean or hand wash cold, lay flat to dry, iron at low temperature

Executive Editor Alexia Dellner put this affordable crewneck to the test, and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the fabric. “I’ve always shied away from cashmere because I can’t wear wool (too itchy!), so I just assumed that it would be the same case here,” she admits. “But I was wrong! This was so soft and breathable and even when wearing nothing underneath it, I had no issues with it.” She does note that this sweater is fairly lightweight, which is great for fall and early winter when you may prefer something more breathable, but that it may not be heavy enough for peak winter chills.

With 20 color options to choose from, including both neutral hues (beige, gray, black) and trendiest brights (cherry red, ‘90s green, cerulean blue), Dellner even considered investing in more than one option. “I can see myself wearing this all the time—with jeans for a casual look or tucked into a sheer or shimmery skirt for a more elevated party or going out look,” she says, adding that this comfy knit does indeed fit true to size. “I’m 5’5” and the medium sits right at my hips with just enough length to tuck into jeans if I want,” she tells me.

And to add to the list of pros, this Uniqlo must-have also washes incredibly well. She Dellner notes, “I did have to spot clean because of course I wore this while holding a sick baby who managed to both drool and smear mucus on me! Luckily dabbing a cloth with cold water over the area was all it took for it to come out looking good as new.”

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XXS to XXL
• Care Instructions: dry clean or hand wash cold

SEO and Audience Development Editor Marissa Wu has long been a fan of Quince’s knits, and this oversize cashmere number is no exception. “I feel like a little caterpillar in a cocoon,” she raves. “I normally don't go for oversized sweaters, but the fabric moves in such a way that it drapes well and does half-tucked styles with ease. It's quite soft, but also breathable. Like a big blanket, but not too thick.”

As she notes, this sweater is designed for an oversize fit, which she says isn’t so large as to require going down a size. However, if you’re petite or really prefer a closer fit, sizing down is probably the way to go. “It's definitely more oversized and boxy for sure, but the fluidity of the fabric helps to soften the overall look,” she adds. And while fully tucking this sweater into pants or a skirt may not produce the smoothest silhouette, the cut is particularly great for layering. “The weave isn't very tight and the wind definitely gets through,” says Wu, “but the roominess of the cut makes it good for layering.”

She also points out that while incredibly soft, with a bit of texture right out of the box, the cashmere of this sweater does pill notably faster than more expensive styles from brands like Jenni Kayne or Sezané. As per the brand’s instructions, hand washing is best to preserve the fit and quality of the cashmere.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XS to XL
• Care Instructions: hand wash cold, lay flat to dry, iron at low temperature

It’s rare to find a high-quality cashmere sweater under $150, but even rarer to find one that comes in as large a size range as this L.L.Bean classic. Nearly every color comes in sizes XS to 3X, but there are also Petite and Tall styles available in sizes XS to XL. Editor in Chief Jillian Quint opted for the petite cut when testing this cashmere knit, and found the fit to be fantastic. “It definitely fits true to size,” she notes, “and perhaps a hair roomier than I was expecting.” The sleeves and hem hit just right on her 5’1” frame. And based on reviews, the tall fit is every bit as fabulous for those in the 5’9”-and-over club.

Upon first pulling her sweater out of the packaging, Quint admits she was skeptical about how warm it would actually feel. “It felt soft right out of the box and high quality, though seemed like it wouldn't be especially warm given how thin the cashmere it,” she notes. However, it ultimately seems her concerns were unwarranted. “It is deceptively warm,” Quint raves. “This sweater is extremely wearable. Because I got in a camel color, it really goes with everything. And because it's thin, it fits under just about any jacket.”

One common theme throughout the nearly 1,500 reviews on L.L.Bean’s site is how happy shoppers are that this design has stayed so consistent over the years. Add to that the fact that they develop very little pilling and don’t stretch out or bag (provided you follow the care instructions) and it’s no wonder so many people mention owning multiple colors.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XS to 3X, also Petite and Tall
• Care Instructions: dry clean or hand wash, lay flat to dry

I’ve owned this J.Crew best seller in multiple colors over the years and can say with confidence that it is a tried-and-true wardrobe staple well worth the investment. The fabric is lusciously soft and feels plush but not too thick—you can still layer the sleeves under a blazer or jacket with ease, and tucking it into a pair of jeans doesn’t look weirdly bulky. It doesn’t pill very much, and while I most often entrust the professionals at the dry cleaners with keeping my J.Crew cashmere free from stains, it holds up very well to at-home spot cleaning in a pinch.

Beyond the super-soft, breathable material, I adore the vibrant color options. J.Crew is always great with color trends (the Bright Poppy and Burnished Chartreuse this season are to die for), but the neutrals are every bit as rich, amping up that high-end feel. While J.Crew sometimes makes adjustments to the fit year over year, leading to sizing inconsistencies for those of us who are between sizes, the 2025 is spot on. The length is great for tucking into pants or skirt, but there’s also enough room in the hips to wear it loose without it looking clingy. The body fits well over cotton T-shirts and silk camis, but isn’t too oversized. And in my experience, the fabric does not stretch too much over time, meaning if you take good care of the cashmere, it’ll continue to look and feel every bit as lovely as the day you bought it.

P.S. For those who like a little personal touch, J.Crew offers monogramming on the left chest with up to eight letters for an extra $10.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XXXS to 3X
• Care Instructions: hand wash cold