The Cashmere Sweater Is the Stylish, Warm Layering Secret Weapon You Need Now
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
The cashmere sweater has extraordinary versatility in any modern man’s wardrobe, and cashmere’s luxurious connotation is just an added bonus. There are several levels and grades of cashmere, but even the most basic thereof is wonderfully soft — just a five to 10% addition of the fine fiber to any garment can lend a warm and cloud-like feel that is unrivaled by most fabrics. That being said, cashmere sweaters are some of the best sweaters known to man.
Cheap cashmere, however, is something to stay away from as it tends to pill and lose its shape quickly. But don’t worry, this is why we kept those options out of our list. Good cashmere only, people!
Cashmere can also reach the uppermost echelons of comfort and quality, and we do highlight some of those below. To round out your rotation, we suggest a few more reasonably priced sweaters and perhaps a splurge here and there for a particularly special evening.
Inherently warmer than its more basic cousins in the wool family, a thin cashmere sweater will keep you just as warm as a bulkier lambswool or merino sweater. Our picks also come with a slim cut that makes them an excellent option for layering. The softness mentioned above makes these sweaters incredible easy to wear, as well. So whether you’re based in California or the middle of the country, you can’t go wrong with adding a cashmere sweater to your winter wardrobe rotation.
Here are our top picks for the best men’s cashmere sweaters for adding to your wardrobe for comfort, warmth, and versatility.
1. Everlane Grade-A Cashmere Crew
BEST OVERALL
If you are buying your first cashmere sweater or want to buy one with a ton of versatility, this crisp heather grey option from internet darling Everlane is a sure-fire option. This light gray option goes with just about anything — your beat-up Red Wings, jeans, and pea coat? You betcha. How about as a layer over a dress shirt and tie with a navy suit? Perfect. Wear it by itself, wear it under a shawl collar sweater, wear it with an overcoat. Heck, you can even wear it with nice sweatpants. Your imagination is the limit with this slim-cut, 100% cashmere sweater from Everlane.
Courtesy of Everlane
2. Naadam The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater
BEST WARDROBE STAPLE
If you’re looking to simply cross “cashmere” off of your list of wardrobe must-haves, this $75 sweater from Naadam is a great way to go. It’s a sweater that’s received over 300 5-star reviews for its comfort, fit, and 100% sustainable cashmere blend. The best part? You can indeed wear it with anything — under a suit, over a button-down, or on its own with a simple pair of jeans. It’s rated as “heavenly soft” on their website and comes in so so so many colors, including this refined blue. Take the cashmere plunge without actually, you know, taking the plunge with this safe bet.
Courtesy of Naadam
3. Malo Roll Neck Cashmere Jumper
BEST TIMELESS
Malo is renowned for creating knitwear to the highest standard, and because it’s made in Italy, you know it will last. This roll neck jumper which features a ribbed hem for added comfort and comes in a range of charming colors, will instantly make you ooze cool guy, even if you don’t feel like it.
Courtesy of Farfetch
4. Theory Cashmere Pullover Sweater
BEST DESIGNER
Theory’s cashmere pullover is an excellent choice for those who love name brands but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg to snag some designer. It’s got a classic pullover design that you’re used to in your college crewneck with rib trimmings to hold true to the look. There are a few different colors available, depending on your liking. For Theory, this price isn’t so bad, either.
Courtesy of Saks
5. Uniqlo MEN +J Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
BEST COLLABORATION
Uniqlo is the go-to brand when you need any style in any color at an affordable price. This 100% fine gauge cashmere turtle neck comes in a range of crisp colors and will help you battle cold while making you catwalk ready, thanks to the fashionable collaboration with Jil Sander. This staple can be worn with your biggest, baddest heavyweight coat in the peak of winter or under a casual bomber when the weather trends mild again.
Courtesy of Uniqlo
6. J.Crew Cashmere Hoodie
BEST CROSSOVER OPTION
Courtesy of J. Crew
7. Nordstrom Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
NORDSTROM’S FINEST
The cashmere crewneck sweater from Nordstrom is the ultimate piece for chilly days and even colder nights; available in timeless colors and cut in a regular fit, this is a piece you can get away with wearing time and time again. It’s designed in a soft and lightweight cashmere yarn perfect for layering over or under, depending on the occasion.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
8. NAKEDCASHMERE Asher Shirt
BEST BUTTON-DOWN
Cashmere sweaters keep changing for the better. Now, you can snag your favorite material in sweater vests, hoodies, turtlenecks, and even button-downs. This cashmere sweater meets utility jacket is going to be a staple to your wardrobe from here on out. It’s got a more casual look that looks stellar styled on top of a good-looking tee or buttoned-up solo. Tie your look together with handsome jeans and a pair of lace-up boots.
Courtesy of NAKEDCASHMERE
9. Zara Cashmere Turtleneck Jumper
BEST CHOCOLATE
This cashmere rollneck is a part of Inditex’s The Green to Wear 2.0 standard from their The List program, which aims to minimize the environmental impact on textile manufacturing. Inditex is also working with the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, set up to reduce the adverse effects of cashmere in Northern Mongolia, one of the main places the opulent fabric is sourced. This turtleneck comes in a range of deep colors, but the chocolate, in particular, is good enough to eat.
Courtesy of Zara
10. Sunspel Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper
FIT FOR A SPY
Sunspel is the favorite for all of Daniel Craig as Jame Bond’s t-shirts, polos, shirts, and underwear, so there was no way we were going to let you miss out on looking and feeling as suave as Mr. 007 himself. This crew neck jumper was made in the Scottish Highlands, with an incredibly soft feel that would work perfectly with a longline coat, jeans, and white trainers for an inconspicuous look.
Courtesy of Sunspel
11. Patagonia Recycled Cashmere Quarter-Zip Sweater
BEST QUARTER-ZIP SWEATER
You can always rely on Patagonia to deliver sustainability and quality. Their recycled cashmere zip sweater does just that, made with only 5% virgin wool sourced under the strict Responsible Wool Standards. It is breathable, insulating, and can withstand cold temperatures. This sustainable warmer features a ¼ zip detail on the collar and is cut at a versatile hip level, great for walks and adventures out.
Courtesy of Patagonia
12. PANGAIA Recycled Cashmere Crewneck Sweatshirt
BEST RECYCLED CREW
The recycled cashmere crewneck sweatshirt is described as “like a soft hug you didn’t know you needed,” and after the rough period we’ve all had, I think we all deserve it. This unisex sweatshirt comes in its signature color palettes. It is the ultimate loungewear piece that can easily be elevated to brunch, lunch, and even dinner status with a change of jacket or pair of shoes.
Courtesy of PANGAIA
13. Asket Cashmere Sweater
BEST BRAND TRANSPARENCY
Asket is known for its transparency. The brand made this cashmere sweater in partnership with an Italian mill, from post-consumer wool that’s fibers have been extracted and re-spun into new yarn to ensure you are delivered an undeniably soft sweater without compromises. It’s been designed into a thick two-ply yarn with elastane on the cuffs, hem, and neckline made for all-day wear.
Courtesy of Asket
14. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan
BEST CARDIGAN
This light- to medium-weight cardigan from Quince is one that you can keep for seasons without tiring. It’s cozy, warm, retains its shape, and is available in versatile options that are guaranteed to quickly bond with any of your clothes without an adjustment period. This button-down sweater is made from rare 100% grade-A Mongolian cashmere is 15.1 micron in thickness and is two-ply, so get ready to say goodbye to any morning shivers.
Courtesy of Quince
15. Club Monaco Cashmere Sweater
BEST SLIM-FIT
Branded as a Club Monaco core sweater, this slim-fit knitted crew neck is hard not to like. Designed to graze your skin, it can also act as a bonus to enhance your physique, so instead of being wrapped up in bulky jumpers that mask all your hard work, why not show it off and define what it means to look and feel hot.
Courtesy of Mr. Porter