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Searching for the Best Sweater Brands
There’s nothing more comforting in cozying up in a sweater. With a warm drink at hand, the right type of pullover can put you in a particular mood. Of course, it depends on the design. Off-shoulder long sleeves offer a touch of winter romance, while chunky cable knits are usually on brand with the cottage core aesthetic.
Decisions, decisions. With options as varied as the traditional jumper, you’re probably wondering what the best sweater brands on the market are.
10 Best Sweater Brands
From Khaite to L.L. Bean, we’re counting down 10 of the hottest sweater companies that you should definitely consider before the cold season hits. We’ll also cover some important points regarding quality, value, and style to help you streamline the shopping process. So without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Khaite
Khaite is the epitome of ‘theatrical refinery.’ This New York-based designer marries masculine and feminine silhouettes together and reinvents old-school classics with a modernized spin.
Of course, you could apply the same meaning to other brands such as Jil Sander, but what makes Khaite unique is its brooding yet delicate aesthetic that transcends itself beyond ordinary women’s wear. Catherine Holstein, the company’s creative director, definitely has an eye for elevated trends.
Since 2016, Khaite has shaken the fashion world for its original designs. Now sold in Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom, and Mytheresa, this luxury brand has certainly made a name for itself within the industry.
They sell various dresses, blouses, skirts, pants, and shoes on their website. For the purposes of this best sweater brands review, let’s jump forward and focus on Khaite’s knitwear collection.
From Marion to Molly, all Khaite sweaters are designed to be simplistic, elegant, and color-muted. It’s a demure look for those who prefer softer silhouettes. If we were to describe the ideal candidate for Khaite clothing, we’d say that they frequent vintage bookstores, have at least one Monstera plant, and regularly post their fits on Instagram.
Their pullovers are usually made out of cashmere, which is knitted into a fisherman’s rib, Intarsia stitch, or cable.
So, how much does a Khaite sweater cost? Brace yourselves, as one pullover can cost as much as $2,394. It’s also worth noting that its knitwear collection also extends to dresses, cardigans, bras, and tops as well.
Highlights
- Considered a reputable brand within the industry
- Offers a broad selection of stylish knitwear
- Provides sizes XS to XL
- High quality in construction
- Sold at various retailers
- Free shipping for all US-based orders
2. Alex Mill
Contemporary classics are usually exclusive to luxury brands only. Ironically enough, the simpler a design is, the higher the price tag. As a result, it becomes increasingly hard to find high-quality basics as companies try to hide those ‘hidden gems’ behind quick-fix trends.
Alex Mill, a clothing brand, believes that shopping for straightforward pieces shouldn’t be a headache and a half.
The brand is the brainchild of founders Alex Drexler, Millard Drexler, and Somsack. With a collective experience in clothing retail, they combined their skills to create a ‘timeless, not trendy’ collection. They launched in 2012, and today, Alex Mill continues to make no-nonsense pieces for customers to enjoy.
Regarding knitwear, Alex Mill offers a simplistic variety of polo button-ups, crewnecks, cardigans, hoodies, vests, and more. Plus, they’ve got options for men and women. The silhouettes are fairly basic, but by no means are they boring.
All designs are created to blend seamlessly with your wardrobe. Styled for everyday use, I’m sure that casual trendsetters and minimalist fashion enthusiasts will love Alex Mill’s core aesthetic.
Let’s talk about price. Customers should expect to pay around $98 to $298 for a sweater. You can take care knowing that all designs are made with the best materials. This usually includes a blend of cashmere, merino wool, acrylic, mohair, and more.
Highlights
- Sells basic pieces that are easy to style
- Offers options for men and women
- Made out of high-quality materials
- Implements some sustainable initiatives (including its use of recycled fabrics)
- Sizes range from XS to XL
- Free shipping on orders $150 or more
Related: For more information on Alex Mill, check out our Alex Mill review.
3. Everlane
Everlane: an exemplary company that goes above and beyond when it comes to ‘radical’ transparency, sustainability, and design.
There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of this clothing brand before, as products like their Day Heel reportedly have 28,000 customers on the waitlist. Everlane’s continued success has granted them third place in Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list.
Established by Michael Preysmen in 2010, Everlane was the first to market the term ‘radical transparency’ as its core company mission. They believe that beautiful design shouldn’t come at a cost, as the brand implements several sustainable and ethical practices throughout each manufacturing process.
Plus, shoppers will be happy to know that Everlane shares a bunch of details concerning cost breakdown, facility regulations, and sourcing locations.
Everlane’s core aesthetic has always been cool, simplistic, and relatively basic in order to guarantee continued use. This also extends to its knitwear collection, as you won’t find any bright or bold prints and cuts within the brand’s collection. In terms of their sweaters, customers can choose from polo knits, oversized crewnecks, hoodies, turtlenecks, and more.
Price-wise, we’d say that Everlane is quite varied. Sweaters can cost as little as $45 to as much as $223. Justifiably, their materials make up for the high prices—usually including a mix of cashmere, alpaca, cotton, and wool.
Highlights
- Clean, refined, and great collection for everyday styling
- Sustainably and ethically made
- Highly transparent
- Sizes range from XXS to XXL
- Offers Afterpay as an alternative payment option
- Free shipping on orders $75 or more
Related: For more information on Everlane, check out our Everlane review
4. Barefoot Dreams
Popularized for its cozy knits, Barefoot Dreams invites you to soak in the sun and bury your feet in the sand. This online boutique caters to nautical themes, beach vibes, and soft pastel blues.
It was partly inspired by Stan Cook’s late wife, Annette, who was known to bring an aura of warmth, playfulness, and vibrancy to the family. You can say that Barefoot Dreams was a love letter to her infectious personality.
Based in Malibu, Barefoot Dreams has been making loungewear, casual basics, and home decor since 1994. The company has grown remarkably over the years, including being listed as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2017.
They’re also affiliated with several philanthropic efforts, such as donating some of their profits to organizations like The Wunder Project and Northwell Health.
The Barefoot Dreams’ knitwear collection is, well, dreamlike. They’ve got stylish fits for men, women, and children. From dolman pullovers to asymmetrical turtlenecks, their sweaters are breathable, soft and suitable for lounging about.
They obviously prioritize comfort as their core value, as it’s seemingly rare to find a tightly knit piece in Barefoot Dreams’ collection. Offered in muted tones, you shouldn’t have any problem styling their pieces with your wardrobe.
All of their designs are organized by fabrication. Some collections you’ll find include CozyChic Lite, Luxe Lounge, Sunbleached, EcoChic, and more. They differ in terms of material blends, as all sweaters come with a varying percentage of nylon, polyester, rayon, cotton, and spandex.
When compared to price, we’d say that it’s well worth the value. Designs usually retail at around $58 to $168.
Highlights
- Cozy, chic, and super comfortable to wear
- Provides sizes from XS to XL
- Most designs are machine washable
- Its EcoChic collection provides customers with a sustainable alternative
- Offers Afterpay as another payment option
- Free shipping on orders $99 or more
Related: For more information on Barefoot Dreams, check out our Barefoot Dreams review
5. Naked Cashmere
Dreamt up by Bruce and Leslie Gifford, Naked Cashmere is an amalgamation of fashion, a need for affordable designs, and a love of sustainability. It’s not the only brand under the Gifford family name, as they also own 360 Cashmere as well. This online retailer believes that luxury shouldn’t come with a hefty expense, nor should it come with an environmental cost.
Consciously made, this Californian-based brand has been making clothing since 2016. They’re highly regarded as a premium sweater company, as noted by media outlets such as Forbes, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan. In exciting news, Naked Cashmere has been worn by countless celebs like Kate Moss and Selena Gomez.
If you need extra convincing that Naked Cashmere is one of the best sweater brands on the market, I’m sure one quick browse through its pullover collection is all the proof you need. Their designs are timeless, elegant, and super practical for the cold season.
It seems that they lean towards simplistic silhouettes and basic colors, which is most notably found in the Noelle, Zemira, and Avril sweater. Oh, and just so you know, they’ve got styles for men and women.
Obviously, Naked Cashmere sweaters are made out of cashmere. But, all pullovers vary in terms of fabrication and sourcing, as some designs are constructed out of recycled knits or 100% cotton. Since this type of material is fairly expensive, you should expect to pay around $75 to $425 for a jumper.
Highlights
- High-quality cashmere offered in timeless designs
- Favored by numerous celebrities
- Sustainably and ethically made
- Sizes range from XS to XXL
- Provides Afterpay as an alternative payment option
- Free shipping on all US based orders
6. Gentle Herd
Gentle Herd is a passion project run by a team of eco-conscious thinkers and minimalists. Of course, the brand wouldn’t be possible without the show’s real star: Mongolia sheep. Upfront with sourcing and manufacturing practices, this clothing boutique produces the finest cashmere you can get on the market. You can say that their designs are ‘baa-eutiful.”
Unfortunately, there’s not much to know about Gentle Herd’s origin story, other than they’re based in Delaware and Hong Kong. As we wait for more details to filter in, the company wants you to know that they source their cashmere from reputable farms.
You don’t have to worry about unethical treatment here, as Gentle Herd has established “standardized breeding practices, shearing, feeding,” and other regulated practices.
With supervision that tight, you can probably understand why Gentle Herd is included in our best sweater brands lineup. Not only are they commendable in terms of company transparency, but their designs speak for themselves.
Customers can find a wide variety of basics for men, women, and kids, including turtlenecks, cropped cuts, and scoop necks. Like most of the brands we’ve covered so far, it seems that muted color tones are all the rage this year.
Aside from cashmere, Gentle Herd also uses a blend of merino and Yak wool. Of course, with materials as high-quality as this, prices will usually fall on the expensive side. You’re looking at about $38 to $265 for a well-made piece.
Highlights
- Sourced from sustainable farms
- Most designs are made out of Mongolian wool
- Simplistic and easy to style
- Sizes range from XXS to XXXL
- Offers Affirm as an alternative payment option
- Free shipping on orders $199 or more
Related: For more information on Gentle Herd, check out our Gentle Herd review
7. Ganni
Ganni is not for the faint of heart. You’ll need a strong stomach (and a lot of confidence) to wear their fits out in public. They’re famously known for their maximalist designs, as this luxury brand is relatively unafraid of mixing unusual silhouettes with bold patterns. Founded by Frans Truelsen in 2000, Ganni is also considered a homage to the owner’s Danish upbringing.
Today, this designer brand is run by Ditte and Nicolag Reffstrup, who both have a collective background in the fashion industry. Since its transition of power, Ganni hasn’t slowed down at all as a luxury powerhouse.
Celebs like Bella Hadid, Priyanka Chopra, and Dakota Johnson have all been spotted wearing Ganni drip. It also doesn’t hurt to mention that they boast over 1 million followers on Instagram.
Let’s talk about sweaters! Ganni’s knitwear collection offers an unusual mix of bright colors, mismatched patterns, and untraditional silhouettes. Ultimately, it’s the kind of brand to opt for if you’re bored of the minimalist trend. The materials used are relatively the same, as the brand utilizes a blend of alpaca, cashmere, cotton, merino wool, mohair, and elastane.
Customers will also be glad to know that Ganni is committed to leading a sustainable future. According to the brand’s 2020 Responsibility report, over 73% of its collection is made out of environmentally friendly materials.
Coupled with an eco-conscious mindset, it shouldn’t surprise you that the company is relatively expensive. Sweaters start as low as $157 and reach as high as $625.
Highlights
- Considered a celebrity favorite
- Highly reputable as a designer brand
- Implements some sustainable initiatives
- Caters to maximalist designs
- Sizes range from XS to XL
- Provides international shipping
Related: For more information on Ganni, check out our Ganni Dresses review
8. La Ligne
La Ligne has a love affair with stripes. While some associate this pattern with nautical themes, this designer brand provides a New York-style take for a more glamorous twist.
The company states that they aren’t ‘precious with fashion,’ as they aim to make their collection as relatable as possible. Since 2015, La Ligne has been run by three industry headliners: Valerie Macaulay, Meredith Melling, and Molly Howard.
Aesthetics-wise, La Ligne is your run-of-the-mill minimalism brand. Their collection is relatively safe for those afraid of bold and bright trends.
Don’t worry, the brand’s clothes are far from dull. Instead, it brings up warm memories of cozying up by the campfire, road tripping to ski resorts, and romantic skate dates at a local arena. It’s also worth noting that customers can opt for Re-Ligne, an eco-conscious clothing collection that sells pre-worn designs.
La Ligne uses a curated selection of materials for its sweaters. This usually includes a mix of baby alpaca, Pima cotton, and cashmere.
Some designs, such as the Ayacucho pullover, are specially made by a team of experts. In this case, it’s handcrafted by a community of women located in Andean, Peru. It’s a slight detail, but I’m sure it provides a heart-warming touch to those who wear this sweater.
How much does a La Ligne sweater cost? Prices usually range from $75 to $495, depending on the design. It’s expensive, but we can assure you that quality and value are on equal terms.
Highlights
- Offers timeless pieces with an elegant twist
- Easy to style
- Implements some sustainable initiatives (including it’s Re-Ligne collection)
- Worn by countless celebrities
- Provides Quadpay as an alternative payment option
- International delivery is available
9. Uniqlo
As Western audiences grow slowly customized to foreign trends, it’s only natural for brands like Uniqlo to cross over. Now more than ever, we’re seeing an upsurge in Asian fashion—and it seems that this company caters to Japanese minimalism.
This mega-popular retailer started off in 1949 in the Yamaguchi prefecture. What humbly began as a department store quickly grew into an acclaimed clothing label. There are over 1,000 stores located around the world.
Led by businessman Tadashi Yanai, Uniqlo continues to snowball in success. In 2016, the company won the ‘Business Impact of the Year’ award from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Association organization. Celebs have also caught onto Uniqlo’s widespread popularity; Novak Djokovic, Adam Scott, and Gordon Levitt are reportedly fans of their collection.
Uniqlo’s entire collection is best described as casual, urban streetwear. Focusing on their sweaters, they’re relatively simple in silhouette and neutral in color.
Some designs feature graphics, as Uniqlo partners with several artists and pop culture brands like Disney and Pokémon. In terms of materials, their pullovers usually come with a blend of cotton and polyester.
In fortunate news, Uniqlo follows several sustainable practices in order to ensure a greener future. Initiatives include its Re.Uniqlo initiative, where old clothing is upcycled to help mitigate waste. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars if you want to invest in something more ethical, as most of their sweaters cost around $15 to $80.
Highlights
- Practices some sustainable efforts
- Simple and designed for everyday use
- Affordable
- A good amount of positive reviews
- Has a Uniqlo app that customers can download
- Provides in-store pickup
10. L.L.Bean
If you come from generations of outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a good chance that L.L.Bean was your father’s, grandfather’s, and great grandfather’s favorite brand.
Established in 1912, this activewear company started off as a solo project run by Leon Leonwood Bean. He valued quality and customer satisfaction as his two core beliefs. Over the years, L.L.Bean has continued to lead with the same mindset.
Those who wear L.L.Bean apparel probably have a love for camping, hiking, and fishing. Designed for men, women, and kids, the brand’s collection includes a mix of shirts, tops, pants, dresses, and of course—sweaters.
Their designs are down-to-earth, modest in silhouette, and practical for everyday use. Ultimately, it’s the kind of pullover you’d wear to a bonfire or at an early morning hike.
Since L.L.Bean is considered an outdoor clothing brand, it’s only natural for them to implement a few sustainable efforts. By 2025, they aim to use recycled materials while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50%. The company is also partnered with several eco-conscious organizations, including Textile Exchange and Bluesign.
L.L.Bean sweaters feature a typical assortment of cashmere, cotton, and merino wool. Since the brand doesn’t like to cut corners, you’ll need to fork over a decent amount if you want to pay for quality. Prices usually range from $30 to $500.
Highlights
- Considered a great place to buy outdoor gear
- Simple in design
- Made out of high-quality materials
- Commits to some eco-conscious practices
- Positive customer reviews
- Free shipping on orders $50 or more
How to Shop the Best Sweater Brands
So, there you have it—we’ve listed 10 of the best sweater brands that money can buy. But naturally, we may have missed a few, considering that there are hundreds of companies out there. If you encountered a retailer but are unsure of whether to support them, we’ll briefly discuss some key pointers worth considering to help remove those blurred lines.
Brand
Instant brand recognition doesn’t equate to automatic support. Who knows? Maybe they’re affiliated with several controversies and scandals. If you want to see the legitimacy of a company, it’s best to conduct some background research.
This best sweater brands review suggests taking a look at their social media feeds and reading up on some genuine customer feedback.
Quality
The best sweaters feature a relatively chunky knit and a durable design. There’s a reason why we didn’t include any thinly constructed pullovers in this list. A good jumper should keep you warm during the cold season. For those looking for a high-quality design, reputable brands usually include a mix of cashmere, merino wool, and cotton.
Production
Opaque is so last season. In order to stay on good terms with customers, companies should be relatively transparent. This usually includes sharing sourcing locations, manufacturing practices, labor regulations, and any sustainable initiatives. It’s typically a good sign if the brand in question releases yearly reports on their progress.
Style
Practical designs are great, but it doesn’t guarantee continued use. Style is an essential component of any garment, as you’re more likely to wear it on an everyday basis.
This best sweater brands review suggests sticking to neutral basics, as frequented by companies such as Gentle Herd and Alex Mill. But, that shouldn’t discourage you from opting for more elaborate pieces, including those popularized by Ganni.
Size & Fit
Do you prefer tight-knit silhouettes, or are you an easy-breezy kind of gal? Sweaters come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s recommended that you assess your personal tastes. Taking personal measurements is also important, as some brands provide a different take on XS and XL.
In addition, forward-thinking retailers usually include sizes beyond the extra small and extra-large range. The best sweater brands should offer a commendable degree of inclusivity.
Selection
Nowadays, fashion has become increasingly gender-neutral. While most clothing brands usually stick to male and female categories, it ultimately doesn’t matter if you prefer to switch sides. Some forward-thinking companies typically introduce unisex options for customers to choose from. For instance, Uniqlo and La Ligne provide non-gendered designs on their website.
Versatility
Sweaters should last through several seasons. A well-made pullover should be practical in use and timeless in design. To prevent outfit frustration and wardrobe buildup, we suggest opting for a brand that offers ‘uncomplicated’ styles.
This basically means staying away from any loud prints and embellishments. With that being said, this may not apply to fashion enthusiasts who heavily bank on the maximalist aesthetic.
Price
From the brands we’ve covered previously, the price range for sweaters varies. Do you prefer designer brands, or do retailers like Uniqlo increase your speed? Affordable companies usually come at around $20 to $100. Those above are generally grouped with luxury labels like Khaite.
What Are The Warmest Sweaters?
Sweaters that rank high in coziness are usually made out of premium materials. By now, you’re probably familiar with some of the common knots used by most brands.
Companies like Gentle Herd, Ganni, and La Ligne usually use a blend of cashmere, merino wool, mohair, and cotton. They’re plush, soft, and super insulating for the cold season, which is why they’re particularly favored during fall and winter.
Of course, sweaters that offer the most coverage are deemed the warmest. Those that come with cropped cuts or plunging necklines are typically not recommended during below-zero temperatures.
What is The Best Type of Sweater?
In our opinion, the best type of sweater is practical, resilient in construction, easy to style, and timeless in design. You should continuously reach for it when the cold season hits, and it should feel relatively new despite routine washes.
For most, affordability plays a significant factor in clothes shopping—but ultimately, if you see yourself wearing it for extended periods, price shouldn’t be an issue. From the best sweater brands we’ve featured so far, you shouldn’t have to worry about poor-quality pieces here.
Final Thoughts
For some, winter is the worst season for fashion. Puffy coats usually mask the outfit underneath, and freezing temperatures make it nearly impossible to dress cute. But, if there’s anything to look forward to during the holiday season—it’s the coveted cozy knit sweater. There’s nothing more iconic than wearing a chunky cable knit with a hot drink at hand.
From pumpkin spice latte-inspired pullovers to New York-style glam jumpers, there’s bound to be something that speaks to your inner fashionista. Hopefully, from the best sweater brands we’ve featured, one managed to pique your interest.
How We Chose the Best Sweater Brands
Before choosing any brand, we scour the web and all the biggest e-tailers to ensure we know all the available options on the market. We look at customer reviews, star ratings, brand ethos, processes, materials, accessibility, and so much more. We weigh the pros and cons, so you don’t have to, helping you make informed shopping decisions.
Looking for other top brands? Check out these curated lists below:
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