We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Style Apparel The Best Cashmere Sweaters for Travel This Fall From classic crewnecks to cropped cardigans, we found something for everyone. By Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd is a travel, wine and lifestyle writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 13, 2024 Comments In This Article View All In This Article Reviews Tips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / David Hattan Cashmere sweaters are timeless wardrobe staples. From cropped cardigans to oversized turtlenecks, they come in a variety of shades and silhouettes, the best of which will be luxuriously soft, breathable, and help retain heat. As a travel writer, I have at least one cashmere sweater in my carry-on at all times, as it’s an incredibly versatile layer that offers warmth without taking up precious suitcase space, and can be dressed up or down for nearly any occasion. With so many options on the market, we combed through T+L editor favorites, plus pieces with rave reviews from brands we’ve tested, and searched our own closets to select our top picks. From shockingly soft budget picks to splurge-worthy investments, here are the best cashmere sweaters for all your fall travels. Best Crewneck Naadam Cashmere Crewneck Sweater View on Naadam.co J. Crew Cashmere Sweater View on Jcrew.com Reformation Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater $168 at Reformation $168 at Anthropologie La Ligne Sweater View on Lalignenyc.com Does it get any more classic than a cashmere crewneck? These sweaters check all our boxes: they’re soft and smooth rather than scratchy around the neck, show good recovery when you stretch them out, and feature well-constructed crewnecks that look great on their own or layered over a collared button-down. Naadam is known for top-quality cashmere at an excellent price point, and their sultry Featherweight Cashmere Crewneck Sweater lives up to the hype. The airy, gauze-like material is sheer and ideal for layering over a tank top or bra for a night out. For a more substantial handfeel and opaque style, look to J.Crew’s Cashmere Classic-fit Crewneck Sweater, which is soft yet sturdy, and crafted from cashmere that’s been certified to the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF)’s The Good Cashmere Standard®, meaning the welfare of the cashmere goats and the working conditions of the farmers are prioritized. Plus, you can grab it in classic shades or bold colors like neon strawberry, and can add a personal monogram for just $10 more. Playful, multicolored stripes and a relaxed boyfriend fit set this Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater from Reformation apart — and better yet, it’s crafted from 95 percent recycled cashmere. La Ligne’s Mini Toujours Sweater is our most sumptuous and splurge-worthy pick, thanks to its slouchy yet structured silhouette that’s cropped for a slightly cheeky and flattering fit. The ribbed two ply cashmere is medium weight, making this a perfect year round layer that you can scoop up in 10 chic hues. Best Turtleneck Quince Turtleneck Sweater View on Quince.com Uniqlo Turtleneck Sweater View on Uniqlo.com La Ligne Turtleneck View on Lalignenyc.com Banana Republic Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater View on Gap.com From chunkier knits to sleek, body-skimming silhouettes, these are our favorite cashmere turtleneck sweaters for keeping warm in cooler months. Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater is the best budget-friendly option of the bunch, pairing remarkably soft, lasting quality with 12-gauge, 100 percent Grade A Mongolian cashmere that’s sustainably sourced and ethically produced. I’ve personally tried out several pieces of Quince cashmere and am consistently impressed by the softness and sturdy stitching. Another great affordable option is Uniqlo’s Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater. A minimalist’s dream, this cozy, lightweight pullover has a relaxed fit and comes in 10 mostly neutral shades, including navy, gray, and a pale pink. We can’t get enough of La Ligne’s Toujours Turtleneck, another ribbed masterpiece from the brand that costs a pretty penny but is worth it for the warm, luxuriously soft design that you’ll want to live in. The chunky gauge rib and generous 5-ply cashmere are substantial without feeling heavy or bulky, while design highlights like a foldover neck and drop shoulders make for an elegant and flattering silhouette. Elegant and oversized, the Banana Republic Oversized Midweight Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater comes in some of the most delicious hues we’ve seen, from a rich chocolate brown to a dazzling cobalt. The funnel neck collar offers all the warmth and style of a turtleneck, with a slightly sleeker and more laid-back profile. Best V-neck J.Crew Sweater for Women View on Jcrew.com Banana Republic Cashmere V-neck Sweater View on Gap.com Reformation cashmere Oversized V-neck $298 at Reformation Naadam Cashmere V-neck Sweater View on Naadam.co When considering the best cashmere V-neck sweaters, we researched a variety of styles, from lightweight and cropped silhouettes to thicker, oversized styles. J.Crew’s Cashmere Shrunken V-neck Sweater will take you from the office to a night on the town, all without breaking a sweat. The breathable, lightweight cashmere is super soft, sustainably sourced, and cropped for a more fitted silhouette that pairs perfectly with high-waisted trousers or jeans. For a dreamy, everyday sweater that’s affordable enough to scoop up in multiple colors, we’re big fans of the Banana Republic Caro Lightweight Cashmere V-neck Sweater, which comes in 12 classic shades and jewel tones like tangerine or lime green. Wear it long, or go for a French tuck to show off your favorite belt. For a slightly more revealing silhouette, we love the deeper V-cut on the oversized Jadey Cashmere Oversized V-neck from Reformation. Go bold with the sexy, cherry red style, or opt for an autumnal vibe in the Dachshund brown hue. In addition to its super-soft handfeel, the fine-gauge cashmere is also made from 95 percent recycled cashmere. Our favorite featherweight pick is Naadam’s Lightweight Cashmere V-neck Sweater, a thin and buttery-soft layer that’s perfect for wearing on its own on breezy summer nights, or for layering in cooler months. Delicate touches like a wider neckline and subtly rolled collar elevate this basic into a true wardrobe staple. Best Cardigan Uniqlo Short Cardigan View on Uniqlo.com Cuyana Cashmere Cardigan $248 at Cuyana.com Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan $198 at Nordstrom $198 at Reformation View on Lyst.com Naadam Cashmere Cardigan View on Naadam.co Perfect for wearing on their own or styling over your favorite top, cashmere cardigans are chic and lightweight additions to any wardrobe. My Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan has taken up permanent residence in my suitcase, given it’s a sexy going out top when left slightly unbuttoned, or a versatile layer that’s easy to wear with jeans and dresses alike. The wider neck adds a casual, sultry vibe, while the range of colors — I’m a fan of classic black and babygirl pink — make it tempting to buy in multiple hues. For a more classic look, Uniqlo’s Cashmere Crew Neck Short Cardigan is a bit more substantial, offering more coverage in a still-lightweight material that features ribbing at the collar, cuffs, and hem. Cuyana’s sleek and slim-fitted Single-Origin Cashmere Cardigan is a dream for those with longer torsos, and we love that the 12-gauge knit can be reversed, creating two looks in one. We only wish it came in more colors! One thing that’s sorely lacking in most cashmere sweaters is pockets — but Naadam’s Fancy Cashmere Cardigan is here to remedy that. We’re obsessed with the slim fit, chic V-neck, and deep front pockets where you can stash your phone or wallet without feeling weighed down. Best Affordable Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater View on Quince.com Uniqlo Cashmere Sweater View on Uniqlo.com Nadaam Cashmere Sweater $98 at Amazon View on Naadam.co Gobi Hat & Sweater set View on Gobicashmere.com Cashmere is famously expensive, but a handful of relatively new direct-to-consumer brands have brought the cost down immensely while pushing for more sustainably-sourced, ethically-produced products. Here, we’ve pulled together some of the highest quality cashmere you can buy without breaking the bank. I own several cashmere pieces from Quince, and am consistently wowed by the quality of their construction and their incredible softness — particularly given their low price tag. The Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater is crafted from slouchy, lightweight 7-gauge, Grade A cashmere, which is a steal for the under-$100 price point. We love the classic and ultra-versatile silhouette of Uniqlo’s Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper, which comes in a rainbow of 13 shades to suit every style. The minimalist, everyday cut makes this an easy layer to pair with everything from jeans to mini skirts. Another budget-friendly option for easy pairing is Naadam’s The Original Cashmere Sweater, which comes in a whopping 25 limited edition colors — think everything from apricot to pine — and nine classic shades that appeal to a more neutral palette. A wide neckline and slouchy fit elevate this piece to far above its price point — just note it’s best to size up, as it runs a bit small. For a similar price, Gobi offers a matching sweater and hat set. The pairing is a chic way to beat the cold, while the long and lightweight sweater boasts more coverage than most of the other options on this list. Tips for Buying Cashmere Sweaters Look for 100 percent cashmere For this list, we exclusively considered garments that are crafted from 100 percent cashmere. The quality of cashmere is defined by the fiber length, which typically ranges from 28 to 42 millimeters, with longer fibers offering the softest and most sumptuous handfeel. Cashmere also operates on a graded system, with Grade A being the finest, top-quality cashmere (typically with a 14 micron diameter), and coarser, Grade C cashmere coming in at 30 microns. Define your budget The cashmere sweaters we considered range from $85 to $500, but ultra-luxurious options can set you back hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. A higher price point doesn’t always reflect higher quality fabric or design — several of the brands on this list offer stylish and durable cashmere sweaters at an affordable price point, so there’s no need to break your budget in order to try out the style. If you are looking to splurge, brands like La Ligne and Reformation offer sumptuous and chic styles at a more elevated price point. Frequently Asked Questions How do you wash a cashmere sweater? Cashmere is a delicate fabric, and the best way to preserve its quality is to hand wash it. We recommend filling your sink with cold water and a tablespoon or so of soap — for higher quality fabrics, consider investing in a cashmere detergent or ultra-gentle baby shampoo. Allow the sweater to soak in the water for 5 minutes before squeezing out excess water; then, rinse it in fresh water for a few minutes to remove any suds. Afterward, you can air dry it on a fresh towel overnight. Since the fabric is breathable, there’s no need to wash it after every wear, which makes it an ideal travel companion — it will last longer (and continue to look and smell nice!) if you wait a few wears between washes. Note that even the best cashmere will pill eventually — it’s good to keep a small comb on hand, which you can use in short strokes to gently remove the excess fabric. How can you tell if cashmere is high-quality? There are several ways to identify high-quality cashmere, from the length of the fibers to where they’re sourced from. The fabric should feel smooth and warm — if it’s waxy or unnaturally soft, it’s likely been chemically treated. Longer fibers are softer, more rare, and less prone to shedding, making them the pinnacle of luxury cashmere. While all cashmere can pill, sweaters that pill quickly are a sign of poor construction. The same goes for stitching — it should look sturdy and can feature Fully fashioned marks: small raised stitches which are typically seen around the shoulders and are signs of good quality. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this story, Travel + Leisure contributor Sophie Dodd spent hours combing through reviews of cashmere sweaters, considering T+L editor favorites, top picks from trusted brands, and her own tried-and-true wardrobe staples. When narrowing down this list, she prioritized comfort, durability, fit, and a range of price points. As a travel writer, she always looks to transitional pieces that she can mix and match with the rest of her wardrobe when she’s on the go, and cashmere sweaters have long been a mainstay in her suitcase — including several of those from Reformation, Quince, and other brands on this list. The 8 Best Travel Clothing Brands, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more