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Cashmere sweaters are a classic for a reason—soft, elegant, and an understated way of saying, “Why, yes, I am a little bit fancy, thanks for noticing.” Available from most of the best men’s clothing brands, they’ll go with anything from a simple, white button down shirt to your most colorful pair of chinos. Below, you’ll find our picks for the best cashmere sweaters for men.
What to consider when buying cashmere sweaters
“When buying a cashmere sweater, there are certain aspects that need to be considered before purchasing,” warns Charles Fratto, style director for ILOE Studios. “Because ‘cashmere’ is a buzzword that’s thrown around to add value to products (even if there is only a minuscule amount of actual cashmere fiber in the end result) it’s up to the consumer to practice their due diligence before the exchanging of money.”
Fratto advises asking the following questions before any cashmere sweater purchase:
- How much cashmere is in the sweater? If it’s only a tiny amount, it’s likely not worth the inflated price.
- What quality is the cashmere that is used? Again, check it’s worth the price tag.
- How thick is the yarn and how tightly is it twisted and plied? You don’t want something that’ll fall apart after two wears.
- What is the intended use of this sweater? Be sure to buy something appropriate to your needs.
- Are you willing to put in the extra effort for the laundering and maintenance that cashmere requires? See our detailed care section below for more.
All of these questions are worth investigating a little beforehand so as to alleviate being overwhelmed as you start shopping around.
Our top picks for the best cashmere sweaters for men
Best affordable cashmere sweater: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Since cashmere can get ridiculously expensive, it’s good to know there are some more affordable options out there, like Quince’s Mongolian cashmere crewneck sweater.
“A classic crew neck is so versatile and perfect for just about any occasion, and Quince offers an amazing product at a fraction of the cost,” says Fratto. “Sourced from Mongolian goats, you can feel the luxury at a very affordable price point.” Shopping note: Quince is known for bringing high quality at an affordable price. The brand made our lists for a diverse array of products, ranging from the best duvet covers to the best belt bags—and yes, the best cashmere sweaters for women.
Specifications:
- Sizes: S - 2XL
- Colors: 11
- Materials: 100% grade-A Mongolian cashmere
- Price on publish: $59.90
What we like:
- Inexpensive
- Lots of color choices
What we don’t like:
- A very small minority of reviews complain that it’s a little flimsy
The bottom line:
An affordable cashmere sweater, available in a rainbow of colors options.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Best lightweight cashmere sweater: Naked Cashmere Mateo Cashmere Sweater
For those of us that run hot and find thick sweaters impractical (at best) when not outside, try this lightweight option next time you want to rock the cashmere indoors. “At only 334 grams, this 100% cashmere sweater is just about as light as you can get,” says Fratto. “A classic crew neck with contrasting stitch detail at the neckline, cuffs, and hem makes this a fun yet tamed addition to your assortment of knits.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: M - 2XL
- Colors: Adobe, black, midnight, smoke
- Materials: 100% cashmere
- Price on publish: $110
What we like:
- Lightweight
- More casual, sweatshirt look
What we don’t like:
- Only very neutral color options
The bottom line:
A soft, lightweight cashmere sweater for those who don’t want to take the “sweat” part literally.
Naked Cashmere Mateo Cashmere Sweater
Best versatile cashmere sweater: Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater
When you’re investing in something like cashmere, it’s good to choose something that’ll work with multiple outfits—whether you’re wearing sneakers or Chelsea boots—to get the most bang for your buck. “Naadam offers a basic cashmere sweater that is totally customizable,” says Fratto. “With a plethora of colorways to choose from and limited additions sprinkled here and there, as well as personalized monogramming, you’re in the driver’s seat on what you want your personal style to be.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: 2XS - 2XL
- Colors: 24
- Materials: 100% cashmere
- Price on publish: $98
What we like:
- Huge number of colors to choose from
- Personalized monogramming available
- Reasonably priced
What we don’t like:
- Some customer reviews complain about pilling
The bottom line:
A versatile sweater with a huge range of options for getting exactly what you need.
Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater
Best basic cashmere sweater: Todd Snyder Cashmere Crewneck
For a simple shape, just elevated enough to make that cashmere stand out, try this sweater from Todd Synder. “A perfect medium gauge knit to keep you warm and stylish, Todd Snyder’s cashmere crewneck sweater is versatile enough to pair with jeans for a casual setting, or styled with a more elevated look for those special occasions,” says Fratto.
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS - 2XL
- Colors: Six
- Materials: 97% recycled cashmere, 3% wool
- Price on publish: $448
What we like:
- Athletic-inspired details
- Works with just about any outfit
What we don’t like:
- Expensive, especially when not 100% cashmere
- Only neutral colors
The bottom line:
A pricier option, but well-made and straightforward enough to be paired with anything you like.
Nomad Cashmere Crewneck in Charcoal
Best cashmere turtleneck: Buck Mason California Cashmere Turtleneck
Nothing says you’re ready to spend winter being warm and elegant like a cashmere turtleneck, for which Fratto recommends this one from Buck Mason. “Made from 100% cashmere, this turtleneck sweater boasts vintage design details throughout,” he says. “Knitted in very fine gauge, this sweater can be worn as a base layer or simply on its own, making it the turtleneck option you never knew you needed.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS - 2XL
- Colors: Dark navy, dark charcoal
- Materials: 100% cashmere
- Price on publish: $228
What we like:
- Classic look
- Super soft
What we don’t like:
- Only available in two colors
The bottom line:
A classic turtleneck for use as a standalone sweater, or a cozy layering piece.
Buck Mason California Cashmere Turtleneck
Best men’s cashmere hoodie: J.Crew Midweight Cashmere Raglan Sleeve Hooded Sweater
Want to dress up that hoodie? Get it in cashmere. “J.Crew is a true powerhouse brand for good reason,” says Fratto. “Their style is timeless and where they truly shine is their ever-new and refreshing wardrobe basics that we just can’t get enough of. Their 100% cashmere hoodie is both relaxed and sophisticated, making it a coveted item for home or out and about.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS - 2XL
- Colors: Pack green, heather vanilla, heather gray, navy, black
- Materials: 100% cashmere
- Price on publish: $278
What we like:
- Casual but elegant
- Warm
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
A classic hoodie from a classic brand, made from 100% cashmere.
Midweight cashmere raglan-sleeve hooded sweater
Best V-neck cashmere: Italic Liam Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
For those searching for a good V-neck, Fratto suggests checking out this offering from Italic. “A too deep V-neck neckline may stop many men from even contemplating a stroll in this direction, but Italic’s Liam cashmere V-neck sweater is the perfect solution,” he says. “A perfectly placed neckline with classic styling makes this sweater a must-have if you want to add a little variety in your cashmere sweater rotation.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: S - XL
- Colors: Camel, black
- Materials: 100% grade-A cashmere
- Price on publish: $165
What we like:
- Sensibly-placed neckline
- Lightweight
What we don’t like:
- Only two color choices
The bottom line:
A solid V-neck option, both soft and lightweight, ideal for layering.
Italic Liam Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
Best sustainable cashmere sweater: Everlane The Grade-A Cashmere Crew
If sustainability is a big factor in your shopping purchases, this is a great place to start. “As a whole, Everlane is a brand that champions ‘radical transparency,’” says Fratto. “They gladly share with their customers just about every facet of their sourcing and manufacturing practices so you can rest assured that when you purchase from them, you’re supporting a company that cares. It doesn’t hurt that their Grade-A cashmere crew is a sure wardrobe staple made from the finest Mongolian cashmere fibers available.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS - 2XL
- Colors: Nine
- Materials: Body/neck opening, 100% cashmere; cuffs, 95% cashmere, 1% elastane, 4% other fibers; bottom, 90% cashmere, 9% nylon, 1% elastane
- Price on publish: $170
What we like:
- Transparent sourcing and manufacturing information
- Lots of color choices
What we don’t like:
- A few customer reviews complain it’s a little too big/boxy
The bottom line:
A sustainable cashmere sweater, available in a pleasing range of colors.
Men's Grade-A Cashmere Crew Sweater by Everlane in Charcoal, Size S
Best casual cashmere sweater: L.L.Bean Men’s Wicked Soft Cotton/Cashmere Sweater
“Yes, this sweater is 95% cotton and 5% cashmere, but that’s what makes it a perfect choice when you want the softness and luxury of cashmere without having to worry about being precious with your sweater,” explains Fratto. “This casual state of mind is a perfect balance to the 100% cashmere sweaters you have in your closet.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: S - 3XL
- Colors: Six
- Materials: 95% cotton, 5% cashmere
- Price on publish: $69.95
What we like:
- Machine washable
- Available in tall sizes
What we don’t like:
- A little pricey for only 5% cashmere
The bottom line:
A versatile sweater with the softness of cashmere, but the durability of cotton.
Men's Wicked Soft Cotton/Cashmere Sweater, Crewneck Deep Port XXXL, Cotton Blend L.L.Bean
Best luxury cashmere sweater: Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater
For those with money to burn, this Ralph Lauren sweater is a beautiful option. “Ralph Lauren has been famously quoted as saying, ‘I don’t design clothes, I design dreams,’” says Fratto. “It’s safe to say that the cable-knit cashmere sweater is truly what dreams are made of. Inspired by fisherman sweaters of yesteryear, this cable-knit variety is elevated, sophisticated, and everything in between.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS - 3XL
- Colors: 17
- Materials: 100% cashmere
- Price on publish: $995
What we like:
- Wide, vibrant range of colors
- Lovingly designed
What we don’t like:
- Extremely expensive
The bottom line:
A high-end cashmere sweater with a price tag to match.
Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater
How we selected the best cashmere sweaters for men
Our selections were made through a combination of personal experience, advice from style and clothing expert Charles Fratto, and doing thorough research to ensure all of our picks have majority positive customer reviews, especially in terms of quality, comfort, and value for money.
The best way to store cashmere sweaters
Unlike your dress shirts and casual pants, hanging is not the way to go with cashmere sweaters. “As with anything knitted, whether by hand or by machine, never store them on hangers,” advises Fratto. “The very nature of knit stitches is meant to give stretch to the fabric, so when you store a sweater on a hanger, gravity will pull on the stitches, causing it to stretch out of shape. A telltale sign are those very noticeable hanger bumps that appear when you throw the sweater on, which is never a fun thing to deal with”
“For best practices, fold your sweater gently, since you want to avoid harsh creases, and place it in a drawer,” he continues. “Bonus points if you have cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep any pesky moths at bay.”
What is the best way to clean cashmere sweaters?
“It's my opinion that most people are wary of investing in cashmere sweaters because they find the prospect of cleaning them to be daunting, but as with anything you value in life, the little extra time and attention is most certainly worth it,” says Fratto. “Contrary to popular belief, dry cleaning is very rarely the answer, as the damage done by the chemicals used in the process can be just as harmful to the fiber as a wash in the washing machine.”
Fratto suggests hand washing your sweater instead, using the following steps:
Soak
Soak the sweater in a basin or large container with lukewarm water and a dash of wool soap or dish soap and let it sit for around 30 minutes to an hour, being sure not to agitate it.
Rinse
Drain the water, and rinse by filling the basin with just water for a minute or two, again being sure not to agitate the sweater. Continue until there are no more suds in the water. (If you’re using a no-rinse wool wash then you can skip this step).
Dry
To dry it, gently lay the sweater out on an absorbent bath towel, making sure that you don’t stretch or twist the sweater in any way. Roll the towel up and gently press down to squeeze out as much water from the sweater as you can, then unroll the towel and gently place the sweater on a new dry bath towel.
Shape
Gently shape the sweater out onto the towel and leave to dry completely.
“This may seem like a lot of steps, but one of the many benefits of cashmere is that it doesn’t really need that much cleaning,” Fratto concludes. “Unless you obviously need to wash the sweater because of spills, etc., you really only need to wash your cashmere pieces once or twice a season.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is it worth it to buy a cashmere sweater?
“Cashmere fibers come from the undercoats of goats,” explains Fratto. “The term ‘cashmere’ derives from ‘kashmir’, which refers to a region in the Himalayan mountain range in which the most luxurious cashmere fibers are still produced to this day. After shearing, the cashmere fibers need to be separated from the outer layer guard hairs, which are much more coarse.”
“From there, the fibers are sent to the mill where they are scoured, carded or combed, spun and then plied,” he adds. “The finished yarn is then knitted into a sweater which eventually makes its way to the customer and into your wardrobe. Because of the time, skill and limited availability of cashmere, a sweater made from this precious fiber is worth it if you’re willing to care and maintain the sweater so you can wear it for many years to come.”
How much should I spend on a cashmere sweater?
“Prices for cashmere sweaters vary greatly, from $45 to well into the hundreds, if not thousands,” says Fratto. “There are so many factors that determine the price that it really comes down to how much you're willing to invest in the quality of the fiber that you want. Having a sense of what you want in the end will help you avoid that sticker shock.”
Is cashmere good for men?
“Cashmere is a popular luxury fiber for a reason,” says Fratto. “It’s incredibly soft and adds a very desirable drape to the silhouette. A classic cashmere sweater will elevate your style from just the average ‘basic’ staple pieces to a sophisticated wardrobe. Adding cables or texture to the design will bring excitement to the mix and the possibilities of color combinations are limitless.”
What are the disadvantages of cashmere?
“As with any luxury fiber, there are pros and cons to cashmere,” admits Fratto. “Cashmere fiber is very fine and soft, even more so than merino wool. With this softness, however, comes the caveat of fragility. Felting and pilling can be very real headaches to deal with, especially if you experience a lot of wear with your sweaters.”
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