The 15 Best Designer Sweaters to Luxuriate In
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
The moment you pull your arms through the best designer sweaters, you’re not the same person you were a minute earlier. The decadence of rich cashmere, cozy wool, and cushy alpaca is transcendent, transforming an outfit that mere seconds before was just jeans and a T-shirt into a luxurious ensemble. You see it in Jennifer Lawrence’s 2023 style refresh—there’s power in a designer sweater.
In part, what defines luxury sweaters as true wardrobe heroes are their top-quality fabrics, milled in the world’s best factories. “Material is definitely the most important factor,” says Tiffany Hsu, chief buying officer at MyTheresa. “The sweater has to be luxurious and soft to touch. Then, shape is always important for the piece not to become generic.” With thick knits, they keep structure, even with a loose fit. With more delicate designs, they don’t pill or disintegrate when you wear them.
Buying the best of the best can command a high price tag, so it’s always worth considering how a new sweater might integrate with the clothes you already have, making sure the style, material, and heft all fit your lifestyle. Opting for a simple silhouette in a neutral hue, like those offered from The Row or Toteme, might be your best bet if you want to ensure it will stand the test of time. And as Hsu notes, the right sweater "will never go out of fashion as it’s so versatile and you can style it how you want based on the current trends." How’s that for a sound investment?
Sweater
This delicately constructed sweater puts a new spin on Dior's Toile de Jouy Sauvage Chiné motif. The ribbed hem, cuff, and neck give a fitted feel, while the blend of mohair, cashmere, and wool will keep you cozy.
Size: 0-14
Material: 61% cashmere, 20% mohair, 14% polyamide, 5% wool (7-gauge)
Nalani Sweater
A delectably cozy knit from Khaite, this striped sweater has an oversized fit that's perfect for cozy nights in or dressing up for the office. It's made with 100% cashmere, so you know it's supple and soft to the touch.
Size: XS-XL
Material: 100% cashmere
Wool Sweater
Bring an infusion of color into your winter wardrobe with this Jil Sander sweater. It has a cropped cut with a crewneck collar, a shape that's perfect for layering an oversized button down underneath. Try styling the sweater with high-rise white jeans for a bright outfit.
Size: 2-14
Material: 100% wool
Anagram Sweater
Embrace the boldness of Loewe's signature anagram with this slouchy loose-weave sweater. The balloon sleeves with cable-knit details make a stylish statement, perfect for days when you want an outfit that is cozy yet bold.
Size: XS-XL
Material: Mohair, polyamide
Split Sleeve Collar Sweater
Maria McManus' lusciously soft sweater has one creative detail you might miss. The sleeves are designed with slits along the forearm to allow you to style the sweater in a number of unique ways, and free your arms on the occasion that you get too warm. For the pragmatist, this sweater works hard.
Size: XS-L
Material: 50% Recycled cashmere, 50% organic cotton
Women's Wool-Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
Toteme's beauty is in its simplicity. This sweater is by no means an exception. The sleek design, in a creamy snow-colored blend of cashmere and wool, is one that requires utmost caution when wearing it (no spilled lattes), but it's worth a little extra care. It's slightly structured, with a fit that will make you feel dressier just for putting it on.
Size: XXS-XL
Material: 90% Wool, 10% cashmere
Gray 'La Maille Pau' Cardigan
The night will come when you want to show a little skin, but also find it's too cold to wear anything but a cozy knit. This Jacquemus sweater manages to do it all. Strategic buttons are placed diagonally down the front, allowing a little skin to peak out from undermeath.
Size: XXS-XXL
Material: 51% Alpaca, 25% polyamide, 22% wool, 2% elastane
x Sofia Coppola Chunky Cashmere Jumper
Barrie, the Scottish cashmere brand owned by Chanel, teamed up with filmmaker Sofia Coppola to create this oversized sweater with a sporty collar. It has a chunky, relaxed look, but is oh-so-soft to the touch thanks to the high-quality cashmere.
Size: XS-XL
Material: 100% Cashmere
Aletta Sweater
"I love Lisa Yang for good staples with a bit of fashion twist," says Hsu. This bold pink sweater is not one for the quiet dresser, but it's ideal for adding a rich touch of color to your outfits. The V-neck collar allows for any tops layered underneath to play as a contrast.
Size: 0-2
Material: 100% cashmere
Tory Burch Double Layer Mock-Neck Pullover
Make layering an easy feat with this sweater. It's designed with double hems and collars to make it look as if you're wearing two styles at once. When you really can't be bothered to get dressed, but need something that feels put-together, this sweater will surely do the trick.
Size: XS-XL
Material: 100% Merino wool
Wool Sweater
Miu Miu's logo-ified jacquard sweater is a playful option when a more muted sweater just won't do. The boxy silhouette can make for a relaxed outfit when paired with post-yoga leggings, or can be dressed up with a pleated maxi skirt.
Size: 36-46
Material: Wool
Cashmere Top With Horsebit
There's a bit of a throwback touch to this short-sleeve sweater, with Gucci's signature horsebit detail added to the front as a subtle IYKYK detail. The short-sleeve sweater works year-round, adding a luscious-to-the-touch piece to your wardrobe.
Size: XS-3XL
Material: Cashmere
Ophelia Top in Wool and Cashmere
"They are just so irresistible once you touch them and I prefer oversized shapes for a bit of a statement," Hsu says of The Row's sweaters. This oatmeal-hued style is simple, with a relaxed fit that you can dress up or down depending on the rest of your outfit. Try heels and a silk skirt, or jeans and a pair of minimalist sneakers.
Size: XS-XL
Material: 65% Wool, 35% Cashmere
Blue & Green Striped Sweater
Consider these the right stripes. Italian label Marni is known for its use of bold colors and fun patterns, and this bright take on stripes is a fun addition to your everyday wardrobe. Since it's made with 100% cotton, this lighter sweater can be worn all the way into summer.
Size: XS-L
Material: 100% Cotton
Oversized Jacquard-Knit Sweater
Presenting an option with elevated edge: Stella McCartney's equestrian-themed sweater features a pixelated horse image front and center. It's designed in a textured alpaca fabric, and has a relaxed, slouchy look to it. Style with sleek complementary pieces, like equestrian boots, to lean into the look.
Size: XS-XL
Material: 75% Alpaca, 25% polyamide
Why trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
You Might Also Like