The best sweaters for women are a year-round staple so although spring is on the horizon, we still have plenty of sweater-wearing days ahead of us. And let’s face it, depending on where you live, you might need a sweater in the summer too.
Much like our trusty best jeans, a sweater is a style staple. From your wardrobe basics to a statement-making knit, a sweater is both practical and stylish.
Whether you want to snuggle up on the sofa in an oversized jumper or keep elegant and warm in a cocktail cardigan, there are a plethora of stylish sweater options out there and we believe you can never have too many.
"A sweater is a non-negotiable wardrobe staple in my eyes. Super versatile, if you find one that is the perfect shape, color and thickness for you, then you've won the fashion lottery,” says style editor Joely Chilcott.
Best women’s sweater brands—quick shopping links
- & Other Stories—cute cardigans from $49/£35
- Balmain—designer sweats from $645/£550
- Boden— colorful knits from $80/£60
- Cos— minimalist designs from $49/£45
- Everlane— sustainable styles from $40/£38
- H&M— budget buys from $12.99/£8.99
- J .Crew— premium basics from $48.99/£53
- Mango—trend-led pieces from $11.99/£6.99
- Rixo— vintage-inspired sweaters from $280/£185
- Whistles— chic and timeless jumpers from $66/£69
- White Stuff— classic knits from $28.50/£39
- Zara—statement sweaters from $22.90/£15.99
The best sweaters for women as chosen by our fashion expert
J. Crew really excels in the sweater department and this crewneck number ticks all the boxes. Crafted from cashmere it’s soft and luxurious and will stand the test of time. The relaxed fit makes it easy to layer or wear on its own. It’s available in a huge 24 different colors, so if you've been wondering what color suits me, or you've already worked it out, there’s no doubt you’ll find your perfect shade here. If you want to keep it classic and ensure plenty of wear stick to a neutral hue such as gray or camel.
For something a bit quirkier, to give your jeans and jumper combo extra pizazz, head to Zara and snap up this fruity number. Cute and colorful it’s a cheery addition to your wardrobe adding extra punch to the simplest of outfits. Wear with a denim skirt and some knee-high boots for a weekend lunch date.
This oversized knit will work just as well out and about as it does on those lounge at home days. Pure comfort, it has a cozy turtleneck and drapey sleeves in an oversized fit. It’s also crafted from 100% recycled cashmere yarn so it’s delightfully soft and guilt-free too. Balance the proportions and team with the best leggings for a laidback look.
Ticking two trends in one stylish move is this Mango sweater. Every closet needs a striped knit and the half-zip detail gives this one a 2022 refresh. The monochrome color palette ensures it will weave into your wardrobe effortlessly too. It has an oversized design in a thick knitted fabric so you may want to downsize if you want a more snug fit.
If there’s one sweater silhouette to invest in this year, it’s the sweater vest. Yep, your grandpa's favorite knitwear is now loved by the fashion elite. A clever layering tool, it adds interest to a simple tee or blouse as well as offering extra coverage. Perfect if you’re after something more lightweight, throw this cable-knit design from this much loved British clothing brand over a crisp white blouse for a chic 9-5 look.
Sweaters can be smart too and this elegant number is here to prove it. With a sweet button-up design and floral beaded detailing, it’s smart enough to wear in the evening whilst keeping you warm too, thanks to the alpaca and wool blend fabric. The puff sleeves give it a modern update, tapping into the cottagecore trend too.
When it comes to wardrobe essentials, a slim-fit turtleneck is high on the list. The building block of countless outfits, this can be layered under dungarees, dresses and oversized cardigans for an extra layer of warmth or simply worn on its own. Crafted from 100% merino wool, it's delightfully cozy too. We love the cobalt blue for a pop of color, but it’s also available in more muted tones.
Much like the half-zip sweater, the polo knit is having a bit of a resurgence adding a sporty edge to a simple jumper. This sweater has an oversized fit and rib detailing for extra texture. Crafted from a warm wool-blend it will certainly keep you toasty. Give the soft pink hue a tougher edge and team with leather trousers and half-tuck in the front to help streamline your shape.
H&M is one of our go-to stores when it comes to stocking up on sweaters that are both affordable and on-trend. Throw this slogan sweater on post-workout or dress up with a pleated skirt and heels for a sports-luxe look. The gray hue makes it incredibly wearable but there’s also a red and blue design if you want something bolder. The light cotton-blend fabric makes it spring-friendly too.
Not only have Rixo mastered the art of the perfect party dress but their knitwear collection is worth a look-in too. This chunky cable knit sweater has a relaxed fit and a cropped hemline, making it the perfect companion to your high waist mom jeans. Minimal styling is needed so team with neutral colors and let the rich green hue pop.
When it comes to sweater staples, you can’t beat a classic v-neck sweater. Just like the best v-neck t-shirts, they flatter the bust whilst looking elegant too. Boden has nailed it with this simple design. In a soft cotton blend, it has slightly puffed sleeves for a flattering finish on the arms and ribbed detailing at the cuffs. Available in several shades, you’re going to want to stock up on this wardrobe basic.
The runways were brimming with logo-adorned fashion proving it’s a huge clothing and handbag trend 2022. Inject the look into your closet with this Balmain stamped sweater. If you’re going to splash out on designer clothing, you might as well tell everyone about it. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the designer sweat stand out.
How to style a sweater
There really are no bounds when it comes to how to wear a sweater. Day or night, the best sweaters will work for any occasion when styled right.
“Sure, a sweater is great with jeans and trainers, but it also looks high-end when the front is tucked into flattering wide-leg trousers. Or re-work your party pieces by throwing a chunky sweater on with a sequin skirt to make it more casual,” says Joely.
The half-tuck is a fashion trick stylists swear by and it’s perfect if you feel like your figure is being swamped by an oversized sweater. The half-tuck involves just tucking in the front part of the knit into your trousers or skirt—as opposed to the whole knit which can look bulky—and it can help highlight your waist too.
If you’re layering a sweater over a dress you could even try adding a belt over the top of your sweater to help streamline your silhouette. Alternatively, slimmer knits can be layered under dresses for extra warmth.
How to choose the right sweater
Whilst every capsule wardrobe needs a certain style of sweater to have on rotation—think simple grey pullovers, fine roll necks or a cream cable knit—you may want to consider tapping into some key fashion trends 2022 to give your closet a bit of a new season spin.
Sweater vests are having a moment right now too, offering a preppy, retro twist, they make great layering tools for when spring finally hits. We’re also seeing a lot of half-zip sweaters, adding interest and a sporty edge to the staple.
“This season, I've invested in the sweater vest too. A sleeveless layering option that can be worn over printed midi dresses or striped shirts for a transitional look,” says Joely.
Fabric also plays a big part in choosing the best sweater. The winter months certainly call for thicker, wool materials whilst in the summer you may want to look for sweaters in breathable cotton fabrics. And for that extra luxe touch that works all year round, consider the best cashmere sweaters, as this is a comfortable and breathable fabric.
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