11 best women’s cashmere jumpers for every style and budget

From the responsibly sourced fabric – which is traceable and ultra-soft against the skin – to the straight, structured yet relaxed fit and high neck, this cashmere creation ticks all our boxes.

The high roll neck is not too restrictive or irritating, nor does it gape and let in cold draughts. We found the relaxed fit sat perfectly on our broad shoulders and provided enough space to layer thermals underneath, for those seriously cold days.

Long in the sleeves and body, it fits true to size and can be paired with leggings, jeans, skirts and dresses. Grab one while you can, as this popular design is selling out fast.

High street staple M&S stocks a variety of cashmere styles, and they are often more affordable than other brands. What we liked about this top was the short sleeves, and the close-cut crew-neck, which is very similar to Anine Bing’s Monique sweater (also included in this round-up), but at a fraction of the price. This top was more transparent than other styles we have tried from M&S, and it was a little tight on our shoulders, so if you are in between sizes, we recommend you size up.

If you’d prefer something with long sleeves, we also rate M&S’s pure cashmere textured crew-neck jumper, thanks to its relaxed fit and relatively affordable price.

This is an uber versatile and luxurious cashmere jumper that is featherweight on the body, yet warm enough to wear on its own, as well as layered over or under other clothes.

The crew-neck design verges on a mock-neck/turtle-neck style, which is great for keeping out the chill during winter. The jumper boasts a relaxed straight fit, which is super flattering, and it features subtle slits on the hem of the body and sleeves.

We all know cashmere jumpers are delicate but the soft brushed fabric means this jumper has a higher risk of snagging, and, considering the price tag, that is a noteworthy concern.

We were pleasantly surprised by the softness, thickness and durability of this premium brand’s new high-neck cashmere jumper. The design is made from a combination of cashmere, polyamide and elastane. Maje uses a higher percentage of cashmere than other cashmere blend designs, resulting in a jumper that is ultra-soft on the skin, and thicker than other options we tried.

The balloon sleeves make this style the perfect option to keep you warm in the winter, as you can layer basics underneath, without feeling restricted. The high neck was not too irritating nor too tight and it can be worn up for a Parisian look or folded down to create a roll neck.

The only negatives are the steep price tag and the limited sizing options, although, this boxy design achieves an oversize fit.

This jumper is ultra-fine and offers minimal insulation, so it would be ideal for the spring and summer months, rather than peak winter – unless you layer it with plenty of other garments. We were disappointed by how sheer this cashmere jumper is. It definitely needs to be layered over a thin, seamless basic, to cover your modesty, though, some people may wish to opt for a lace bralette.

The fabric blend is weighted more heavily on merino wool than cashmere, so, though there is no denying this jumper feels soft and luxurious on the skin, if you are shopping specifically for a 100 per cent cashmere jumper, you may want to consider alternative options.

Free People has an impressive range of high-quality and eco-conscious garments across all departments, and this jumper certainly impressed. With its button front, the relaxed Henley style is a welcome alternative to classic cashmere jumpers. It’s ultra-soft and comfortable to wear all day, without any irritation – even without any base layers underneath. The raglan cut and balloon sleeves, combined with the button-down feature and relaxed fit make this design uber comfortable, versatile, and easy to style, whether it is worn as luxury loungewear, to the office, or for an everyday smart-casual look.

What we love about this jumper is the longer length – our tester is 5ft 11in tall and this cashmere jumper fell over her bottom. The relaxed fit and sheer finish lend this top to being worn as loungewear indoors with the matching cashmere bottoms (£149.99, Mango.com).  However, you can layer with other garments and style over leggings, jeans or tuck into trousers to achieve a more formal everyday look to wear out and about too.

Although this jumper is soft to the touch, we found it slightly itchy, and fairly transparent, so would recommend layering it over a basic top.

There is no denying John Lewis’s own brand delivers top-quality fashion staples at affordable prices. For less than £100, this 100 per cent cashmere jumper is a lightweight layer you can wear with almost any outfit. It is super soft on the skin, boasts a classic crew neck, and a straight fit that is slimline without being too figure-hugging (if you are in between sizes or prefer an oversized fit, we would recommend sizing up).

This fine knit is lightweight and semi-sheer in parts, so you may want to layer it over a vest top, long-sleeve crew neck or T-shirt, to provide coverage and extra warmth for the transitional seasons. During summer, however, it would be perfect for wearing over a dress in the evenings.

Reminiscent of the Abercrombie & Fitch tops we used to wear circa 2007, this textured design offers extra detail often lacking in classic cashmere jumpers. The chunky cable knit creates a midweight design that is more insulating than other cashmere jumpers we have tried, even when worn on its own. Plus, it is soft and gentle on the skin, though, this is unsurprising, considering the high percentage of cotton in the fabric blend.

Crew Clothing’s jumper fits true to size, so, if you like a fitted style that hugs your body, opt for your regular dress size. If you prefer a looser fit, size up.

When it comes to knitwear, we love a relaxed boxy fit but finding a design that doesn’t swamp the body is challenging. However, Aligne’s Katie cashmere jumper nails the style beautifully. This chic design is premium quality – insulating enough to wear on its own but with room to layer thermals underneath, for extra warmth.

The roll neck is not too restrictive nor irritating, while the elasticated waistband provides a secure fit, to ensure no draughts creep in. The fabric is a combination of 50 per cent recycled cashmere and wool. Plus, if it’s not quite the right fit for you, Aligne has partnered with Sojo to tailor any garments and will subsidise part of the cost.

Abercrombie & Fitch’s plush jumpers, hoodies and sweatshirts have dominated over the years but the brand has upped the ante with its stylish womenswear in recent times, including this cashmere crew sweater.

This jumper is super soft and comfortable, and features ribbed detail on the cuffs and neckline, to contrast the smooth finish of the body. It is also midweight, so it provides more warmth than some other cashmere jumpers we tested.

One bugbear, though, is the hems are not elasticated, which makes for a looser fit, meaning gusts of wind can sneak in. So, we would recommend pairing this jumper with a basic or thermal layer in the colder seasons.