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Hint: some options are actually pretty affordable.

Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.

“Before purchasing a knit, it’s helpful to know the difference between the different wools and blends,” said Kim Appelt, celebrity fashion stylist and author of Style for Everybody: A Guide to Curating Your Essential Wardrobe. You’ve got polyester blends that might feel impossibly buttery soft on first contact, but that might fall apart in the wash or after a couple wears. Then, you’ve got natural fibers like cotton and cashmere that provide next-level thermoregulating properties, durability and an expensive feel you just can’t replicate in a synthetic blend. 

With high-end knitwear, you get what you put into it. “Never hang knits,” said Melissa Rivers, fashion expert and former co-host of E’s Fashion Police. “If you absolutely have to, support them fully so they don’t stretch out. Otherwise, folding is always the safest bet.”

We tapped the fabric experts to walk us through exactly which fabrics are worth the splurge for knitwear that lasts and actually keeps you warm season after season.

“Wool is stronger and holds its shape better,” said Appelt. “It’s great for structure and warmth.” While a wool coat for outerwear is a seriously great bet for thermoregulating properties, a wool sweater provides enhanced moisture-wicking properties that are particularly suitable as base layers for working up a sweat outdoors.

“Cashmere is timeless for a reason,” said Tara West, a fashion expert. “It’s ultra-soft with a silky, refined drape while providing warmth without the bulk. Even the simplest silhouettes look and feel more luxurious in cashmere.” She recommended opting for two-ply cashmere that’ll hold its shape, and to always keep your cashmere sweaters folded instead of hung to prevent stretching.  

Sure, cashmere is considered a luxe fabric, but it’s actually very practical, according to Rivers. “[It’s] lightweight, long-lasting and it instantly elevates even the simplest outfit,” she said. “And honestly, it just feels like a warm hug, which we all deserve.”

While Appelt said cashmere “feels amazing on the skin,” the caveat here is that it does tend to pill more, making it a smart option to opt for a cashmere blend for enhanced softness, durability and shape retention. “Despite the pilling, cashmere is my absolute favorite. I love it best when it’s very thin, almost like an underlayer,” she said.

“Alpaca is one of my favorite investment knit fabrics because it’s warmer than traditional wool while remaining surprisingly lightweight,” said West. “It’s also naturally hypoallergenic, which makes it ideal for anyone who finds wool itchy or irritating. I love its slightly fluffy texture and it instantly makes knits feel luxurious, cozy and chic.” She said if you opt for alpaca blends rather than 100% alpaca sweaters, the blends will shed less and retain better structure for everyday wear.

“This is the ultimate closet MVP,” said West. “Cotton-cashmere blends give you the breathability of cotton with the softness of cashmere, but they’re far less delicate. They’re my top recommendation for clients who want an everyday luxury look without high maintenance.” She noted this particular fabric blend transitions seamlessly across all seasons and climates, making it ideal for “real life wear.”

Quince makes some of the most affordable yet high-quality and on-trend knitwear on the market, and this cashmere sweater with relaxed drop shoulders is not to be missed. It features an of-the-moment funnel neck that gives old money vibes, all in a luxurious Grade-A Mongolian cashmere fabric that’ll keep you warm without any itchy irritation.

Promising review: “I got this sweater in navy and ordered a second one in black. I love the neckline, the weight, the feel, sleeves and fit. The design is reminiscent of the 60’s. More colors please!” —Deborah G.

Get it from Quince for $119.90 (available in sizes XS–XL and four colors).

“This is a timeless button-front cardigan silhouette that transitions effortlessly from casual or off-duty to polished and workwear-appropriate with a quick styling change,” said West. “The lightweight knit makes it wearable year-round, and it’s a great example of an affordable piece that still looks premium and elevated.” While it’s made of a blend of polyester, acrylic and polyamide to keep the price down and softness levels up, reviewers note it’s great quality.

Promising review: “I'm very impressed with this cardigan. It is a bit shorter than hip length, the material is thick and it's well made. It can be dressed up, down or worn alone. I sized up, and it has a bit of room without looking oversized.” —mjmmessina

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 17 colors).

“A thin black cashmere turtleneck is one of my wardrobe staples,” said Appelt. “Second to that is a great collared cardigan, which is a very functional and stylish piece. I love this one from Reformation and it comes in many colors. It sits close to the body and is soft on the skin. You can layer a wool coat, leather jacket or blazer over it, and any pilling that happens over time doesn’t make you look like a mess.” She noted this knitwear suits hourglass shapes because it doesn't add bulk.  

Get it from Reformation for $198 (available in sizes XS–XL and five colors).

"For something chunky, I actually prefer a wool or wool blend,” said Appelt. “It holds the shape better and works as an outer layer, but it can still be styled under an oversized relaxed coat in the winter.” She recommended this wool and alpaca number from Sezane, which she said operates as a “cool girl look that’s perfect for the athletic and inverted-triangle body shape. It hangs lower, softens the shoulders and is easy to style.” 

The best way to wear it? “Style this with jeans, leather pants or a skirt and tights with boots and you’ll be warm and effortlessly cool,” she said. “You can also wear a knit like this around the house with a pair of neutral sweats or leggings and a tee. Double win!”

Get it from Sezane for $175 (available in sizes XXS–XXXL and six colors).

“J.Crew is more of an investment, but it’s one of those brands where the quality really shows,” said Rivers. “This crewneck is totally timeless  — the kind of piece you buy once and end up wearing for years.” Its relaxed fit, hip-length hem and neutral colorway offerings make it a wardrobe staple you’ll be rocking on repeat. Gifting it to a loved one? Sweeten the deal with an optional monogram for the cost of a latte.

Promising review: “I should start by mentioning I am a big J.Crew cashmere fan and have more than 20 of their cashmere sweaters! This is such an amazing, cozy, warm, easy to wear favorite! It looks beautiful with wide leg jeans and I wear it on repeat with my black ones, but also have worn it with black wide leg lounge pants.” —crissyg

Get it from J.Crew for $148 (available in sizes XXS–3X and seven colors).

“Uniqlo is one of my favorite hidden gems for knitwear,” said Rivers. “It’s affordable, polished and somehow always feels more expensive than it actually is. Their knits are easy, comfortable, and great for everyday wear.” Rivers specifically recommended this preppy ribbed polo sweater you can easily pop in the wash. While it gets its softness from rayon, polyester and nylon, which aren’t typically considered luxe materials, you’ll appreciate its non-finicky materials that hold up well to years of wear and washes.

Promising review: “Will buy another one! Love the quality of the top and color!” —Lulu

Get it from Uniqlo for $49.50 (available in sizes XS–XL and three colors).

No decision fatigue here: opt for either cream or light brown in this versatile yet luxurious sweater from Abercrombie. Our experts dub cashmere as the ultimate knitwear fabric for elevating your outfit (and passing onto your children for years to come!), making this winter staple worth the splurge. It’s got a chic ribbed hemline and cuffs, plus a slit detail for visual interest and ease of movement.

Promising review: “I’m very excited about the sweater! It’s my first ever cashmere. I’m trying to invest in higher quality pieces that will last and go with anything. It’s super soft and the perfect length for me. Sleeves are plenty long too.” —Nicole21

Get it from Abercrombie for $160 (available in sizes XXS–XL and in two colors).

Your emotional support sweater just got an alpaca wool upgrade. Hitting just below your waist, this elegant layer allows you to easily show off your high- or low-slung trousers and jeans for a stylish, current look. Made predominantly of alpaca wool with sustainable recycled nylon, wool and Lurex to keep it pill-proof and like-new for years, it’s a wise investment for any winter wardrobe and beyond. Grab it in Heather Ash Rose, a stunning dusty pink you don’t usually see in elevated knitwear.

Promising review: “I bought the cardigan in the rose color and it’s gorgeous. It’s cropped and boxy so keep that it mind when sizing. I’m very happy with the quality and I keep reaching for it because it looks so pretty. I tend to wear neutrals and this color is perfect for a pick-me-up while keeping me in my color comfort zone.” —Corinna A.

Get it from Everlane for $158 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and three colors).

Madewell is absolutely killing the knitwear game. Take this alpaca wool boatneck sweater, for instance, which features an elegant silhouette you can dress up or down and a wool material that’ll keep you comfortable and warm, itch-free. Show off your clavicles with its widened boatneck neckline, enjoy its wide roomy cuffs with ribbed details and feel effortlessly cool with its dropped shoulders. 

Promising review: “I’m a real person and don’t love everything! This sweater is 100% wool and the quality seems great. I haven’t washed it, but so far it’s perfect. It isn’t pilling and has kept its shape.” —Havana L

Get it from Madewell for $69.99+ (originally $128; available in sizes XXS–XXL and in two colors).

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity. 

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