Affordable Cashmere Sweater Reviews: Quince, Naadam, Universal Standard, (old) Everlane
I’ve become sort of obsessed with cashmere since I purchased my first cashmere sweater almost seven years ago. (Hello, have you seen my blog name?! Haha.) I started with Everlane cashmere sweaters and now have quite the assortment. Since then, I’ve ordered comparably affordable cashmere sweaters from Quince, known for their $50 cashmere sweater, and Naadam, known for their $75 cashmere sweater (which has since been increased to $98). Universal Standard also has their own $98 cashmere sweater. I love that each brand is dedicated to ethical sourcing of their cashmere despite the low prices. I figured it was necessary to compare each brand’s flagship cashmere sweater to see if there was really a difference between them!
Which brand has the best cashmere sweater? Is Quince’s $50 cashmere worth it? Is Naadam’s cashmere worth it? How does Quince and Naadam cashmere compare? Is more expensive cashmere always better? I answered those questions and more! If there’s anything else you’re curious about, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below. I hope this post helps you find the budget-friendly cashmere of your dreams!
For sizing reference, my current (pandemic) size in sweaters is typically a small. I am borderline petite at 5’4” and have broad shoulders and long arms. I tend to size up in tops for extra room in the shoulders and length in the sleeves.
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Affordable Cashmere Sweaters $100 and Under: Quince, Naadam, Universal Standard, (old) Everlane
Quince $50 Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Sweater Details
My color and size: navy, size S
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Colors: minimal pink, black, heather grey, navy, burgundy, desert sage, steel blue, ivory, oatmeal, camel
Fit: relaxed
Material: rare, 100% Grade A Mongolian cashmere; 15.1 micron thickness, 34-36mm super long fiber length
Weight: 200 grams
Origin: Hircus goats in Inner Mongolia, China
Shop: Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck ($50), Mongolian Cashmere V-Neck ($50)
Free shipping and returns
My Thoughts
I am very pleasantly surprised by Quince’s $50 cashmere sweater! I was expecting it to be not as nice as Naadam OR Everlane (more on that below), which costs twice as much (more now), but I actually think it’s comparable to the Everlane cashmere sweaters of a few years ago. If you want a cashmere sweater or two in your life and need the nicest yet most budget-friendly option possible, I definitely recommend this sweater by Quince. There are a wide variety of colors to choose from, but the downside is the lack of size inclusivity.
I debated for an embarrassingly long time on whether I should order size XS or small. The reviews seemed relatively mixed on sizing, and the product photos didn’t help much, either. I ended up with size small, and it fits comfortably loose. I probably could have done XS for a slimmer fit, but the small is cozy, and the sleeves fit my long arms comfortably. I’m not personally a fan of the length; as a short person, I like my sweaters to hit above the hip, but if you have a long torso and/or prefer the longer length, this is a great option. The navy color is beautiful!
How to Style
Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater
Sweater Details
My color and size: olive, size XS
Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colors: peacock blue, white, oatmeal, camel, dark ginger, peach, cement, black, blue horizon, navy, smoke, olive, red sangria, frost green
Fit: relaxed
Material/origin: 100% Mongolian cashmere
Weight: medium
Shop: The Original Cashmere Sweater ($98; formerly $75)
Free shipping; return fee applies if requesting refund
My Thoughts
I am in looove with the Naadam cashmere sweater! If you are debating between the $50 Quince sweater or the Naadam sweater (which used to be $75 but is now $98), both are great options, but I lean slightly towards the Naadam sweater. It’s thick and luxurious and soft on the skin. It truly feels like a sweater that should cost more than it does! They offer this sweater in a wide variety of colors and a couple more sizes on either end of the spectrum.
The reviews suggest that the sweater has a relaxed fit, so I ordered a size XS. The sleeves hit me at the wrists, and I love the length, which hits just above my hips. I think I might try a size small next time for a little more room, especially in the shoulders and sleeves, but I’m not mad about this size at all. The olive green color is stunning! If you know me, you know how much I love green, especially olive. I’m tempted by the peacock blue color, and I’m interested in trying white but nervous because I’m not sure if it’s sheer or not. (Let me know if you’ve tried this sweater in a lighter color!)
NOTE: Unfortunately, Naadam increased the price of their $75 essential cashmere sweater to $98 (and changed the name) in early October 2023. They offered 2 sweaters for $150 until mid-November. It’s still a great sweater for the price, though keep an eye out for discounts! They don’t come around as often (and these sweaters are excluded from promos) but I do remember a bundled discount around the holidays in 2022.
How to Style
Universal Standard $98 Essential Cashmere Crew
Sweater Details
My color and size: oatmeal, size 3XS
Sizes: 4XS, 3XS, 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
Colors: black, charcoal, cinnamon, forest green, green lake, red, royal blue, navy, oatmeal
Fit: relaxed
Material/origin: 100% cashmere
Weight: light to medium
Shop: Essential Cashmere Crew ($98), Essential Cashmere V ($98)
Free shipping; free returns through Happy Returns or $7 fee for mail-in
My Thoughts
If you’re looking for the most size inclusive brand yet, you’ll LOVE Universal Standard! Their sizing follows the bell curve, so the average size woman (size 18-20) corresponds to a size medium, and they offer down to 4XS (size 00-0) and up to size 4XL (size 38-40). Genius, right?! It’s a little tricky to get used to at first! I own two items in size 3XS (2-4): this cashmere sweater and a pair of ponte pants. From my limited experience, I find the pants to fit slightly smaller than the cashmere (the pants are snug at the waist).
As far as cashmere goes, Universal Standard offers a wonderful option just under than $100 mark (and you can find it on sale every once in a while; I ordered mine when it was included in a promo). I’ve seen it priced down to $70! Compared to the other cashmere I own, it’s not the softest version; it feels most similar to Quince’s $50 cashmere. It’s also long, so it’s perfect for those of you that are taller or that have longer torsos in general. I prefer sweaters that hit at the high hip. The fit is relaxed, so if you want something more form-fitting I would size down. I’m wearing the oatmeal with no undershirt here to show that it really isn’t that sheer; you can sort of see my black leggings underneath, but it’s not super obvious.
Everlane $100 Cashmere Crew (old)
Sweater Details
My color and size: whiskey, size XS
Sizes (new version): XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Colors (new version): blue lagoon, black, canvas, charcoal, lily, pecan, burnt orange, persimmon, key lime, basalt, espresso, stone
Fit (new version): relaxed
Material (new version): Body: 100% Grade-A Cashmere. Trimming: 89% Grade-A Cashmere, 10% Nylon, 1% Elastane.
Origin (new version): Dongguan, China (Inner Mongolia)
Shop (new version): The Cashmere Crew ($120), The Cashmere V-Neck ($120)
Free shipping over $75; return fee applies if requesting refund
My Thoughts
The Everlane Cashmere Crew is my OG cashmere sweater. I purchased my first one in winter 2015; it was the original $128 style, and that particular iteration is still one of my favorites. I own it in multiple colors and in sizes XS and S depending on the fit I’m going for. A few years later, they released an updated version and dropped the price to $100. Everlane claimed that the quality was the same as the original $128 version, but I would have to disagree. There is a noticeable difference between my first few sweaters and this sweater here.
The $100 Cashmere Crew feels thinner and not as soft as the $128 version from years ago. I have not personally tried the new $120 Cashmere Crew, but I would hope that they returned to the softness level of the $128 version! Out of all of the sweaters here, this one is my least favorite because it’s not that thick or soft, and I’m not a fan of the extra long ribbing at the wrists. It’s also pretty long on me, which is great for tucking but I tend to prefer my sweaters on the shorter side or else they hit at an awkward point on my hips/butt. I do appreciate the wide variety of sizes and colors offered in the new version!
How to Style
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Quince $100 Luxe Baby Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Sweater Details
My color and size: burgundy, size S
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Colors: burgundy, charcoal, ivory
Fit: regular
Material: ultra-rare, 100% Grade A cashmere; 13.5 micron thickness, 34-36mm fibre length (material is certified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 which ensures that no hazardous substances are present; made from GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)-certified yarn which are free of chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, and bleaches)
Weight: 205 grams
Origin: Inner Mongolia and knitted in Zhangjiagang, China
Shop: Luxe Baby Cashmere Crewneck ($99.90), Luxe Baby Cashmere V-Neck ($99.90)
Free shipping and returns
My Thoughts
In addition to the $50 cashmere sweater, Quince offers a beautiful “luxe baby” cashmere sweater. It’s made from the fibers of the first combing of a baby goat; these fibers are not as thick as the fibers in the $50 sweater (13.5 microns vs. 15.1 microns), but they are much softer! Between this and the $100 cashmere crew previously offered by Everlane, this sweater is sooo much softer and thicker. I think this sweater is just barely the softest of the bunch, though the Naadam sweater is a close second. For a luxurious, affordable cashmere sweater, this one cannot be beat! I only wish it was offered in more colors and sizes. (Each baby goat only produces enough fibers for one sweater.)
I ordered a size small, and it doesn’t fit as loose as the $50 sweater, so I would recommend going with your larger size if you’re in between sizes and don’t want a slim/snug fit. The sleeves are a good length on my long arms, but the body length is longer than I would prefer (Naadam wins for perfect body length, in my opinion). This sweater really is SO beautiful and definitely worth the $100 price tag if it’s in your budget!
How to Style
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This post was last updated in November 2022.
