From extra long and oversized to cropped and structured, these classic pullovers come in endless variations.
Rory Gilmore; Kendall Jenner; Adam Driver as Maurizio Gucci in House of Gucci. What do these different figures have in common? The shared appreciation of cable-knit sweaters.
With their three-dimensional embroidery and classic preppy flair, cable-knit sweaters bring an intriguing design aspect to the traditional sweater silhouette — and these days, they’re cooler than ever. As we curate our closets with the best leggings and winter coats, these cozy gems are a must-have transitional weather item to include.
How to style cable-knit sweaters
Thanks to their forgivingly flowy fit, there are plenty of ways to wear these cross-stitched pullovers. The intentionally boxy look is a always versatile styling choice, whether it’s paired with jeans for a slouchy boyish aesthetic or worn as a dress with high-hitting statement boots, à la Jenner.
V-neck iterations make for a timeless layering piece when paired with slacks and crisp collared shirts, while straight-fitting options with ballooning bell-sleeves work as their own kind of statement. Regardless of which style and cut you choose, the classic stitching on cable-knit sweaters has an instantly comforting effect.
And with all the options out there, the styling choices are easier than ever.
The best cable knit sweater options to wear now
Best rated
Aelfric Eden cable-knit oversized sweater
Classified as a “Rory Gilmore aesthetic sweater” (yes, really!), this cozy unisex cable-knit is complete with archetypal bundled-up detailing, including vintage-style stitching, a ribbed collar and blissfully billowy sleeves.
Made of 100% acrylic, it’s a buttery soft crewneck with just the right amount of stretch. Plus, it’s available in an array of colours and patterns, making it a staple for every day of the week when the weather drops. There are over 2,000 reviews that love it for just that. Though it’s acrylic, it has the feel and texture of a wool-cashmere blend.
Best vest
V-neck cable knit sweater vest
There are many benefits to wearing your sweater as a vest — one of which is the layering. This pick (a certified Amazon best-seller), is expertly styled with crisp collared blouses for a polished professional finish, even though you’re wearing a sweater. Easy to dress up or down, it’s available in 20 colours and offers a sharp V-neck cut.
Made of acrylic, nylon and polyester, it doesn’t skimp on coziness while offering a good amount of stretch. Plus, it can be machine-washed without losing its shape.
Best sustainable
Reformation Sam cotton cashmere oversized sweater
Made with 50% recycled Italian cashmere, 50% organically grown cotton, and no new materials, this oh-so-cozy pullover is made of the most sustainable yarn Reformation has ever used. (Coming from a brand that’s known for its eco-consciousness, that’s saying something.)
Designed to be oversized and roomy, this chunky yarn is the perfect statement piece for a treat-yourself outfit day when you just want to feel good. Pair it with a pair of straight-leg jeans for an effortless ’90s styling moment. Note: this is only suitable for dry-cleaning.
Best budget
High-neck balloon long-sleeve pullover
Whether it’s the gigantically folded-over collar or the coffee cup accessory, this gem does what all good cable-knit sweaters should: provide utmost comfort. Made of cotton and acrylic, it offers a slouchy style and supple weight.
Despite feeling like a blanket, it looks put-together thanks to its exaggerated ribbed cuffs and a tailored hem. Beautifully chunky and big, it’s the perfect companion for crisp weather conditions. (Coffee cup not included with purchase.)
Best short-sleeve
Maeve Melinda cables-sleeve Twofer sweater
Forget everything you think you know about what a sweater should be. This pullover comes with contemporary cropped sleeves for days when you want some extra insulation without committing to full-on winter wares.
With refined intricate stitching and clean-cut ribbed trims, this garment is delicate and structured, making it suitable for the office or a weekend outing. Crafted from a blend of cotton, acrylic, polyester and elastane, it’s a top-rated sweater that is beloved for its softness. And with a trendy cropped length, it’s even more perfect when paired atop a flowy button-up.
Bonus: this also comes in petite and plus size options ranging up to 3X.
Most versatile
Gap cable-knit sweater
With their decidedly oversized shapes, cable-knit sweaters can sometimes feel like they lack styling options. But this offering by Gap does not. Hitting right at the hip with a straight silhouette and relaxed fit, it’s a soft cotton pullover that is both baggy and beautifully lightweight.
Tuck it in, layer it atop a collared shirt, or wear it just so for a perfect balance between polished professionalism and cozy cuteness. Available in three luxe colours, it’s offered in tall and petite sizing to guarantee a satisfying fit.
Most avant-garde
Andersson Bell off-white Gorden sweater
Cable-knit sweaters can’t be cutting edge? Andersson Bell would beg to differ. The cult-favourite streetwear label reimagined the classic silhouette with tattered asymmetrical edges and tiny uniform holes.
Made of 100% cotton, it features rib-knit crewneck and cuffs with a soft-to-the-touch feel. Complete with a dropped shoulder silhouette and hanging hand-embroidered loose-thread tassels, it adds an edgy appeal to a universally beloved style.
Best to wear as a dress
Long-sleeve oversized chunky sweater dress
The pants-less trend continues to have legs (get it?), and this is surely the easiest way to get in on the moment. This colossal crewneck is so roomy it’s intended to be worn as a dress. Available in 23 colours (including four off-white variations), it’s the ideal pull-on for any occasion.
Pair it with jeans or leggings if you wish — but all you need are sheer tights and a trustee pair of boots. By removing pants from the outfit equation, it also cuts down on getting-ready stress.
Best luxury
Isabel Marant Etoile sweater
Barbiecore has (re)entered the chat. This Isabel Marant gem features structured swollen shoulder details for a playful riff on power dressing in the form of the baggy sweater.
A scalloped neckline adds an elegant touch while intricate stitching infuses it with an artistic flair. Made of baby alpaca, polyamide and elastane, it’s just the right blend of buttery softness and forgiving wearability.
Best plus size
Joe Fresh cable-knit pullover
Affordable? Check. Cute? Check. Size inclusive? Check. Joe Fresh’s cable-knit sweater is the ultimate winter-ware staple, full stop.
Made of cotton and recycled polyester, this pullover is complete with dropped shoulders, ribbed trimming and comfortable flowy draping. The result is a well-fitting go-to for extended sizes — ranging up to 3X.
Best made-in-Canada
Kotn women’s cable sweater
Crafted from luxurious 100% extra-fine lambswool, this lightweight sweater promises the utmost warmth sans any itchiness. Featuring traditional Aran chain-stitch patterns, it holds positive associations like safety, hard work and luck.
Thanks to its subtle bell sleeves and relaxed cascading silhouette that hits below the hips, it’s a made-in-Canada must-have that offers a unisex appeal in two lush colours.
Best cardigan
Long sleeve cable knit sweater cardigan
Indecisive girlies, this one’s for us. This cardigan can be worn buttoned-up or flowed open, bringing cable-knit coziness to any outfit. Hitting just above the knees with a V-neck cut, it’s breathable and perfect for layering.
It also has pockets — making it more practical than your typical cable-knit pullover. With 20 colours to choose from, you’ll always find your perfect fit.
Best V-neck
Simons twisted-cable V-neck sweater
Choose from a sweet lilac hue or a luxe creamy beige. This pullover brings a romantic and feminine flair to the cable-knit table. With a plunging V-neck cut and intricate spiral stitching, it has a timeless style that falls just below the hips.
But don’t confuse conservative tailoring for matronliness — the bottom can be easily flipped under for a preppy waist-accentuating effect. Note: be sure to hand-wash this to keep its delicate allure.
Best cropped
Levi’s Rae cropped sweater
Described as “your favourite thrifted sweater, except cut in half,” this cropped number blends the unique coziness of a lucky vintage find with the contemporary chicness of a shortened silhouette.
Crafted with a wool/polyester blend, it offers a soft cable knit feel in a flattering V-neck shape, making it eternally easy to style. For a go-to outfit, pair this with your favourite pair of jeans or a maxi-skirt of your choice.
Best zip-up
Cos cable-knit wool zip-up jacket
How does one modernize the traditional cable-knit sweater, you ask? This is how. Complete with a fold-over ribbed collar and a double-ended zipper, Cos’s take on the archetypal pullover is chic as can be.
Intricately knitted from a blend of RWS wool and environmentally sourced yak, this garment offers durability, supreme warmth and designer-level styling opportunities. You’re welcome.
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