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The 12 Best Cable Knit Sweaters

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Bustle / Amazon

When you’re seeking peak coziness, it’s hard to outdo a classic cable knit sweater. It adds lush texture to seasonal outfits and is a versatile staple that lends itself well to dressing up or down. The best cable knit sweaters are often made of luxe materials like cashmere and merino wool, but there are also high-quality, budget-friendly alternatives made from cotton or acrylic that have the benefit of being easier to care for (i.e., no dry cleaning necessary).

When it comes to cable knit styles, there's a pick for literally any mood or occasion. An oversized statement cardigan is the perfect finisher for a V-neck tee and some leggings, but you can also pair it with leather pants and a lace camisole for a pitch-perfect date night look. Chunky pullovers are casual, cool-weather staples that look great with booties and jeans, but they look equally fantastic tucked into the top of a pencil skirt for a more office-friendly look (just add some kitten heels or loafers). When the really cold weather rolls around, a cozy, cable knit turtleneck is an absolute essential, and looks just as chic paired with lounge pants or joggers at home as it does with leggings or skinny jeans. You’ll find all of these options and more in this guide to the best cable knit sweaters, ahead.

1. Editor’s Pick: A Classic Pullover With A Curved, Cable Knit Design

A curved cable knit, designed to mimic your natural body shape, makes this sweater stand out from the many other cozy pullovers in your wardrobe. Otherwise, it has all the trappings of an ideal pullover, including a comfy cotton construction, an easy crew neck, and a hip-length hem. This style also comes highly recommended by Bustle Commerce Editor Kate Miller, who says: "This sweater is great for a casual, everyday option. It's well made, unfussy, and the perfect weight. And the very first time I wore it, a Starbucks barista stopped me — as I was in the drive-thru — to compliment me on it. Now that's a standout sweater!"

  • Available colors: 13
  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large

Relevant review: “It’s very hard to find a pure cotton sweater nowadays. I’m very glad that Amazon has made this product available. It is beautifully made, warm and elegant. I do some knitting myself and know, how difficult it is to knit so called cables. This sweater has very intricate cables that create an unusual and attractive pattern.Five stars for sure! [...]”

2. Editor’s Pick: An On-Trend Sweater Vest With A Drapey Fit

Like all things preppy, sweater vests — especially of the cable knit variety — are a major trend at the moment. Since the style is inherently timeless, though, any sweater vest you buy right now will establish a permanent place in your rotation, even when the trend dies down. According to Bustle Commerce Editor Amy Biggart, this drapey sweater vest is particularly worth the purchase. "I love this cable knit sweater vest,” Biggart says. “It has an oversized fit which makes it perfect for layering, and it's surprisingly soft and warm. The vest definitely feels really high quality for the price, and is super easy to style with a white button down, tucked into high-waisted jeans, or layered over a long-sleeve T-shirt. I like this vest so much, I bought it in a second color!" Choose among six timeless colors, from camel to navy to gray; or, like Biggart, pick up two (or more). At such a reasonable price, why not?

  • Available colors: 6
  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large

Relevant review: “I am very pleased with this purchase! I wanted a simple pull on sleeveless vest that I could use for extra warmth and comfort but I didn’t want the bulk of a sweater. This vest has really met my expectations…it is well made, comfortable and very classy looking! I bought an XL to have a roomier fit. I liked this vest so much that I just purchased a second one in blue, the first one being black. I really recommend this lovely vest!”

3. This Cozy Cable Knit Sweater With Exaggerated Sleeves

Make a style statement, albeit in the utmost comfort, in this sweater. A cult-favorite on Amazon (it’s earned over 3,400 five-star ratings and reviews thus far), it’s made with extra-roomy sleeves and an exaggerated, chunky cable knit design, while a slouchy turtleneck keeps your neck and chin toasty on chilly days. It’s made of a soft, cushy cotton-acrylic blend that can be washed in the machine, then hung to dry. This exact style is available in eight colors, like mustard and evergreen, but you’ll find a few more cozy sweater styles on the same page, including more cable knit variations.

  • Available styles: 33
  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large

Relevant review: “I love how comfy and chic this sweater is. Perfect for a casual night out or hanging out by the fire at home. The sizing is accurate. Just know that it is a more oversized sweater look. I love it!!”

4. A Dramatic Long Cable Knit Cardigan

A statement-making cable knit duster can finish off everything from athleisure leggings to distressed denim. This pick features an extra-large cable knit for high-impact coziness, with two patch pockets on the front and ribbed knit finishing details. This pick is made from an acrylic-cotton blend that can be machine washed; just make sure to let it air dry. For more sizes, this plus-size cable knit open front cardi is another great option.

  • Available colors: 7
  • Available sizes: Small – X-Large

Relevant review: “I bought this intending that I'd wear it just at home for something cozy. I was amazed to find out that it actually is a nice sweater to wear out with a pair of jeans or black leggings. I am going to buy another one in a different color for sure! Must have for the winter in your closet!”

5. A Soft Cable Knit Turtleneck In 100% Cotton

This turtleneck sweater is soft and warm yet breathable thanks to its pure cotton construction (and it's machine washable too). It has a relaxed cut that promises to be comfortable yet still look put together when you need it to be. A subtle cable knit pattern runs along the front, back, and sleeves, and it’s all finished in a medium ribbed knit. It also comes as a cable knit crew neck sweater. And, for a premium version, check out this cashmere wool blend cable knit turtleneck.

  • Available colors: 12
  • Available sizes: X-Small – XX-Large

Relevant review: “The purrrfect turtle neck. Follow the sizing guide - it's accurate. The knit is visible and the thickness is that perfect balance of thick enough without being too bulky. Neck is fitted but lots of give so it doesn't choke. Length hits in just the right spot on mid abdomen.”

6. This Fitted Crew Neck Sweater With A Gorgeous Honeycomb Knit

This crewneck sweater feels silky yet substantial, and is made of a lightweight viscose material with a bit of sheen. The intricate honeycomb cable design looks quite luxe for the price. It's designed to be machine washable (on cold), and Amazon reviewers reported that it did wash well. Many other reviewers reported going back and buying it in more colors because they were so happy with their purchase.

  • Available styles: 36
  • Available sizes: X-Small – XX-Large

Relevant review: “Better than I expected. It looks exactly as pictured, and is a higher quality sweater than I thought it would be. It's thick, soft, and comfy. Definitely will buy more from this brand!”

7. This Wildly Popular Slouchy Cardigan

You've probably seen it in your feed paired with influencer-approved leggings and trendy slip dresses alike. This chunky cardigan has a comfy oversized design that falls just to the hip, with a relaxed drop shoulder. The open front is trimmed with two cable knit twists, and wide ribbing finishes the cuffs and hem. It's made from 100% acrylic for a wool alternative that can be machine washed and line dried.

  • Available colors: 13
  • Available sizes: Small – XX-Large

Relevant review: “Better than I expected. It looks exactly as pictured, and is a higher quality sweater than I thought it would be. It's thick, soft, and comfy. Definitely will buy more from this brand!”

8. A Chunky Cable Knit Sweater With An Open Back

You'll be coming up with excuses to wear this cute oversized cable knit sweater. It has a roomy cut with a drop shoulder and a cutout back: cozy, but make it fashion. Made from an acrylic-cotton blend, the knit is warm and soft and you can wash it at home. It's also available with side lacing details and in color-blocked options; they all look nice whether tucked into jeans or worn over leggings.

  • Available colors: 15
  • Available sizes: Small – 5X

Relevant review: “I really like this sweater. It has a really cute design and looks just like the picture. Cut roomy which I like. The colors are very nice. I got a purple and a green and look just like the pictures. I thought the pricing was really good for what you get and am very happy with my purchase.”

9. The Classic Cardigan With Buttons You'll Wear Constantly

This button-down cardigan can be worn with everything from denim to dresses. It has a simple cut with fitted shoulders that looks polished enough for business-casual occasions, and a longer length that works just as well over leggings. The classic cable knit motif is woven into the front and sleeves, with wide ribbed detailing on the back. It's woven from 100% acrylic, so you can machine wash it, but it's recommended you hand wash to keep it looking in mint condition.

  • Available colors: 28
  • Available sizes: Small – XX-Large

Relevant review: “Just got this sweater delivered and had to write a review. I absolutely love it, it’s perfect. I’ve been looking for a cardigan that is casual, looks good, is warm and most of all has pockets. Pockets are harder to find than you’d think. The fit is very flattering and it’s not bulky like some cable knit and it’s true to size. [...] I am thinking of ordering another one.”

10. A Cable Knit Sweater Dress In So Many Style Options

This cable knit sweater dress earned high marks from Amazon shoppers for being a super-cute and versatile dress in a thick knit that actually kept them warm. The dress is offered in both a crew neck and turtleneck, with an option for pockets on the latter. Each cut features a sweater knit on the front and sleeves with a plain, minimalist back. Taller shoppers noted that it ran short, but was not unwearable. Since you'll be wearing this dress, oh, everywhere, know that it can be machine washed at home in cold water, then let it air dry.

  • Available styles: 20
  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large

Relevant review: “I order from Amazon A LOT and this is by far the best piece of clothing I have ever ordered! The material is amazing! I struggle in finding clothing that flatters my shape but this is extremely comfortable and makes my curves look great! I purchased the black turtleneck and the normal red collar one. LOVE them both!! I think I may even buy a few more.”

11. A Heavy Cable Knit Irish Sweater That's A Heritage Piece You’ll Have Forever

This heavy cable knit Irish sweater is an heirloom-quality piece you'll have for years. It's woven from 100% merino Irish wool in a super-thick, luxe knit with a generously sized turtleneck. The cable knit is incredibly detailed, authentic to the legendary Aran cable style, with a plush, three-dimensional look and feel. While this pick doesn't have that many Amazon reviews, Arran Woollen Mills is “Irelands largest home based knitwear manufacturer,” according to the brand, so you know you're scoring an authentically Irish sweater. To keep it in pristine condition, make sure to dry clean or hand wash this high-quality piece every so often.

  • Available colors: 5
  • Available sizes: X-Small – XX-Large

12. The Coziest Cable Knit Vest With A Sherpa Hood

This delightfully cozy cable knit sweater vest features a hood and two side-seam pockets — and it's all lined in the softest fleece. It has a high stand collar and zips up the front, with functional buttons as well. "This is exactly everything all the reviews said it would be," one shopper promised. "Wonderfully soft and warm, well built. Received a ton of compliments on it and my boyfriend couldn’t stop touching the inner lining it’s so soft!" And the cotton-polyester knit is blended with other synthetic fibers for easy care: It can be machine washed and air-dried.

  • Available colors: 16
  • Available sizes: Small – XX-Large

Relevant review: “I've had so many people compliment this sweater vest. It's like wearing a sherpa blanket plus it's super cute too!”

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