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A good cotton sweater is a year-round staple. The natural fiber is soft and comfortable (not to mention affordable and easy to launder), with just enough weight for winter and breathability for summer. And the best cotton sweaters are made of soft, 100% cotton, with no synthetic fabrics in sight. From effortless cardigans to cozy crewnecks, these sweaters will quickly become the backbone of your capsule wardrobe, in an infinite array of colors to do the job.
Given their status as gold-medal basics, you might expect a round of classics — but you’ll find options here that feel a little trendier, too. An oversized cardigan is cozy on weekends but its scaled-up proportions make for an edgier layer over street clothes as well. If you’re looking for something even fresher, consider a sweater vest: it’s unexpected and surprisingly versatile. Feeling less adventurous? Try out an intricate knit or statement sleeve to add subtle visual interest.
If you need to refresh some wardrobe staples, investing in a few timeless cuts will bridge the gap between your trendier pieces so you can get more mileage out of your style. A V-neck sweater is practically made for layering over collared shirts but it can roll solo too on warmer days. A short-sleeved sweater is almost as multifunctional: it’s dressier than a T-shirt and slips under a blazer without adding bulk. When you need something you can layer with everything you already own, though, a couple of cotton cardigans are the Swiss army knife sweater that goes with everything from leggings and a tee to a little black dress.
From classic coziness to serious style, these ten sweaters are the best basics (and beyond) for any season — and they’re all pure cotton.
1
An Oversized Cardigan For Living Your Coziest Life
Easy like a Sunday morning, this relaxed cardigan, in pure cotton, is a staple for lazy weekends and it lends itself well to trendy oversized looks if you’re in the mood to play with proportion. It has a drop shoulder with extra-long and baggy sleeves for an exaggerated shape, with wide, ribbed knit on the cuffs and hem to rein in all of that volume. “The perfect chunky cardigan of my dreams,” a reviewer raved. “It basically feels like I'm walking around in a cozy blanket.”
- Available colors: 14
- Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large
2
A Crewneck Sweater That Looks So Expensive
The intricate basketweave knit on this Lands’ End sweater is seriously eye-catching, and it is classic enough to wear with just about anything. It will look just as chic with ripped jeans and mules as it will over a pencil skirt. Made from 100% combed cotton in a midweight, it promises to stay colorfast for years. “I love love love this sweater,” a fan gushed. “Form fitting, but not tight...warm, but not stifling. [...] And the pattern in the knit is lovely.” One shopper reported owning theirs for upwards of 25 years: quality lasts.
- Available colors: 12
- Available sizes: X-Small — 3X (several petite sizes available)
3
This Ultra-Classic Cardigan (With Pockets!)
The Everyday Cardigan certainly lives up to the name. It’s a great basic you can take almost anywhere, with a flat, 100% cotton knit that’s multiseasonal and an easy V-neck button-down front that hits at the low hip. It offers just enough ease for a layer underneath and it promises to slip under a jacket effortlessly as well. The edges are finished with rib-knit detailing so you get a little bit of texture, including along the edges of the two welt pockets tucked in front. A few reviewers did note that it runs large.
- Available colors: 6
- Available sizes: Small Plus — 5X
4
A Short-Sleeved Sweater In Fine Pima Cotton
This luxe-looking short-sleeve sweater is made from 100% top-shelf Pima cotton with extra-long fibers for a luxuriously soft feel that’s incredibly strong. Good thing, too: you’ll probably wear this on repeat. “They're lightweight nice-fitting pieces for layering under a blazer or cardigan. I wear suits to work, so having easy pieces to wear under my jackets is important,” a shopper wrote. “[They're] great for wardrobe building, and their thickness (thinness?) makes them pretty much all-season.”
- Available colors: 4
- Available sizes: X-Small — Large
5
This Stylish Sweater With Pretty Details
Cute? Check. Comfy? Check. This cotton sweater combines multiple textures with chic statement sleeves for a fashionable alternative to the casual pullover. Featuring a delicate, lightweight eyelet knit in 100% cotton, the top yoke and lantern sleeves come in a fine ribbed knit through the body, with narrow ruffled trim along the high neck and cuffs. “Great shirt and excellent quality. It’s a lot thicker than what I expected,” a reviewer praised. “The detailed pattern is exactly what I was looking for and the puffed sleeves give it a elegant zing.”
- Available colors: 7
- Available sizes: Small — X-Large
6
An Oversized Sweater Vest With Drop Pockets
Modern minimalism meets preppy classics in this A-line sweater vest made with 100% cotton. Its V-neck promises to frame a collared shirt nicely, while the baggy cut leaves plenty of room for layers. It’s a less expected alternative to the cardigan with two roomy pockets. “Love this loose swingy take on the old style. Really well made, not too heavy; I'm planning on wearing little t-shirts underneath,” a shopper remarked. “Just ordered a second one (the grey) because I liked it so much.” Available in more than two dozen colors and styles, you can spring for an artsy rust-colored buttondown or make it fashion (in featured black) and go monochromatic with leather leggings and your sharpest statement heels.
- Available options 25
- Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large
7
A Chunky Cowl-Neck Sweater In Gorgeous Colors
Whether you’re shopping for a rich wintry hue or something pastel that will see you through spring, this 100% cable-knit sweater comes in a ton of shades worth picking up. The cable knit pattern continues front and back (many budget brands keep those details on the front), in an easy fit with a split high-low hem and cowl neck. “I love this sweater! So much so that I bought multiple colors and have four total,” a shopper confessed. “It has been perfect for working from home. It is thick, warm, and dressier than say a hoodie.”
- Available colors: 20
- Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large
8
A Long Tunic Sweater That’s Practically Made For Leggings
Cozy and casual, this pure cotton tunic sweater has extra length and a split hem that glides over leggings without bunching up throughout the day, and still looks nice French tucked into a pair of jeans. Raglan sleeves give you extra ease for stretching out and the shaker stitch feels nicer than sweats but just as comfortable. Shoppers raved about the substantial knit, adding that it was warm yet stylishly minimalist. “My current favorite sweater. I would buy one for every day of the week,” a fan declared. “It’s simple but still I get compliments on it because it is well made.”
- Available colors: 13
- Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
9
A Prim Cardigan That Hits Right At The Waist
Classic enough to go anywhere with just enough detail to feel special, this cotton cardigan has a vintage fit in a detailed knit. It’s slightly cropped to hit right at the waist, and the bracelet sleeves stop short of the wrists and leave room for jewelry. The knit pattern is a lightweight option for warmer weather, and it’s finished with wide ribbing for emphasis at the cuffs and hem plus the tiniest gathered puffs on the shoulder. “plan on buying more. They're super cute, comfortable, and not too warm,” a reviewer raved. “They're the best I've found for under $50...so pleased.”
- Available colors: 31
- Available sizes: Small — 3X
10
This Classic V-Neck For Effortless Chic
A good work-to-weekend option, the all-cotton Amazon Essentials V-neck sweater is cut to follow the body with just enough ease to feel relaxed. It sports a slightly longer low-hip hem for the perfect slouchy tuck, and the ribbed neckline leaves room for a collared shirt or a statement necklace. “Pleasantly surprised how much I like it,” a fan confessed. “It's honestly great. The colors are nice, the material is comfortable and warm, but not too hot.” Shoppers also noted it washed extremely well with no fading or pilling.
- Available colors: 15
- Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
