The 12 Best Cable Knit Sweaters and Cardigans for Women in 2024

They look right at home when they're layered for winter, but in softer colorways and lighter fabrics, the best cable knit sweaters are great all-season contenders. Variations in textures, shapes, and silhouettes give the knit that was traditionally worn on the high sea a high-fashion makeover. You can style a cropped cable knit sweater with a feminine slip skirt or pair a fitted rope-like knit with a light denim wash. Open weaves and mixed materials sidestep traditional diamond-weave cable knits but offer a fun contemporary boost. Ahead, we've got our picks for the best sweaters done in cable knit, ranging from classic to contemporary. Scroll onward for a bunch of cozy new options to choose from.

The Best Cable Knit Sweaters

L.L. Bean Heritage Soft Cotton Fisherman Sweater

Tap into your inner fisherman (or Chris Evans in Knives Out—whoever you'd rather serve as your style icon) with L.L. Bean's classic cable-knit sweater in warm ivory. Made of a super soft organic cotton, this is a breathable and cozy style you can comfortably live in all season long—which is why we're tapping it as our best overall cable-nit pick. "This is the sweater I've been looking for," gushes one enthusiastic L.L. Bean shopper. "[It's the] perfect cream color, very soft, and a great fit! Not too thin, not too chunky."

J. Crew Cable-Knit Rollneck Sweater

Here, J. Crew calls on a classic with its roll-neck sweater made of 100-percent cashmere and cable-knit pattern. This style boasts a just-above-the-hips cropped fit, making it a bit flirtier than your standard oversized, grandpa-esque crewneck. "I have only worn this once but it was on a day sure to be incredibly stressful," details one thrilled shopper. "All day, I felt like I was managing stress from the inside of a soft, warm, cozy cloud, and in the evening when the festivities kicked off the sweater was complemented many times over. Just perfect!"

H&M Cable-Knit Turtleneck Sweater

This ivory cable-knit sweater from H&M, perfectly priced at $40, is ideal for those in-between weather days—when it's both too hot and too cold for added layers. The roomy fit, straight hem, and slide-slit sleeves make it effortlessly comfortable. And, if need be, the silhouette allows for you to layer up underneath with a tank top or tee. Plus, its wool blend fabrications ensure this cable-knit sweater is as cozy as they come—without being itchy, of course. Try teaming it with sleek leather pants and black lug-sole boots for a wintery grunge look.

Naadam Cashmino Cable V-Neck Sweater

If you're in the market for a cashmere sweater, NAADAM, a brand that offers sustainable, ethically-sourced, and affordable cashmere goods, should be the first place you turn. Its merino cable-knit sweater is a quintessential example of its timeless and wearable offerings. Take it from a pleased shopper who describes this v-neck pullover as "a great, warm, cozy, and lovely winter staple." Another reviewer loves it for its oversized look, saying this sweater is "cute in a grandpa sweater kind of way."

Banana Republic Carmina Metallic Sweater

This flashes cable-knit sweater by Banana Republic merges a timeless aesthetic with statement and contemporary flair—it's hard to miss its flashy gold detailing. Speaking of: This crewneck pullover is ideal for an office holiday party as its eye-catching and light-reflecting metallic look offers a perfect festive punch, while the traditional cable-knit pattern ensures the style is grounded in professionalism. Now, when it comes to styling this button-down number, try layering it over a white button-down shirt and slipping on your slinkiest slip skirt.

Alex Mill Cable Knit Nico Chunky Cardigan

Once you snag a crewneck or another traditional pull-over style, you can move onto cable-knit cardigans—like this olive green number by Alex Mill. It's made of 100 percent cotton and offers a roomier fit, which makes it ideal for piling on your winter thermals underneath (Yes, it's officially time to break out your Uniqlo HEATTECH). One pleased shopper describes it simply as "fantastic." They continue: "It's relaxed, but not oversized, and not tight. Perfect on its own or over a T-shirt or button-down. I got the ivory and the green and they are both fantastic. "

Sézane James Jumper

A Breton striped sweater is a must-have for all minimal wardrobes—and so is a cable knit sweater. So why not combine the two into one double-whammy classic piece? This white and navy jumper from Sézane pays homage to both classic styles via its graphic lines and rope-like textile fabrication. It's made of incredibly soft Merino wool and features feminine, slightly puffy sleeves. If you're not familiar with the Parisian-inspired sustainable clothing line, perusing Sézane's fall collection is a great place to start.

Veronica Beard Arida Cable-Knit Vest

This dusty blue-hued sweater vest from Veronica Beard—a renowned fashion girl favorite label for the uninitiated—is a game-changing layering piece. It's made of a blend of baby alpaca wool, polyamide, and merino wool, so rest assured that it's warmer than its sleeveless design will have you warmer than believe. Style it over a thinner long-sleeved tee in the same hue for a monochromatic, all-over blue look. Or try it atop a printed button-down shirt for an eclectic combo to make you and your outfit the talk of the office.

Polo Ralph Lauren Wool-Cashmere Cable-Knit Sweaterdress

Do you have an after-hours event on the docket where you want to look polished and professional but not overly stuffy? Perhaps a holiday office party where the odds are high that you'll run into a new boss you're hoping to impress but don't want to look like you're primed for a business meeting? This is what you wear. Polo Ralph Lauren's wool-cashmere cable-knit sweater dress, with its high turtle neck and mini length, is put-together and sleek without screaming corporate with a capital C. Plus, it's dark chocolate hue is a perfect fit for a cozy autumn vibe.

MABLE Cropped Cable Puff Short-Sleeve Sweater

This short-sleeved cable knit sweater from MABLE is what you'd call a hero piece in your transitional wardrobe piece. Wear it layered over long-sleeved shirts or thermals now, but when spring rolls around, do not—I repeat for emphasis: do not!—pack this mustard style away in storage. It looks oh-so-cute on its own as a top and when teamed with a very trendy denim maxi skirt. The best part is that you won't overheat as soon as you put this cable-knit cardigan on! "The sweater is super soft and a lovely pale gold color," writes one Anthro shopper. "It is a lean fit and slightly cropped. Perfect for fall!"

Zara Openwork Cable Knit Sweater

Zara's cable-knit sweater is not like the off-white. nubby fisherman styles you're familiar with and that fashion writers often memorialize when pontificating on the style (scroll up to the top of this list for a case-in-point example by yours truly). This open-knit style is unique. It's delicate. It's, well, sexy. Unlike the traditional close weave of a cable knit, Zara opted for an open textile that yields a semi-translucent look, making it a cozy take on 2022's sheer trend.

Kotn Women's Cable Sweater

When in doubt, throw on an oversized sweater. This oceanic blue cable-knit wool sweater from Kotn will be there for you on days when you have no idea what to wear (on Team MC, we call those the dreaded "wardrobe blues.") With its relaxed design, this Irish fishing style-inspired knit will keep you cozy all season long. Plus, it will help you master the baggy-is-better trend that Gen Z is so fond of. Remember, though, proportion play is key when it comes to oversized items: You'll want to call on form-fitting bottoms when styling this spacious style.

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