Top 10 Best Women's Wool Sweaters in 2021 (H&M, ASOS, and More)

When it comes to wool sweaters, you want to look for something that can keep you warm. You also want to choose material that is soft, comfortable, and stylish.  

When it comes to picking out a wool sweater, keep in mind the style, neckline, and type of wool you prefer to help you narrow it down.

We all have our own style and gravitate towards certain colors, designs, and textures. Given that each person has their own preference, consider a neckline that makes you feel comfortable. Also, consider if the sweater design and silhouette will go well with the pieces in your closet.

Crewnecks are the most simple and straightforward of sweater styles. They have a no-collar, round neckline that gives any sweater a classic look. Crewnecks can be thin or bulky, plain or patterned, and will suit anyone.

This design is versatile enough to be paired with any style of clothing, be it formal or informal. A crewneck sweater can be worn with jeans for a relaxed look, or worn with a shirt and jacket to not only keep you warm, but to add to that professional look. 

V-neck sweaters are easy to identify due to the v-shape of their neckline. The angle and length of the V can vary greatly, but typically they will show a little collarbone and chest. Some are wide enough to slip from your shoulders, whereas others will sit neatly on your shoulders.

This style of sweater is very versatile can easily be worn on its own to give a casual look or you can team it with a blazer for a more professional look. It can also be worn as an upper layer with either a collared shirt or blouse, or even a T-shirt underneath.

Turtlenecks are characterized by a high neck that reaches up to your chin. They're typically folded over and can be stiff or soft and purposely wrinkled. High necks that don't fold over are known as mock turtlenecks. Traditionally, turtlenecks are made of thinner materials than some other wool sweaters.

This style of sweater is great in the winter as the higher neck will help keep you warm. Turtlenecks are not as formal as some other sweater styles, but they can still be smart when teamed with a blazer and pants. They can also be casual if paired with jeans, casual pants, or even a down vest.

Turtlenecks aren't for everyone as high-collars can feel pretty constricting. A similar style of sweater that avoids this is the cowl neck. Like turtlenecks, the larger than average neck is the focus but instead of material being gathered around your neck, the neckline falls down and drapes around instead.

Cowl neck sweaters can be very warm and stylish. They're usually made from thick material and although not suited for formal wear, they look great as a part of any casual outfit. 

Most of us associate wool with sheep, but wool can be so much more! Wool is a generic term for hair that is shorn from sheep, goats, or similar animals that can be spun into yarn. Different animal hair provides you with different properties.

Sheep wool is the most common and popular form of wool. This type of wool is made from sheep and has been used for years due to its ability to retain heat. Merino wool is a softer form of wool that's from a specific breed of sheep. Sweaters made of this material are fairly durable, but they will inevitably get holes in them. Make sure to take care of them carefully.

Despite sweaters seemingly made for winter, merino wool sheep wool sweaters can actually work well for summer heat. They're breathable and can help you regulate your body temperature. Merino wool is naturally sweat-wicking, odor-resistant, and the fabric can keep you warm and comfortable, too.

Cashmere is one of the softest types of wool available and feels great against your skin. It is made from the wool of the Kashmir goat and is softer and finer than most other types of wool. This means that it can make sweaters that are thin but dense.

Although cashmere is often considered a luxury fabric, it's also very good at keeping you warm. In fact, it's actually much warmer than wool and said to be seven times warmer than Merino wool. It does, however, require a lot of care when washing, but it is durable and long-lasting. As it's long been seen as a premium material, a cashmere sweater is ideal for formal events or wearing indoors.

If you’re allergic to the more common types of wool that we've already discussed, then you should consider an alpaca sweater. Alpacas are a type of camel that is native to South American camel and they have a very soft and light fleece. 

Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic and does not contain lanolin, a waxy substance naturally derived from sheep that can be irritating on some, so it's ideal for people allergic to sheep’s wool or cashmere. 

Alpaca wool combines the warmth of wool with the softness of cashmere, while also being resistant to odor and water. Like all wool, it's also flame-resistant. Plus, it can shrink less than some other types of wool, making it a great choice for everyone, not just the allergenic!

Wool sweaters can be made of a variety of materials, and they often aren't just wool. Consider if 100 percent wool or a wool blend would be best for your needs!

A wool blend material is made of wool fibers blended with synthetic or natural fibers, such as nylon, cotton, or acrylic. Blends are usually more durable and easier to wash than 100 percent wool, plus they're available in a wide range of colors and styles, too. The addition of nylon, for instance, can give more flexibility and create an even softer fabric.

However, depending on what the wool is blended with, it may not be as soft on the skin as 100 percent wool would be. Some of the synthetic fibers aren't as naturally anti-bacterial as wool either, so clothes made from wool blends may require more washing. 

Wool blends are great for the price-conscious person and the customer who cares about functional clothing, though! According to Modern Farmer, it's best to go with a wool blend of about 50-50, but it entirely depends on your particular priorities when choosing a sweater with design, compatibility with your wardrobe, and function.

Merino, cashmere, and alpaca are special kinds of wool. They can be produced in different thicknesses, known as weights, with lighter weight wools being suitable for mild weather and heavier weights for the coldest winters.

These types of wool types are also known for their ultra-fine fibers and pleasant feel. They can help regulate body temperature, while also providing comfort and sweat-wicking properties. 

Wool can sometimes feel coarse and scratchy against the skin depending on the person. You'll want to check the manufacturer for the thickness of the microns of wool used - the smaller the number, the softer it'll feel. Additionally, lower-quality wools tend to be made with coarser fiber, creating an itchy feeling.

If you're environmentally conscious and concerned by the amount of waste produced by fast fashion, then recycled wool is a great option. Recycled wool is reclaimed from textile waste and unwanted garments, and the colors are created by mixing already-dyed fibers rather than using new wool and dyeing the fibers. 

Recycled wool is available in a wide range of styles and colors. Keep in mind that recycled wool may not feel as soft or comfortable as pure 100 percent wool, though.

When searching for sweaters, it is important to get the right measurements. Sizes and measurements can vary greatly by brand and choosing the right size can be tricky when buying online as you won't have the advantage of trying before you buy.

Make sure you take a look at any sizing charts that are provided to help you select the correct size. The reviews from previous purchasers are also a great source of sizing information, as they will often comment on whether clothes run true to size or need to be sized up or down.

You should also consider how you want to wear your sweater when you choose the size. Do you want a more casual oversized look, or something more professional and fitting? Are you looking to wear layers under the sweater or will it be worn under a blazer? For a casual oversized or layered look, you might want to pick a size larger than normal.

The best way to take care of a wool sweater, especially if it's a pure wool sweater, is to hand wash it rather than put it in the machine. If you're unsure of what materials you'll need or how exactly to do it, you can take a look at this video prepared by The Woolmark Company. All you'll need is a bucket, wool detergent, and towels!

The joy of slipping into your favorite cozy wool sweater during the cooler months can't be beaten. But with temperatures dropping lower every day, you're going to need more than a sweater to keep you warm! Check out these articles to top up your closet with a new jean jacket, raincoat, and wool socks. 

Weekend walks through autumn leaves and hot cups of tea wouldn't be the same without your favorite wool sweater. From chunky knits to fitted luxurious cashmere, we hope you found this buying guide helpful for choosing fabrics and styles that suit your needs!

Author: Mart-Mari Jansen van Vuren

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Having a warm, but stylish, winter wardrobe is essential. As well as wool sweaters, there are some other wardrobe staples you should buy and at the top of that list should be a coat. Thankfully, fashion blogger Kayla Beck has recommended a beautiful winter coat for us.