10 Best Women's Crewneck Sweaters in 2022 (H&M, Universal Standard, and More)

When choosing a crewneck sweater, consider how much warmth you want it to provide and how you plan to wear it. The shape and fit of a sweater will determine its overall look and layerability.

Crewneck sweaters come in nearly any material you can think of. Each one has different properties when it comes to warmth, breathability, and ease of care.

Wool and cotton are the two most common natural fibers used to make sweaters. Wool can range from thick Shetland to ultra-soft cashmere. It naturally traps heat and wicks moisture away, so it’s ideal for cold weather. It’s also durable and flexible, so it makes good outdoor wear. 

Some wool can feel itchy. If this is an issue for you, look for merino, cashmere, or a wool blend. Wool requires a higher level of care than other materials but will last a long time.

Like wool, cotton is very breathable, but it’s much lighter. It doesn’t trap a lot of heat, so it’s best for warmer climates or seasons. Because it’s not very stretchy, it can be prone to losing its shape. If you prefer a sweater with more stretch, look for a cotton blend. On the plus side, cotton is typically very easy to care for.

Common synthetic sweater materials include acrylic, nylon, and polyester. These fibers can mimic the feel of natural fibers or create a new texture altogether. For example, super fuzzy textures like chenille or sherpa are often made from synthetic materials. Synthetics can be fairly warm but aren’t as breathable as natural materials. 

Blends combine multiple fibers to create a material with the properties of both. Synthetic fibers can be added to natural fibers to change the look or make them stretchier, softer, or easier to care for.

You can find crewneck sweaters in all lengths, from cropped cardigans to maxi dresses. Think about what bottoms you like to wear and pick a sweater length accordingly.

The most common sweater length hits right around the hip. This classic and versatile length can be worn tucked or untucked and paired with pants, jeans, or skirts. Since this length is basic and universal, you’re more likely to see this style in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures.

On the shorter side, cropped crewneck sweaters are trendier. They highlight your waist and can create an hourglass figure. Cropped sweaters work best when paired with high-waisted bottoms. 

If you prefer a little more coverage from your sweater, look for a sweater that's tunic length or longer. Tunic-length sweaters cover your butt and look cute and cozy. They work well paired with skinny jeans or leggings. 

If you want a full sweater outfit, a sweater dress could be the look for you. You can find sweater dresses in all lengths: mini, midi, and maxi. Because a crewneck sweater dress is a lot of fabric visually, we recommend choosing a lighter material without too many embellishments so it doesn’t swallow you up.

Do you like to finish off your look with a chunky sweater? Or do you prefer a clean, fitted look? The fit of your sweater will affect its overall style as well as how easy it is to layer.

A fitted crewneck is a wardrobe staple that can be worn layered underneath other clothing or on its own. It should skim the body and cling lightly with a good amount of stretch. 

Avoid sweaters that are too tight; not only will they be uncomfortable, they’re typically not very flattering. Fitted sweaters tend to look professional and polished, and they are often easy to dress up or down. 

A relaxed fit or oversized sweater is great for layering over other clothes as a comfy top layer. To avoid being swallowed up by all the fabric, look for a loose sweater with some structural details, like ribbed cuffs or exposed seams. 

Loose sweaters generally come across as more casual and trendy than fitted sweaters, but you can always add a front-tuck for a more polished look. Since loose sweaters don’t sit as close to your body, they’re more likely to let cold air in. If warmth is a concern, make sure you add a fitted layer underneath.

If you’re looking for a simple, basic crewneck sweater that will go with anything, finding one you like probably won’t be too hard. And since there’s so much variety, you can afford to be picky with the materials and the fit. 

However, if you’re looking for something more unique, a crewneck makes a great canvas for playing around with different patterns, textures, and shapes.

A colorful pattern can take a basic crewneck sweater to the next level. Stripes are a classic pattern that can look playful or sophisticated. Generally, wider, multicolored stripes look more youthful, while thin stripes in neutral colors look polished and elegant.

Another classic pattern is Fair Isle, where multiple colors are used to weave intricate geometric patterns, creating a rustic, cozy look. If you lean more feminine, try a crewneck sweater with polka dots, hearts, or a floral design.

A traditional crewneck sweater uses a flat knit, creating a solid piece of fabric with uniform stitches. To add some visual interest while keeping to a single color, look for a sweater with textural details. 

Cable knit is a common style of knitting that creates the look of twisted cables running the length of the sweater. It looks classic, cozy, and rustic. Waffle knit is another common style that creates a texture that looks like little squares. It has a more casual vibe than flat knit.

The thickness of the sweater can affect the texture and ranges from super chunky to delicate and lacy. Another way to add textural interest is to pick a material that has texture. For example, mohair is fluffy, while a tweed knit has little spots of thicker colored yarn to create a nubby look.

If you really want to change things up, look for a crewneck sweater that plays around with shape. For a relaxed look, try a slouchy sweater with drop shoulders. For something more modern, try a cropped, boxy sweater. If you like showing off your layers, opt for a cardigan. 

Unique sleeves are a great way to add interest. Try balloon sleeves, puff sleeves, batwing sleeves, short sleeves, or even no sleeves at all!

Our list includes a range of crewneck sweaters, from classic fits to more daring silhouettes. We've also included a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, and synthetics.

There's no such thing as too many sweaters. Check out more of our favorite knitted picks!

Author: Melissa Jong

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