Every fall and winter, I take incredible pleasure in finding my clients stylish non-itchy sweaters. No one wants an itchy sweater, least of all me. My skin is very sensitive, and I have some clients who are even more sensitive than I am.
Non Itchy Sweater Material
Is cashmere itchy? Is acrylic itchy? Is wool itchy? These are the questions we wish we had straightforward answers to, but alas, we don’t. When it comes to non-itchy sweaters, it’s usually about the quality of the combination of the materials, rather than one specific material by itself. But here’s my brief guide to non-itchy sweater material…
- Wool: Yes, generally itchy
- Cashmere: Poor quality cashmere, Yes
- Alpaca: Sometimes
- Acrylic: Sometimes
- Polyester: No
- Cotton: No
- Rayon: No
- Viscose: No
- Nylon: No
- Silk: No
If you are in a store, it is relatively easy to try on a sweater and realize it’s itchy. In that journey, you will find some exceptionally soft, non-itchy wool blends, cashmere, and acrylic sweaters, but online shopping is a different beast. To ensure the arrival of a non-itchy sweater, you must look at the product details and see the breakdown of the materials. As long as the majority is a mixture of the rarely-to-never-itchy materials listed above, you should be safe. Unless of course, you have a genuine fabric allergy. Those who have fabric allergies may experience skin irritation along with burning eyes and chest tightness. If you think you have a fabric allergy, you should have a medical professional perform an allergy test.
The Softest Sweater Material
Obviously, if you are allergic, skip any item that has any amount of the material you’re allergic to. But many of us do not have any allergies, we are just super sensitive and desperate for the softest sweater material. In this case, purchase sweaters made of 100% cotton or a cotton or rayon blend. This blend can include polyester, viscose, nylon, and/or silk. If you want the absolutely softest sweater material, here are my favorite fabric combinations for softness:
- Cotton + Silk Blend
- Cotton + Rayon
- Rayon + Polyester Blend
- Cotton + Polyester Blend
Keep in mind, a hint of nylon and viscose is never an irritating addition unless, of course, you are allergic to those fabrics as we discussed above.
Now, all that data is well in good, but nothing beats personal research. Below I’ve listed my favorite non-itchy sweaters that I have personally put on myself and my clients. I’ve included their material breakdown, so you can see how the softest sweater material can vary.
Note: If you accidentally bought an itchy sweater that you don’t want to part with, check out my tips on How To Make A Sweater Less Itchy.
Lauren Ralph Lauren Crop Cotton Blend Cardigan
Available at Nordstrom, Belk, and Dillard’s.
Sizing: S-XXL
Material: 60% cotton, 40% modal
Treasure & Bond Relaxed V-Neck Sweater
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: XXS-XL
Itch Factor: None
Material: 40% viscose, 30% nylon, 25% recycled polyester, 5% wool
AQUA Cashmere Palm Tree Intarsia Crewneck
I adore the fun cashmere sweaters that Bloomingdale’s in-house line Aqua puts out every year. But it really is a case-by-case situation when it comes to itchiness. I’m happy to report though that this palm tree cashmere sweater is not itchy! One client did say she found the cuffs a teeny bit itchy, but they didn’t bother me at all and I’m usually very sensitive when it comes to itchiness.
Available at Bloomingdale’s.
Sizing: XS-XXL
Itch Factor: None. Though one client did say she found the cuffs on the sweater a teeny bit itchy.
Material: 100% cashmere
Vince Camuto Rib Sweater
This sweater would pair perfectly with white jeans for a chic look this winter.
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: XXS-XXL
Itch Factor: None
Material: 73% acrylic, 24% polyester, 3% spandex
Caslon Weekend Stripe Cardigan
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: 1X-4X
Itch Factor: None
Material: 38% recycled polyester, 33% wool, 26% acrylic, 3% spandex
Eileen Fisher V-Neck Organic Cotton & Cashmere Blend Sweater
Available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Dillard’s; available in plus sizes at Nordstrom.
Sizing: XXS-XL; 1X-3X
Itch Factor: None
Material: 92% organic cotton, 5% cashmere, 3% recycled polyester
BP. Seamed Oversize V-Neck Rib Sweater
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: Runs big. Order one size down. Available in XS-XL.
Itch Factor: None
Material: 57% cotton, 25% nylon, 18% polyester
Treasure & Bond Oversize V-Neck Sweater
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: 1X-4X
Itch Factor: None
Material: 56% Cotton, 19% acrylic, 18% polyester, 5% nylon, 2% spandex
Vince Variegated Stripe Cotton Sweater
Available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Shopbop, Zappos, and Vince.
Sizing: XXS-XL
Itch Factor: None
Material: 100% cotton
Varley Janie Half Zip Knit Sweater
Available at Revolve, Zappos, NET-A-PORTER, and Varley.
Sizing: Order one size down. Available in XS-XL.
Itch Factor: None
Material: 44% viscose, 28% nylon, 28% polyester
BP. Relaxed Reversible Sweater
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: Runs big. Order one size down. Available in XXS-XXL.
Itch Factor: None
Material: 60% cotton, 40% acrylic
L’Academie Harvey Pullover
As mentioned in my Best of Best post, this non-itchy sweater is extremely soft and the perfect cropped length for wide leg pants.
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: Runs big. Order one size down. Available in XS-L.
Itch Factor: None
Material: 45% rayon, 40% nylon, 15% polyester
Endless Rose Fuzzy V-Neck Rib Sweater
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: Runs big. Order two sizes down. Available in XS-L.
Itch Factor: Minimal
Material: 70% polyester, 21% nylon, 8% wool, 1% spandex
Free People x We The Free Into You Pullover
Available at Revolve, Belk, and Backcountry.
Sizing: Runs big. Order two sizes down. Available in XS-XL.
Itch Factor: None
Material: 92% cotton, 7% polyamide, 1% elastane
Stitches & Stripes Jake V-Neck
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: Runs big. Order one size down. Available in XS-XL.
Itch Factor: None
Material: 100% cotton
John & Jenn by Line Dylan Sweater
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: Runs big. Order one size down. Available in XS-XL.
Itch Factor: None
Material: 60% cotton, 40% acrylic
Camila Coelho Daria Cable Sweater
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: Runs true to size. Available in XXS-XL.
Itch Factor: Minimal
Material:58% cotton, 39% acrylic, 3% elastane
Varley Calva Sweater
Available at Revolve and Varley.
Sizing: Runs big. Order 1-2 sizes down. Available in XS-XL.
Itch Factor: None
Material: 100% cotton
Treasure & Bond Relaxed V-Neck Sweater
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: S-L
Itch Factor: None
Material: 40% Lenzing™ EcoVero™ viscose, 33% nylon, 25% polyester, 2% cashmere
Nic+Zoe Shaker Stitch V-Neck Sweater
This stylish non-itchy sweater by Nic + Zoe is available at Amazon.
Sizing: Runs slightly big. Order your true size as well as a size down to compare. Available in XS-XXL.
Itch Factor: None.
Fabric Content: 80% cotton, 20% rayon
Nic+Zoe Femme Sleeve Space Dye Sweater
This non-itchy sweater is available at Amazon and Zappos.
Sizing: Runs true to size, but order a size down as well to compare. Available in XS-XXL.
Itch Factor: None.
Fabric Content: 58% cotton, 18% rayon, 12% nylon, 12% viscose
Free the Roses Endless Rose Oversize Deep-V Sweater
I love a white sweater. I don’t care how easy it is to get dirty. A white sweater is so lush and luxurious in the winter.
Available at Nordstrom, Belk, and Free the Roses.
Sizing: Runs big. Order one or two sizes down. Available in XS-L.
Itch Factor: None
Material: 55% acrylic, 45% cotton
Stylish Non-itchy Sweaters From Years Past
I originally wrote this post on non-itchy sweaters years ago and update it regularly due to its popularity. I’ve left these photos below for nostalgic purposes. Whenever I update older posts, I love to hold on to a collection of images as a bit of a time capsule so we can watch how our style evolves.
Splendid August Pointelle Sleeve Sweater
My clients are loving this sweater. Don’t forget to do a little front tuck to create an even more flattering silhouette.
Sizing: Runs true to size. Available in XS-XL.
Itch Factor: None.
Fabric Content: 72% viscose, 28% polyester.
Sioni Puff Sleeve V Neck Sweater
Sizing: True to size. Available in S-XL.
Itch Factor: None.
Fabric Content: 49% rayon, 29% polyester, 22% nylon
Treasure & Bond V-Neck Sweater
You may recognize this sweater from my post on Stylish Long Sleeve Shirts. This sweater by Treasure & Bond deserves a spot in both posts because it’s both non-itchy and lightweight enough to mask as a long sleeve shirt. Plus, the soft v-neck is so flattering and it comes in an array of colors.
Sizing: Runs slightly big. If between sizes, order one size down. Available in XXS-XL.
Itch Factor: Zero!
Fabric Content: 40% Lenzing™ EcoVero™ viscose, 33% nylon, 25% polyester, 2% cashmere.
J.Crew Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater in Stretch Yarn
This J.Crew sweater has ZERO itch. It is crazy yummy soft, and one of the best sweaters of the season.
Sizing: Runs true to size. Available in XXXS-3X.
Itch Factor: None.
Fabric Content: 72% viscose/28% polyester
AQUA x Kerri Rosenthal Heart Patch Stripe Cardigan
I adore this striped sweater by Aqua. It’s so cozy and charming. And yes, you can wear a cardigan as a shirt, like I’m doing in the photo. Check out my post on How To Wear A Cardigan As A Shirt for tips on pulling off the look.
Sizing: Runs large. Order 1-2 sizes down. Available in XS-XL.
Itch Factor: Zero!
Fabric Content: 80% rayon, 20% nylon
Sioni Mixed Media V Neck Sweater
Sizing: True to size. Available in S-XL.
Itch Factor: None.
Fabric Content: Shell: 49% rayon, 29% polyester, 22% nylon; Trim: 100% polyester
AQUA Distressed V-Neck Cashmere Sweater
This is a fantastic take on the usual boring v-neck cashmere sweater. Tuck in a little of the front hem into your jeans or pants for a super flattering look.
Sizing: Runs true to size. Available in XS-XL.
Itch Factor: Mild.
Fabric Content: 100% cashmere.
1.State V-Neck Sweater
This 1.State stylish long sleeve sweater is available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: Runs slightly large, order your true size as well as one size down.
Itch Factor: None.
Fabric Content: 73% acrylic, 24% polyester, 3% spandex
Open Edit Semisheer V-Neck Dolman Sleeve Sweater
Sizing: True to size. It is supposed to be baggier in the arms and torso, and then snugger in the hip area. You will tuck this sweater in for a beautiful blouse look.
Itch Factor: None.
Fabric Content: 40% viscose, 30% nylon, 25% polyester, 5% wool
Pilcro Mock-Neck Cable-Knit Sweater
This stylish non-itchy sweater is available at Anthropologie.
Sizing: Runs slightly large. Order your true size as well as a size down to compare.
Itch Factor: None.
Fabric Content: 58% cotton, 35% acrylic, 6% polyester, 1% elastane
Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Blend Sweater
You are going to love the coziness of this Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Blend Sweater. And I am loving a baby blue sweater right now. So refreshing.
Sizing Tip: Runs large. Order a size or two down.
J.Crew Collection Cable Mock Neck Sweater
This chunky cotton blend J.Crew Collection Cable Mock Neck Sweater is for you slim ladies. It intentionally adds weight and drama to your sweater and jean look. This sweater is available at Nordstrom and J.Crew.
Sizing Tip: Runs a bit big, order a size down for a less bulky look.
Caslon Spacedye V-Neck Sweater
This Caslon stylish sweater is available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: Runs true to size.
Itch Factor: None
Fabric Content: 70% acrylic, 30% nylon
Chaus Off the Shoulder Chevron Cotton Sweater
This Chaus Off the Shoulder Chevron Cotton Sweater will give your leggings a sexy, warm look this winter. Pair it with a delicate necklace.
Sizing Tip: Runs true to size.
Dolan Left Coast Pointelle Top
This Dolan Left Coast non-itchy sweater is available at Anthropologie.
Sizing: Runs true to size.
Itch Factor: None.
Fabric Content: Rayon, with pointelle knit acrylic sleeves
BP V Neck Cotton Sweater
This BP V Neck Cotton Sweater is super soft (of course). It works great tucked into skirts.
Sizing Tip: This brand usually runs small, but this sweater runs large. Order a size down.
French Connection Zoe Chunky Sweater
This French Connection Zoe Chunky Sweater is the epitome of stylish non-itchy sweaters. The sleeves might not be the best option for keeping your sweater out of your soup, but I can’t get enough of this look. Pair it with leggings and skinny pants.
Sizing Tip: Runs large in the width. Order a size down. Note, when you order a size down, the length will be shorter.
Dreamers By Debut Cowl Neck Sweater
The mustard color of this Dreamers By Debut Cowl Neck Sweater is everything — and the sweater feels like pajamas.
Sizing Tip: Runs large. Order a size down.
Joie Colorblock Cotton Sweater
This Joie Colorblock Cotton Sweater is wonderfully sporty and itch-free.
Sizing Tip: Runs true to size, but I would order a size up as well to compare fits.
