Dressing for spring is one of the most confusing times for your closet — it’s too warm for your chunkiest knits, but too cold for just a trusty tee. As a shopping editor who lives in New York City’s drastically changing temperatures, I’m always in search of clothing that’ll bridge the gap between seasons. My personal secret? This surprisingly affordable, 100% cashmere sweater from Quince.
Our editors and experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab love Quince for its budget-friendly clothing and quality materials. The direct-to-consumer brand is known for making luxe-looking apparel — think Italian leather purses, European linen pants, silk skirts and more — without the markups of its brand-name competitors. Hint: Quince even makes our top-tested best value cashmere sweater (which is actually on sale for 60% off right now).
"Cashmere is considered to be a luxury wool fiber and comes from cashmere goats," says Emma Seymour, associate director of the Textiles Lab at the GH Institute. "Compared to regular sheep's wool, cashmere is much finer, softer and smoother, but not all cashmere is equally luxurious and soft...You'll want to consider fiber grade, fabric structure and the fabric opacity [as you shop]."
As someone who'd never tried Quince's products before, I was slightly dubious that an under-$150, 100% cashmere sweater could really live up to the hype. But I'll admit: I was absolutely wrong.
The Quince Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Sweater is a best-seller for a reason. I instantly fell in love with its mid-weight design that's effortless to throw on over a T-shirt and wear under jackets without feeling bulky. The boxy silhouette, which hits slightly below hip-length on me, is easy to tuck into trousers or even style over your favorite midi skirt for warmer weather. I'm also a fan of the quarter-zip detail, which looks quite polished when zipped up, but also lends itself to a more relaxed style when open — giving you even more styling options to play with.
What truly stands out, though, is the fabric. According to Quince, it's made with 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere — aka the highest-quality cashmere, per to our pros.
"Cashmere is graded on properties including length, color and diameter," Seymour says. "A cashmere labeled 'Grade A' is expensive but soft and more durable than cashmere grades B or C."
GH staffers who have worn the brand continue to be impressed by the overall quality and soft feel of Quince's cashmere products, especially for the price. After wearing the sweater constantly and gently washing it several times, I'm happy to report that it hasn't shrank or started pilling. And while the cream-colored version I have is temporarily out of stock, you can still shop it in classic black or a soothing gray hue. Just note that the sweater runs a little large, so I recommend sizing down if you're in between sizes.
"[This sweater] has become a staple in my closet and goes with everything I own," raved one reviewer on Quince's site. "It has a beautiful style, is so soft and warm, and I receive many compliments on it every time I wear it. The quality is outstanding and it has become my new go-to!"
Since this sweater is so layerable, it's a great wardrobe staple for spring's fluctuating temperatures. But why stop there? Shop more of our editors' favorite Quince fashion finds to ring in warmer weather:
Quince Best-Sellers for Spring
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Sweater
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant
Quince Classic Italian Leather Tote
Quince 100% Washable Silk Maxi Skirt
Samantha is a lifestyle commerce editor at Hearst magazines, where she covers fashion, fitness gear, tech, and viral products. She has over six years of editorial experience, including writing, editing, and hands-on product testing for commerce stories—whether it be an in-depth running shoe review or a curation of the latest Prime Day deals. As an avid runner and former Division I athlete, Samantha has particular expertise in fitness gear, apparel, shoes, and tech. (In fact, when she’s not at her desk, she’s probably out for a run.)
You can find Samantha’s work in Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Country Living, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, PEOPLE, and more.
