I Tried On Many J.Crew and Madewell Sweaters—These 9 Are Keepers

As I'm someone who counts sweaters as one of their top three favorite clothing items, you're in good hands with this one. I scrolled through the dozens of options at J.Crew and Madewell and carefully chose the most stylish ones to try on for your shopping consideration. These six J.Crew and three Madewell sweaters are the cream of the knitwear crop, and I'm here to tell you exactly why.

I've been wearing J.Crew and Madewell sweaters for many years, so I stand behind my words when I say that these sister brands make some of the best sweaters on the market, and that's been the case for a very long time. The nine sweaters I chose to show you prove this quite well. 

Below, you'll find the J.Crew and Madewell sweaters I'd buy in a heartbeat this season, modeled by me. And the great news is that they're all on sale for Black Friday week, so shop them before they're gone.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

My thoughts: First of all, the fit of this is perfect—a little loose, a little fitted. It'd be a great option for layering, as it's on the thin side but also quite warm, especially given the folded-over turtleneck. The gray looks particularly cozy, but I'd honestly order it in multiple colors. It's that good of a basic.

Shop the sweater:

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

My thoughts: Everyone is even more obsessed than usual with striped sweaters this season, myself included. When I came across this Madewell iteration, I was instantly sold, especially since it was cashmere and under $150. It has the perfect oversize fit, and I can see myself wearing it casually with jeans, draped over my shoulders, or tied around my waist with a slip dress à la the Bottega Veneta F/W 22 runway.

Shop the sweater:

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

My thoughts: This sweater is just ridiculously cozy. I was initially drawn to it because of the trendy color, which is so pretty in person, and the gold zipper and large collar also make it look very luxe. Add to that the fluffy coziness and you have a very worth-it buy.

Shop the sweater:

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

My thoughts: This is one of those cardigans that could easily double as a jacket, as it's on the thick side and holds its shape well. The pretty gold buttons and camel make it look ultra-expensive. I think you'll love it, too, but act fast—it's on its way to selling out.

Shop the sweater:

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

My thoughts: I loved this sweater because it can be worn year-round. Since it's cotton and loosely knitted, you could easily wear it on the beach at night in the summer or in the winter layered over a turtleneck. It also comes in a pretty blue.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

My thoughts: I was intrigued by this cardigan because the color and floral jacquard gave it a fun retro look. I loved it even more when I tried it on, as it had a nice boxy fit and a great length.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

My thoughts: I'm not really a big fan of red sweaters, but I was drawn to this fun poppy. The holidays are coming up, so I gave it a shot. I'm still thinking about how soft it was and would much rather be wearing it right now than the itchy sweater I'm actually wearing. It's cozy but definitely thin enough to tuck in, which is exactly what I look for in a non-cropped sweater.

Shop the sweater:

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

My thoughts: Hello, winter. This sweater is very specific, but every year, I wish I had a festive one to wear to a festive gathering. This one appealed to me because you can wear it all winter long as opposed to just around the holidays. Like the previous J.Crew sweater (the red one), this is wildly soft and cozy without being heavy. I highly recommend it if you want something super wintery to wear with jeans.

Shop the sweater:

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

My thoughts: If I were a sweater, I think I'd be a cropped camel one, so trying this one was a must. The fit was lovely and semi-boxy, and the V-neck is great for wearing with necklaces (something I often forget is a thing in the winter). It's just a great classic sweater I'd reach for year after year on chilly days.

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Shop More of My Favorite J.Crew and Madewell Sweaters

Next up, 29 Chunky Knits That Look Great With Jeans

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.