We used to associate wool sweaters with being trapped in itchy, sweaty, bulky hotboxes that we had to endure until our parents finally let us take them off. In the years since, weaving techniques and treatments have turned these wearable saunas into soft, breathable, premium garments.

　　Most wool varieties come from sheep (especially the lauded merino), but others come from goats, alpaca, and even the occasional muskox. Super-soft cashmere was once extremely expensive, but now many cashmere sweaters are priced to fit many budgets. For the outdoorsman, merino wool has sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties that rival synthetic materials. As a bonus, merino naturally limits odor.

　　To develop this list, we tested dozens of sweaters from brands including Patagonia, Smartwool, Ibex, and Pendleton. We donned sweaters for active and casual use, assessing breathability in the mountains and comfort at the bar. Our testing process spans multiple winter seasons, and well continue to consider new styles as they hit the market going forward.

　　Whether you’re looking for a gift for a loved one or some cozy self-love, there are many sweaters across a variety of price points that are perfect for any situation. So get a fire going, pour a hot cup of cocoa, and check out our list of the best wool sweaters of 2024.

　　Editors Note: We updated this guide on November 26, 2024, to add two new products: the all-weather Dale of Norway Vegard Windstopper Hoodie and our new best hoodie, the Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Hoodie.

　　The Best Wool Sweaters of 2024 Best Overall Wool Sweater:Pendleton Original Westerley Sweater Best Bargain Wool Sweater:Outdoor Voices MegaFleece Snap Up Pullover Best All-Weather Wool Sweater: Dale of Norway Vegard Windstopper Hoodie Best Hoodie: Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Hoodie Best Full Zip:Ibex Shak Jacket Pendleton Original Westerley Sweater Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon

　　Specs Style: Full-zip cardigan Material: 100% lambs wool Pros Iconic vintage styling Warm Comfortable Cons Not ideal for technical use Andrew Potter Founded in 1863, Portland, Oregon-based Pendleton Woolen Mills is one of the most revered purveyors of tweed, flannel, and wool apparel. Now in its sixth generation of family ownership, Pendleton’s Original Westerley Sweater ($249) became a pop culture icon with its prominent role in the legendary Coen Brothers film “The Big Lebowski.”

　　The sweater originally debuted in 1972 but has been resurrected by popular demand. It remains a versatile, cozy piece of menswear that can double as a conversation starter.

　　Icon status aside, the Westerley is an immaculately knit, heavy wool sweater with great fit and feel. The lambswool material is warm, and the dense knit gives it the soothing feel of a weighted blanket. The styling is truly timeless, looking as great now as it did 50 years ago. Even wearers who’ve never seen the movie will appreciate the Westerley’s combination of style and comfort.

　　Though this sweater is geared toward casual use, we found it slotted in well on mellow winter adventures. We snowshoed and cross country skied in the Westerly, and it never felt sweaty or restrictive. Plus, we attracted numerous compliments from others on the trail.

　　Best Budget Wool Sweater Outdoor Voices MegaFleece Snap Up Pullover Check Price at Outdoor Voices

　　Specs Style: Snap-up pullover Material: 63% reclaimed wool/24% nylon/13% polyester Pros Warm Stylish Great deal for the price Cons Bulky for certain activities Takes a while to dry Andrew Potter Outdoor Voices is making a name for itself rather quickly in the outdoor industry, and the MegaFleece Snap Up ($138) didn’t disappoint. While not exactly viable for high-energy activities, this wool sweater is a great addition to the fall-winter wardrobe.

　　More rigid than conventional wool sweaters, the Snap Up still has a good amount of stretch for its weight. The cuffs are durable, the material cozy, and we found the fit to be spot on.

　　The MegaFleece probably serves best as a primary outer layer. It’s a bit too beefy to be worn under another jacket. The front pouch pocket has a hidden zip pocket within, which is quite large (big enough for a phone, keys, wallet, and whatever else you want to squeeze in).

　　The only downside is that this sweater is hand-wash only, and took quite a long time to dry. If you wash it to wear it the next day, you’ll have to dry it in front of a fire for it to be ready in time. That said, after hand-washing and drying it twice, the material felt the same. It actually softened up a little bit and became more pleasant on the skin.

　　The MegaFleece Snap Up looks and feels great, making it an ideal sweater to take the bite out of the cold. It was also surprisingly wind-resistant, and the bone colorway kept us cool when the high-altitude sun poked through the clouds.

　　Best All-Weather Wool Sweater Dale of Norway Vegard Windstopper Hoodie Check price at The Nordic Shop

　　Specs Style: Half-zip hooded pullover Material: 100% Norwegian wool, windproof lining Pros High-quality, ultra-fine wool Windproof and waterproof Beautiful design Cons Very Pricey Gets extra toasty when the weather warms up Andrew Potter How do you improve on wool’s myriad technical properties? In the case of the Dale of Norway Vegard Windstopper Hoodie ($595), you treat that wool for extra water and dirt resistance and pair it with a windproof lining. Between the treated wool and windproof lining, the sweater has a waterproof rating of 8,000 mm.

　　The result is a sweater that moonlights as a jacket when the weather gets sloppy. We’ve worn the Vegard on blustery days where the wind would cut through other sweaters like a knife and felt completely comfortable. The Norwegian wool exterior is soft but doesn’t feel fragile — we’ve hiked through brush without worrying about snags. 

　　We love the soft merino-lined hood’s generous fit and the two zippered front pockets, which held all of our EDC gear with room to spare. Plus, it just plain looks cool. The Vergard takes its pattern from 50s and 60s sweater styles and sports classic Norwegian-style features. 

　　If you don’t live where the weather is regularly blustery, a $600 sweater is probably overkill. And when the sun breaks through the clouds, this bad boy really heats up. But if you’re in need of a sweater that can pull double-duty as an outer layer, the Vegard is more than up to the challenge. 

　　Best Hooded Wool Sweater Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Hoodie $140 at Royal Robbins

　　Specs Style: Pullover hoodie Material: 100% merino wool Pros Integrated hood adds versatility and sun protection Lightweight Breathable Great for active use Cons Merino can be a bit prickly Has that wet dog smell when you get it wet. Andrew Potter You can’t go wrong with merino wool. The Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Hoodie ($140) is a perfect choice for getting outside. Built with skiing, climbing, and hiking in mind, the Rockcraft is a performance hoodie with all of the benefits of merino wool, including moisture wicking, odor resistance, and temperature regulation. Plus, it dries quickly, which came in handy when we whipped off our packs for quick breathers.

　　The saddle shoulder keeps the seams off the top of your shoulder, which means zero irritation when wearing a backpack. The 7-gauge stitching adds a measure of durability that’ll come in handy when dragging yourself up a 5.10 wall. 

　　The generous hood provides some sun protection on sunny winter days, and it fits well over a climbing or cycling helmet. We’d love to have had some pockets (we never know what to do with our hands), but overall, we can’t find a cool-weather situation where this hoodie wouldn’t be a great fit.

　　Best Full Zip Wool Jacket Ibex Shak Jacket Check Price at IBEXCheck Price at Amazon

　　Specs Style: Full-zip sweater Materials: 100% merino Pros Warm for its weight Classic, simple styling High-quality zippers Cons Expensive Andrew Potter The Shak Jacket ($260) from Ibex is the quintessential modern Merino jacket. It’s light, luxuriously soft, and suitable for both the front and backcountry. It easily combines with a button-up and dress shoes at the office, yet it’s plenty stretchy and breathable for a cross-continental bike-packing trip. It’s a bit pricey, but it offers unparalleled utility.

　　Made from 100% fine Merino fibers, the Shak is buttery soft against the skin and can be worn with or without an undershirt. It breathes well and effectively prevents perspiration — if you do sweat in the Shak, it dries in an instant. Three zippered pockets (one chest and two hand) open and close smoothly, even after dozens of wears.

　　Ibex clothing is generally built with active use in mind. If youre seeking a reliable new midlayer for backcountry skiing or winter camping, you cant go wrong with the Shak.

　　Other Great Wool Sweaters We tested dozens of sweaters for this guide, but only a few really stood out. While the awarded sweaters are top tier, others also deserved recognition. Here are some other sweaters that are worth a look.

　　Smartwool Sparwood Crew Sweater Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

　　Specs Style: Lightweight classic crew Material: 55% recycled polyester, 30% merino wool, 15% nylon Pros Comfortable Great warmth-to-weight ratio Black marl gives it a textured look Cons Very athletic fit Not ideal as activewear Andrew Potter Smartwool is known for its Merino wool craftsmanship, and the Sparwood Crew Sweater ($105) lived up to the hype. Aside from being incredibly comfortable, this sweater is surprisingly versatile.

　　Designed like a single-knit jersey, wools stretchy qualities are on full display with this sweater. It fits to your body while maintaining its form, making it applicable as a layer on cold days, or as a primary casual top. It can even be dressed up with a collar for more formal events.

　　The sweater’s ribbed cuffs and collar are functional but not obvious, and we found the overall weight ideal for preserving heat while maintaining breathability. While primarily known for its baselayers, Smartwool has transitioned well to casual wear, as the Sparwood Crew is one of the best sweaters to have in your wardrobe. 

　　Note: The fit of the Sparwood Crew Sweater is a bit athletic, so we’d recommend sizing up if you have broad shoulders, or if you simply want a looser, more relaxed fit.

　　Patagonia Recycled Cashmere Crewneck Sweater Check Price at Patagonia

　　Specs Style: Crewneck pullover Material: 95% recycled cashmere, 5% wool Pros Fine, wonderfully soft texture Good value for cashmere Lightweight yet warm Cons A bit delicate Andrew Potter If you’re looking at buying cashmere but don’t want to empty your bank account to do it, the Recycled Cashmere Crewneck from Patagonia ($199) is the way to go. It has all the feel of cashmere but with half the price tag.

　　Cashmere is made from the undercoat of Kashmir goats. This undercoat fiber is very fine, producing an extremely soft feel. Due to the low yield of fibers per goat, cashmere wool is very pricey and highly sought after. Because of this demand, overbreeding of Kashmir goats has wreaked havoc on the Mongolian region where they live. The sheer number of goats in the area has decimated plant life. This contributes to the desertification of the region.

　　To combat this, Patagonia is making recycled cashmere apparel using pre-consumer scraps from European factories. These scraps are blended with a small amount of virgin wool. The result is a sweater that has the fit and feel of cashmere with a fraction of the environmental impact (not to mention a fraction of the price).

　　This simple crewneck is comfy, soft, and highly versatile. It thrives as an everyday midlayer in the autumn and winter. Like most other cashmere sweaters, it isnt the most durable. Keep an eye out for snags while on the move.

　　Fjallraven Ovik Zip Cardigan Check Price at Fjallraven

　　Specs Style: High-neck zip cardigan Material: 100% wool Pros Durable Dries quickly Versatile Cons Can feel a bit scratchy without an undershirt Andrew Potter A great blend of form and function, Fjallraven’s Ovik Zip Cardigan ($250) is a 100% wool cardigan that works well for technical applications. It’s a classic time-worn garment. The dense weave resists pilling and holds up well in rugged environments.

　　We’ve worn the Ovik while backpacking during the shoulder seasons. The cardigan was warm and cozy in the cool morning air, and even the sweaty spots stayed warm when we started to perspire. As the day heated up, the sweater channeled away sweat and dried quickly. When we were done, there were no visible loose threads and the sweater showed very little wear from pack rubbing.

　　What’s more, the cardigan looks great. Its style makes it work just as well out to dinner or drinks as it does on the trail.

　　At $250, the Ovik is a significant investment. In our experience, the price-tag has been justified by many years of consistent use. Cardigans never go out of style, so it pays to pick a durable one.

　　Wool Sweater Comparison Chart

　　Our editors hard at work testing wool sweaters in South Lake Tahoe; (photo/Tucker Adams) Our Expert Testers Our lead wool sweater tester is Andrew Potter. Based on the east side of Californias High Sierra, Potter faces an annual long winter season — a perfect time to sample cozy sweaters. To put this list together, Potter rocked dozens of sweaters during all sorts of casual and active affairs. Affiliate Managing Editor Billy Brown wrote the original article and came back for the latest update to lend his cozy expertise.

　　Our Testing Process For this guide, we considered the most durable, highly acclaimed, well-constructed, and environmentally responsible wool sweater styles. We’ve made sure to include options that will satisfy folks on all sorts of outdoor pursuits, from alpine first ascents to casual bike rides to work. Since the most stylish sweater may not be the best option for a chilly fall day of yard work, we’ve taken care to consider each ones best applications and limitations.

　　From snowy environments in the Rockies to summer evening campfire hangs, we tested sweaters in every season and every region. Our crew has used these jackets for urban commutes, rock climbing, backcountry skiing and splitboarding, bikepacking, and alpine skiing. The testers ranged from AIARE-certified backcountry venturers to lifelong recreationists.

　　The Pendleton Westerley Sweater offers a classic look and reliable comfort; (photo/Pendelton) Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Wool Sweater Materials There are many varieties of wool coming from a wide range of animals. This variety ensures that there are wools for a myriad of applications, but it also adds confusion when it comes to buying a sweater. We’ve taken a few of the most common (or interesting) wools and given them a brief look to give you an idea of which type is right for you.

　　Lambswool As its name suggests, lambswool comes from the first shearing of a young sheep. This usually takes place when the animal is around 7 months old. The resulting wool is exceptionally smooth and fine, resulting in a notably soft feel. This softness makes it ideal for next-to-skin uses, like hats and gloves. Its hypoallergenic properties and resistance to dust mites also make lambswool great for bedding. On this list, the Pendleton Westerly Sweater is made from 100% lambswool.

　　Merino Wool Highly regarded for its breathability and sweat-wicking properties, Merino wool is sheared from Merino sheep. The fibers are very soft as well, which makes Merino ideal for base layers and running apparel. This wool is also known for its ability to resist body odor, which makes it great for multiday trips and stage races.

　　Merino wool sweaters are often on the pricier side. This is due to the scouring process required to remove the grease in the material. This scouring entails washing the wool in chemicals to remove the grease, resulting in roughly half of the initial wool. On this list, the Ibex Shak Jacket is made from 100% Merino.

　　Alpaca wool makes an unusual yet comfortable sweater; (photo/Appalachian Gear Company) Alpaca Wool These South American camelids produce hollow fibers, which makes alpaca wool a great lightweight insulator. Not only is it lighter and warmer than sheep’s wool, but alpaca wool is also extremely soft. It’s comparable to cashmere in softness, but it’s quite a bit stronger. Alpaca’s excellent breathability and quick-drying properties make it an ideal material for insulative midlayers. On this list, the Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Hoodie is made from 100% Alpaca wool.

　　Shetland Wool Sheared from sheep from Scotland’s Shetland Islands, this wool is thicker and coarser than other wools. Shetland sheep live in a colder climate, which results in the unique properties of this wool. You can find this wool in tweeds and Fair Isle sweaters, like Pendleton’s Original Westerley.

　　Camel Hair Most of this wool comes from Bactrian camels, which are generally found in Mongolia, China, and Russia. Rather than being sheared, it’s collected when the camels molt. The wool’s hollow fibers are finer and longer than sheep’s wool. This makes it about as soft as cashmere. Most often, the wool is kept in its natural color, a pleasing golden brown.

　　Cashmere This wool is shorn from the undercoats of cashmere goats at the beginning of the molting season. This undercoat yields exceptionally fine fibers and produces the super-soft sweaters and apparel cashmere is known for.

　　Cashmere is also known for its high price due to the low yield per goat. Because this wool is exclusively from the undercoat, a single sweater requires shearing several goats. On this list, the Patagonia Recycled Cashmere Crewneck is made from 95% cashmere.

　　Angora Despite the name, Angora wool isn’t sheared from Angora goats. (Shearing Angora goats results in a material called mohair.) It comes from Angora rabbits, which is so cool we had to include it here.

　　These fibers are the lightest and warmest we’ve worn thanks to their smooth, hollow fibers. If you’ve ever petted a bunny, you’ll have an idea of how soft this is. But this softness comes with some caveats.

　　First, Angora sweaters are prone to matting and pilling, so Angora fiber is generally mixed with other fibers to enhance durability. Second, that fineness requires breeders to comb the rabbits daily. While it’s probably great for the rabbits and a job we’d gladly apply for, it adds to the wool’s substantial price.

　　Wool sweaters thrive when the clouds roll in; (photo/Smartwool) How to Choose the Best Wool Sweater for You The best wool sweaters are known for their warmth-to-weight ratio, which makes them ideal for both active and casual use. That said, there are wool sweaters that specialize in both categories, and it’s helpful to know what your intended use is.

　　For purely athletic use, we highly recommend the Yardang Jersey and the Capilene Air Hoody. Both are extremely light for the warmth they provide, and the weaves maintain flexibility that’s ideal for activities like climbing, cycling, and hiking. Wool is always going to be warm — even when its wet. The biggest considerations for active use are going to be flexibility, moisture wicking, and weight. Both of these wool sweaters excel in those categories.

　　For casual use, your options will vary depending on the style you’re interested in. Obviously, the Pendleton Original Westerly sweater is an ideal choice, but we’d also recommend the Outdoor Voices MegaFleece Snap Up and the Smartwool Sparwood Crew. Each option has a different aesthetic, and all three offer a casual look that would also suffice if you happen to find yourself walking instead of opting for a rideshare on a night out.

　　Dale of Norway uses water-resistant treatment and a windproof liner for excellent weather protection; (photo/Tucker Adams) If you want a wool sweater that can do it all, the All-Paca Fleece Hoodie is probably your best bet from this list. As the review implies, it’s ideal for active use, but we also found it to work great for casual use. It looks great, doesn’t have too athletic of a fit, and is extremely comfortable for wherever your day might take you.

　　Price Value The price of wool sweaters can vary due to what type of wool the sweater is made from, its intended use, and other factors. One constant in this category is that wool sweaters are generally pretty pricey — it can be hard to find one for under $100. Heres what you can expect to get in different price ranges.

　　Budget You can find some solid wool sweaters in the under $200 range. Our favorite budget wool sweater, the Outdoor Voices MegaFleece Snap Up Pullover ($138), is durable, offers solid stretch, and looks great. If youre trying to get closer to the $100 mark, the Sparwood Crew Sweater ($105) from Smartwool is stretchy, dries quickly, and works well in both in-town and outdoor settings.

　　Mid-Tier Looking for a little more? In the $200-$300 range, youll find more durable weaves, as youd find in our best overall pick, the Pendleton Original Westerly Sweater ($249), which is still in our regular rotation (if its good enough for The Dude, its good enough for the rest of us). Youll also see more technical options like the Ibex Shak Jacket ($260), a full-zip sweater that is buttery soft and dries extremely quickly.

　　Premium When you spend over $300, you start finding sweaters with unique features and specialty uses, like the Dale of Norway Vegard Windstopper Hoodie ($595). Its pricey, but the Vegards Norwegian wool is treated to be water- and dirt-resistant, and the integrated windproof layer makes it useful as an outer layer when the weather turns against you.

　　Frequently Asked Questions What is the best wool for sweaters?

　　Because different wools have different properties, it all depends on what you want from your sweater. If softness is your priority, look to cashmere, mohair, Angora, and lambswool. If you’re looking for durability, look to Shetland wool and alpaca.

　　For athletic purposes, you’ll need wool that can manage heat and sweat. Alpaca and Merino are both highly regarded for their ability to vent excess heat and dry quickly, which makes them ideal for running, hiking, and other activities. Additionally, they’re odor-resistant, so they can be worn for multiple days or workouts without needing a wash

　　Merino vs. synthetic: Which is better? Merino wool and synthetics are both well-known for their uses in the outdoor and fitness arenas. Both are very effective at wicking away sweat and venting excess heat, but there are a few notable differences.

　　Merino is excellent for its ability to stay warm even when wet. It’s highly breathable, soft to the touch, and highly odor-resistant.

　　On the other hand, wool is often much pricier than synthetic materials. And synthetics tend to be more durable and last longer than wool (unless the wool is bolstered with synthetic material). Some types of wool, such as alpaca, are more durable than others and can result in apparel that’s closer to synthetics in terms of toughness.

　　But synthetic materials soak out quicker when you sweat, can get downright chilly when wet, and are not known for their ability to repel odor. In fact, it seems like they attract odor and hold on for all it’s worth. For us, the smell factor alone tips the scales toward wool. And when you add the ability to stay warm when wet, the softness, and the sheer variety of options available, wool is definitely our choice material for sweaters and base layers.

　　Is Merino wool better than lambswool?

　　Lambswool is taken from the first shearing of a lamb, resulting in soft, fine wool. However, because it can be taken from any sheep, the micron count can vary quite a bit and is often not stated. A smaller micron measurement means finer and softer wool. Merino wool is considered very fine, which means the fibers are smaller than 24 microns in diameter.

　　For an everyday sweater, this isn’t as much of an issue. For travel, adventure, and outdoor purposes, Merino is ideal. It has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, dries quickly, and retains warmth even when wet in cold weather.

　　Merino is more versatile than lambswool and can be useful in a wider range of activities. If you want to be ready for anything, Merino wool is the way to go.

　　Can I wash my sweaters in the washing machine? It depends on the type of sweater. The agitator in a washing machine can ruin the knit of a sweater and can greatly reduce the life of the wool. And always avoid hot water and dryers, as heat will shrink the garment.

　　The best way to find out how to clean your sweater is to check the sweater’s tag for cleaning instructions.

　　If your sweater is machine-washable, do this:

　　Turn your sweater inside out and wash it with like colors. Close all zippers, if any. Use a mild soap or wool detergent. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Lay flat to dry. If you’re drying it outside, make sure it’s in the shade. If your sweater is dry-clean-only, you can probably handwash it. Here’s how:

　　Fill a clean sink, tub, or another basin with cold water, and then add a bit of mild soap or wool detergent. Dip your sweater in and out of the water until it’s soaked, and then gently agitate it in the water. If there are any soiled spots, rub those spots softly with your fingers. When it’s clean, drain the tub and refill it with cold water. Dip and redip the sweater in the water until it’s soap-free. To dry it, lay it on a towel, roll up the towel, and then squeeze it to remove the water. Move it to a drier part of the towel, repeat until the sweater stops dripping, and then lay it out flat to dry. As above, if you lay it out outside, make sure it stays out of the sun.

　　The Best Sun Shirts of 2024 Summertime adventures have two goals in common: Stay cool and avoid sunburn. A good sun shirt like some of our favs from BD, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear can help you do both.

　　The Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2024-2025 We tested the best synthetic insulated jackets from Arc’teryx, The North Face, Patagonia, and more to help you find the best option for your needs and budget.