Friday find: a really good (and affordable!) v-neck sweater
Sometimes the right wardrobe basics can be the hardest pieces to find! I’ve been trying for a couple of years now to replace a very old and worn out navy v-neck cashmere sweater. How hard can it be, right? But everything I tried was either too long, or the v-neck was too deep, or the cut was too oversized, or the navy color all wrong.
necklace | sweater | jeans
(Sizes: sweater – Small, jeans – 28)
Found: an affordable cashmere v-neck sweater!
Some of you have recommended the brand Quince, so I thought I’d take a look. The cut of this $50 cashmere v-neck looked promising (set-in sleeves!!!) and the reviews were glowing. So I ordered two sizes of the Navy (small & medium) to try. (LOTS of other colors available, too.)
I’m wearing the Small here. It’s fitted but not snug. (I’m 5’1″, usually size 6 in tops.) The medium has a slightly slouchier fit. I’m still deciding between the two. If you are taller or longer-waisted, you may find this isn’t long enough for you. One of the reviews mentions that the sleeves are quite long, but I find them to be a normal length.
The cashmere is really soft and lightweight, but not flimsy. Too early to tell about how it wears (pilling, etc), but I like it well enough that I’ve just ordered a second color (to replace one in camel). Size range is XS-XL (16). Unfortunately they don’t seem to offer Plus sizes yet. Shipping and returns are free.
I’m adding this sweater to my January wardrobe capsule; look for a proper outfit post soon!
Here are a few more of their cashmere pieces, all under $100.
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Hi Susan, I’ve been buying from Quince since last year and have never been let down. I find their cashmere holds up better than more expensive brands. This year I purchased the silk slip skirt and had plans to return it but it turned out to be such a lovely and versatile piece. I plan to buy more silk pieces in the future.
I think it is amazing that you can buy a cashmere sweater for only $50 !!
Greetje
This looks great, and it will be interesting to read your verdict about pills, stretching, etc. In the future, when you have two sizes, would you please show us both so we can see for ourselves how much difference there is between the two? I love this look on you!
Great find! Susan , are you bypassing Daffodil? That looks like *your* color and so cheery. Thanks for sharing this!
I notice they have the same price and colors in the crewneck version!
I just ordered three of them.
I love my Quince cashmere sweaters. So far, no pilling. I don’t wash them after every wearing, just let them air out as most cashmere guides recommend, and when I do I wash them, I use a mesh bag on hand-wash cycle, cold, and The Laundress cashmere shampoo. Quince also has great cashmere beanies.
Funny. I ordered same color in crew neck three days ago. I had ordered oatmeal and returned it, since color didn’t suit me. I like the feel of it.
Oh I am so envious of these sweaters. They do not ship to Canada, but I can hope that will change in the future. I need to replace a couple cashmere sweaters and the reviews on these are all positive.
Well, I was about to order one, until I read your review. I’m in Canada too. Oh well, we’ll just have to hope they change their minds about shipping. Cheers. Gayle
I own Quince cashmere and LOVE their products and their focus is on sustainability. I love my wool cardigan, too. Their customer service is amazing.
I have this sweater in the crew neck version in camel. It’s so soft! I’ve worn it a few times & so far, it seems to be holding up well. The weather in my area is not always cold enough for cashmere but I’ve found that this one is light enough that it’s not overheating me. Hopefully, it will not pill too much!
This sweater looks comfy.
Wonder where I could order the equivalent in Canada?
Any thoughts.
Thank you.
Be well.
Perhaps some of my Canadian readers can weigh in.
Maybe try Marks and Spencer? They have a Canadian site.
Just checked… ‘Marks and Sparks’ .ca has Jaeger and Autograph, and as well as their house brand in cashmere, but unless you buy just cashmere socks, the prices are much higher then Quince in the US.
Unfortunate for us living in the True North.
The Bay sells lots of cashmere, I’ve had good luck with their Lord & Taylor (???) ones.
Lands End, J Crew, Madewell as well as Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom use BorderFree. It’s hassle free, all duty and shipping if applicable is charged when you pay so no extra charges at the door. Just be warned some companies do charge for return shipping ( LandsEnd) I just received an email from Quince and, at this time no shipping into Canada. As far as quality is concerned at a decent price point LandsEnd wins for me. Wears like iron and does not pill. Sign up for emails as their cashmere has been on sale since New Years. Bloomingdale’s Aqua and C lines are fantastic and great quality and currently a good sale but always keep your eyes open. Retailers often run 70% sales with free shipping. I bought three 100% cashmere sweaters and a black cashmere wrap from Bloomingdale’s last January…total was less than 200.00CDN! 70% off. NONE of it pills or looks shabby after washing.
Just a word of advice AVOID the Lord and Taylor Cashmere from the Bay at any price..ugh it pills like crazy and looks nasty quickly.
Poshmark is another great choice for pre loved cashmere. Some great finds there!
Another option is to have items shipped to a friend or relative living in the States who can mail it to you.
A big problem with ‘budget’ cashmere is the quality as well as sustainability, fair trade and the humane treatment of animals. I have read Quince business practice information and I think they are pretty transparent. Their pricing is good because they sell direct to the consumer and cut out the middle man. I can’t speak to the quality but Susan has said she will report back about that.
I love my Quince items and I have quite a few. Can’t beat them. Also great service
Very cute, but sold out in my size in pretty much every color 🙁
I ordered my first Quince cashmere sweater recently. It arrived with a small blemish. I sent photos to customer service, received a prompt personal reply telling me a new one was on the way. Didn’t have to go through return paperwork. Very impressive response. Sweater quality excellent as well.
I’ve not purchased from Quince before so thank you for introducing this new store to me! Just ordered the gray heather.
Thank you for the recommendation. I just ordered a gray v neck and a black button up cashmere sweater along with a burgandy silk cami. Excited to try this new (to me) brand! You haven’t steered me wrong yet 😉
My concern is the harvesting of the cashmere when it is so cheap….. are they a sustainable and humane company?
I have had my eye on Quince and would day will try them out. I bought the Chico’s vest bold move for me but l loved the way you styled it Susan. Thank you for your great eye, Happy weekend
I looked at their website, but nowhere could I find the length of the sweater. In the pictures it looked quite short. I would appreciate that information. Susan, I look forward to your blog with my morning coffee, enjoy it so much and often find things for myself as well, though I must say I used to like your colors before the big change, strictly selfishly as they were in my color range. They are great for you, you look wonderful. Thank you for the blog. It’s my favorite.
Hi Violeta, thanks! The back length of the Small is 22.5″, and the Medium is 23″.
I ordered the Quince ivory v neck in two sizes. The wool was too sheer, I returned both. I liked the feel of the wool but don’t need any of the colors they offer. A couple years ago I bought two Vince v necks, the Weekend style, at give away prices at Nordstrom. I love both, the weight is slightly heavier than Quince.
The blues of jeans and top are lovely on you. If you plan to layer I would go for medium. A soft pale blue silk/cotton shirt or white T would look great. Also sometimes cashmere shrinks a little in the first wash.
I hope you don’t mind me commenting that the exercise program you are doing has had a very positive effect on your posture. Especially important for us all now that we spend so much time in front of a screen.
Yes to this sweater and that v-neck is very flattering. I will check out Quince for sure.
Everybody needs a v neck navy sweater like this! Great colour and the v neck is much more flattering than a turtle or crew neck on most.
Now that jeans are higher waisted, we can get by with shorter sweaters again. Yay!
I’m chiming in again. I have smalls in the crew and v neck. I find the small in the v neck to run slightly small and the crew necks to run slightly large. If this helps anyone. The length hits upper hip. At 5’4 , short waisted but longer legs I like where it hits. Also the v necks aren’t so low which is a plus. I also buy from Naadam and their quality is wonderful as well.
I love quince’s shrunken cashmere sweatshirt for a more modern cut. Also, there cashmere fisherman crew and fisherman boyfriends cardigan are great (higher price point but low compared to other comparables)
I just recently discovered Quince and ordered several v-necks for myself as well as one each for my son, daughter and future daughter-in-law for Christmas. My daughter loved her sweater so much that she wore it every day for the rest of the visit! I have cashmere from Everlane, Lands End and Garnet Hill, and I think the quality of the Quince cashmere is excellent. The v-neck is medium weight, but I tend to wear my sweaters as tops and not layer over shirts, so that works for me. I ordered ivory and didn’t find it see-through at all with a nude bra. All cashmere pills at points of friction because of the characteristic of the natural fibers. This is easily remedied by using a cashmere comb (I have one from The Laundress) before washing and as needed.
You look fantastic in sweater and jeans! Very flattering. Would you say this navy is more like Oxford Blue in your Spring color palette or more like Marine Navy in the Autumn palette?
Hi Judy, this is almost an exact match to Bright Navy in my Spring palette.