By request: more wool-free sweaters & cardigans

Wool-free sweaters and cardigans for Spring at une femme d'un certain age.

Wool-free sweaters to wear now and into Spring…

Sweaters are the hardest-working pieces in my cool weather wardrobe. I love my wool and cashmere sweaters, but many of you have mentioned that you’re allergic or sensitive to wool or other animal fibers, so I’m always on the lookout for alternatives.

With Spring on the way, I thought I’d update this post with some current wool-free sweater styles. I’ve tried to stick to natural fibers (cotton, linen, silk) for this roundup, though some of the blends do contain synthetics.

  • Cotton sweaters (or cotton blends) are relatively easy to find. They’re breathable and often washable, and tend to be more budget-friendly. But many cotton blends include some animal fibers, so I’ve done my best to filter those out.
  • Linen is lighter in weight than cotton, but in a denser weave can still provide warmth. Linen-cotton blends are common too. Early spring is the best time of year to find a good selection of linen and linen-blend knits.
  • Silk and silk blends are lighter weight and often have a more refined look and feel, but they are often pricier. (These tend to be more widely available in the Fall.)

Here are a few wool-free pullovers and cardigans that I thought you might like.

Pullovers

Alex Mill striped cotton pullover sweater.

Alex Mill is a good source for sweaters and other basics in natural fibers. This easy collared pullover is 100% cotton. (Sizes XS-XXL)

Alex Mill striped button back cotton sweater.

This 100% cotton sweater has some fun details: a button back and blouson sleeves. It’s available in several solid colors, but you know me and stripes…😆 (Sizes XS-XXL)

Eileen Fisher cotton-linen crewneck sweater in Hydrangea.

Eileen Fisher always has some good cotton-linen blend sweaters. This one is offered in a few colors; I think this “Hydrangea” is pretty. Sizes XXS-XL. Though the shape is boxy, the linen gives it a nice drape.

La Ligne ribbed cotton sweater in ivory.

La Ligne makes some very nice sweaters. I like the woven pattern detail in this one. Still available in M-L sizes.

Boden green cotton sweater with neck stripe detail.

Boden is another good source for wool-free sweaters. They have several styles in cotton and cotton blends at the moment. This 100% cotton sweater with stripe detail at the neck is available in 3 colors, sizes 2-22.

Boden cotton blend crewneck sweater in polka dot.

Here’s a cotton blend crewneck in a neutral polka dot pattern, with button cuff detail. It’s also available in several solid colors too, sizes XS-XL.

Boden v-neck cotton sweater with animal print.

While this cotton blend v-neck is also available in several solid colors, I thought the toile-adjacent animal print was fun. This one also has a button cuff detail, and is available in sizes XS-XL.

Jenni Kayne cotton fisherman sweater.

I’m still loving this Jenni Kayne cotton sweater…sizes XS-3X available.

Sezane organic cotton sweater with button detail at neck.

This organic cotton henley sweater buttons at the neck, so you can adjust the opening to your preference. Other colors available too, though some sizes are limited. This “coffee” color is available in sizes XXS-XXXL.

Lisa Todd cotton blend heart print sweater black & white.

I recently stumbled across a new-to-me brand, Lisa Todd. While many of her designs skew a bit more bohemian, I liked this cotton blend heart print sweater in black* and white. It’s available in Large and X-Large, though the other colors have more size availability.

*Or maybe that’s navy? Hard to tell on my monitor.

Max Mara marled blue cotton pullover sweater.

A marled/space-dye knit is a nice option that adds some visual interest without being as demanding as a print. This one is from Max Mara, so it’s spendy, but think of everything you could wear this with! It’s 100% cotton, sizes XS-XL.

Gap v-neck cotton sweater marled green.

Here’s a more budget-friendly option, in a pretty soft green. Sizes XS-XL (also offered in Tall and Petite sizes!)

Polo Ralph Lauren sweater in Southwestern print.

And I had to include this one, just because Ralph Lauren does such gorgeous Southwestern-inspired prints. This looks to be kind of a sweater/sweatshirt hybrid in a cotton blend, sizes XS-L.

Wool-free cardigans

Madewell cotton cardigan in ivory with pleated waist detail.

This simple organic cotton cardigan has pleats at the waist to give it a nice shape. Sizes XXS-XXL.

Reformation cotton zip cardigan.

The zip front gives this ribbed sweater in 100% organic cotton a sporty feel. Sizes XS-XL.

Frame black silk-cotton blend cardigan.

There are a lot of silk-cashmere blends, but very few that are wool-free. This v-neck cardigan is a silk-cotton blend. It’s available in sizes XS-XL, and also in a dark khaki color.

Chico's cotton-linen blend cardigan in white/tan tiger stripe.

Here’s a cotton-linen sweater that’s fitted enough to layer under a jacket now, and wear open over a tee or tank when the weather warms up. Sizes 00-(0/2) to 4-(20/22). It’s also offered in a blue floral pattern.

Chico's cotton blend long cardigan in black and white tweed.

This longer fringe trimmed cardigan in a mixed tweed knit is a cotton blend. Offered in Misses and Petite, sizes 00-(0/2) to 4-(20/22).

Anthropologie space-dye organic cotton long cardigan

Here’s a long cardigan in a space-dye fabric. This one’s 90% organic cotton, available in Misses, Petite, and Plus sizes.

Anthropologie pineapple print cotton cardigan

And finally, how fun is this pineapple print cardigan?? This 100% cotton sweater has a shawl collar and button front, and is available in sizes XS-XL.

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21 Comments

  1. J Crew used to sell a nice cotton funnel neck cotton sweater, but I noticed they don’t have it this year. I find a cashmere-cotton blend is comfortable. I recently ordered one from a British company called Woolovers. I’m very pleased with the service and quality. I like the ones from Banana Republic too. The ones you featured are beautiful but do not work for my body type.

  2. What a brilliant selection! I’ve already clicked on half a dozen, and need to narrow my choices. You’ve saved me hours of on-line shopping.

  3. For your readers who are like me and can only fit into Tall sizes, these website carry tall tops, though be aware that not all carry sweaters. Did I miss any? Let me know in a follow up comment. Thanks!
    Ann Taylor
    Athleta
    Banana Republic
    Banana Republic Factory
    Eddie Bauer
    Gap
    JC Penney
    J. Crew
    J. Jill
    Lands’ End
    L.L. Bean
    Long Tall Sally
    Loft
    New Look
    New York & Company
    Old Navy
    You’re welcome. 😉

    1. Thank you, Shari – there are a couple on your list I wasn’t aware of. It’s good to know all our tall options. Two places that offer tall pants but not tops are Chico’s and White House Black Market.

      Amy

    2. Funny, I was thinking of this today & guessing that people who need tall sizes sre as frustrated with finding sizes as petites are. Thanks for that list! I need petites on top & most brands who carry talls also carry petites. It seems “inclusive sizes” don’t include variations in height.

  4. Thank you, thank you for this post, I’m not allergic to wool but it is too hot for SW Florida. Even when I lived in North Carolina, I couldn’t wear wool teaching because my classroom was so hot n the winter. More fall/winter posts please for those of us in warm climates.

  5. I would love to see some pant options that do not have synthetic material. I have a sensitivity issue and I can’t believe how hard it is to find pants! Thank you!

  6. That organic cotton henley sweater in the color coffee is just gorgeous! But then the details take over. I shy away from any raglan, balloon or drop shoulder sleeve detail. Without a structured, set in sleeve it’s difficult for me to create a better balance with whatever I may be wearing on the bottom half. There is a small window of time where a spring sweater is useful and fun. Thanks for doing all this leg work and aiding those of us who are still shopping on line.
    Have a wonder week!

      1. I’m very tempted to order it. I was in town for an eye doctor appointment so I went into Anthropologie but the store didn’t have it and the clerks didn’t know anything about it. Did you size down?

  7. This is not about sweaters, but I was wondering if you have a hand cream recommendation that addresses the extreme dryness I am experiencing in my hands. My fingertips are actually splitting due to the washing and cold temps. My hands need help.
    Thanks!
    You always find products and suppliers that are new to me. I love it!

    1. Jill,
      Khiel’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve works well for me. Susan, thank you for all the wonderful research!

    2. My all time favorite is Crabtree and Evelyn’s Gardeners Hand Therapy. It is creamy, soaks in so it isn’t greasy, and will stay on through several handwashings. And the scent is light and “herby”. This is important to me as I’m very sensitive to scents.

  8. There is no way you can convince me that you worked harder at your ‘real’ job than your ‘retirement’ job. You work SO hard on your blog & guide woman on this crazy aging ride. Thank you!

    1. What’s that old saying, “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life?” 😉 Thanks!