The Essential Black Crew
The black crew jumper is probably one of the most useful items of clothing you will own, yet finding the perfect one is trickier than you might expect. I have an old J Crew Tippi that I have worn to death, but it has seen better days and the Tippi sweaters are quite thin, so I have been looking for something a little warmer. I do have a black lambswool jumper from Hush, but it is a few years old now and I think I may have shrunk it slightly in the wash. As you know, I am a big fan of cashmere, so I have focussed my search on merino and cashmere. I want something that isn’t too fitted, but also isn’t too slouchy. And plain. No stars, no patches, just a plain, good quality black crew neck jumper. Not too much to ask is it?!
Here’s what I have found so far…
Black Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper – Boden £99.50
I have always bought cashmere jumpers for my husband from Boden and the quality is very good. This one is under a hundred (good price for cashmere) but I am not 100% that the fit works for me. Unless of course I size up. I love Boden’s review system. I always read the reviews before I buy and after 132 reviews this jumper gets an impressive 86% who would refer to a friend. This one might be worth trying on.
Black Crew Cashmere – Marks and Spencer – £75
Marks and Spencer cashmere is usually very good value for money. Again, it’s quite a clingy fit, but it would be worth trying one or two sizes up. This has also been reviewed and gets 88% of the 449 reviewers saying yes.
&Otherstories – £35 – Buy here
I love the fit of this jumper, but it is not made from natural fibres, (hence the price) and so I don’t think it would wash well. A shame because it’s the kind of fit I am looking for.
Gap 100% Merino Crew Neck – Now £23.97 – Buy Here
This is from the men’s department, but I think it could be a really clever buy. 100% merino, a great price and could be a great fit if you get the sizing right. I am thinking of buying an extra small in this. I often forget about GAP but they do basics really well.
Jigsaw Cashmere – Now £68 – Buy here
Me + Em – The Perfect Button Cuff Crew – £75 – Buy here
You can’t beat Me + Em for high quality, timeless basics. This jumper has really lovely button detail on the cuffs and 100% merino.
J Crew Cashmere Jumper – £200 – Buy here
This is my favourite in terms of fit. Of course it would be the most expensive. Sadly beyond my budget at the moment, but it would be a great investment.
For simple, paired back elegance, wear yours with your favourite blue jeans and loafers. It’s also the perfect item to wear with a statement skirt. Layer under it under a blazer or an oversized cardi, over a shirt, or with a little frill peeping out. It’s a timeless item, so if you can, invest.
Here are a few ideas of how to style. (All images via Pinterest)
Do you have a favourite black crew that you love? If so, please let me know where it’s from!
Thanks,
Chloe x
Thank you for this, you have just saved me a few hours in my hunt for black crew, such a shame about the J Crew price tag as is exactly what I am looking for x
I know me too 😩 I just went to buy the Jigsaw one and it’s sold out (it wasn’t an hour ago!) xx
Thanks Chloe for the tips. I have been looking for a black cashmere crew neck ALL winter, with no success 🙁 I bought a non cashmere one from Gap which is ok but not amazing. It’s usual to know that hundreds of people recommend the Boden and M&S ones, seems like a good start. Thank you!
Someone has just recommended the Boden one. I think that I might try it the size up ? X
Useful not usual!! Doh!
The Uniqlo mens ones are amazing in both the cashmere and the merino. Thick, wash really well in the machine. Had mine for 3 years!
Ooh good tip. I totally forgot uniqlo! What’s the sizing like?
I got the M&S cashmere one in November. It’s a size 10 and not clingy but I had returned the same jumper as I had gotten one in a 20% deal in April but the cuff of one sleeve ripped, so I ordered a new with my refund. The size of the new one is much better even though the same one and a same size. Previous one was more fitted. I absolutely love it. I ordered a size up in grey in September based on the older sized black one and it’s bigger than I’d like! Anyway if you can follow all that I recommend it and it’s worth trying!! So soft and cosy.
Excellent! Thank you so much. X
I have black cashmere sweater from M&S men’s department which has the requisite slightly oversized fit. I also recommend Uniqlo for both cashmere and merino.
Thanks Lesley. Think I’m going to try both in store on Monday. Think it needs a try on session!! X
I tried an online store called Maison Cashmere – bought 2 x crew neck in navy and black – just £68 each – reason for their low prices is that they make them once you’ve ordered, so you don’t get instant gratification (I waited about 3 weeks) BUT quality is excellent – haven’t washed them just yet so can’t testify to quality after washing but worth a look ? Caroline
Ooh they sound great. What a great price. What’s the fit like? X
I too recommend Uniqlo cashmere & merino. However the women crew necks are quite narrow and a bit short. I am going to try the men’s merino crew necks.
Yes people say the Men’s are a better fit…
Like you, I tend to go for cashmere or merino, with maybe a tiny bit of cotton in the summer. I’m not into wearing black, but substitute navy and that’s me! That being said I don’t actually have a straightforward crew in navy. The nearest is a whistles navy crew neck with a silver metallic touch, lovely and soft with a relaxed fit. I do have a couple of non navy Boden cashmere sweaters, and they are more fitted, and great quality. I also have a uniqlo merino sweater (again not navy) in a small (I’m a 12 in Boden) which is a bit more relaxed than the Boden ones, and is amazing for the price.
Have you tried woolovers – pretty random I know, I came across them at the game fair – but they do grey merino/cashmere mix for £35. Wash/wear well and for the price can’t really go wrong! x
Ooh no but they sound great! That’s a v good price and like the idea of cashmere merino mix xx