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