The 21 Best Striped Sweaters That Are Actually True Staples (2024)

Kule’s striped sweaters have a habit of working their way into my conversations with other editors. It’s half because Kule has one of the widest ranges of stripe colors to choose from, half because the sweaters keep their fresh-from-the-box quality even after dozens of wears. (The same standard applies to the brand’s best T-shirts.) Kule’s stripes have even landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things list.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Cream/navy, navy/cream, black/cream, heather gray/navy, cream multi, and more

Sézane thrives at understated basics with a little je ne sais quoi. The Léotine Breton striped sweater is a perfect example. It’s knit from organic cotton with a relaxed (but not oversize) fit, and comes in the most timeless stripe variations with an ecru base. I wear mine with at least the first few buttons undone—and I like to think Jane Birkin would approve.

Sizes: XXS–XXXL

Colors: Ecru/camel, ecru/navy, navy/ecru, ecru/coral

Christopher John Rogers landed on the 2021 Bazaar 100 power list with a rainbow-striped knit dress. Two years later, I’m just as obsessed with the designer’s vibrant pullover sweaters. Here, a version from the latest collection that can bring sunshine to a cloudy winter day.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Color: Yellow multi

Alex Mill is one of my favorite brands for timeless classics like a navy-and-ecru striped sweater. But there’s a playful catch: This sweater can actually be worn at least three ways, with its line of buttons done all the way up in the back, unbuttoned partially to the front, or totally undone as a layering cardigan. I’ll also add a fourth method to the mix: tying these stripes over a second ivory sweater for some stripe-on-stripe action.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Dark navy/ivory, ivory/dark navy

What reviewers are saying: “Perfect 2 in 1 sweater! Such a comfy and stylish piece! I have this sweater in navy as well and have gotten numerous compliments on both colorways!”

It was love at first sight when I first came across this sweater’s thin stripes and neutral hues. Reviewers’ notes about how perfectly proportioned its cropped hem and V neckline are only made it more of a must-have.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Barley/black, panko

What reviewers are saying: “The material is very soft and drapes well, while the ribbing at the bottom helps to keep it from being shapeless and is actually pretty flattering. The V neck isn’t too low either!”

Get comfortable and colorful in this crewneck by Guizio. Its longer long sleeves and dreamy 1970s colorways have the range to pair with everything from the label’s insider-favorite jeans to a party-ready pailette miniskirt.

Sizes: XS/S, M/L

Colors: Green multi, orange multi, blue multi

Ask me to imagine my dream winter outfit, and I’ll picture something like this Everlane striped cardigan with a black turtleneck underneath and wide-leg jeans to finish the look. It has the fuzzy handfeel and slightly oversize fit of a reliable desk sweater—crafted from responsibly sourced alpaca wool—plus a versatile palette that works in fall 2023’s reigning chocolate brown. Translation: It feels as good as it looks.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Bone/fudge/oatmeal, light oat, dark charcoal, bone/fuchsia pink

You can see the influence of a classic Breton sweater in this Acne Studios design, but it takes every traditional detail as a chance to add a twist. The stripes are unevenly placed on the oversize sleeves and torso, and they’re set above a tie-dye background with sunset tones.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Blue multi

Half-zip sweaters are e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e right now, but this is the one worth shopping. It has a slightly oversize fit, cozy ribbed fabric, cool neutral stripes, and a collar that can be worn all the way zipped up or nonchalantly rolled down.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Ivory/multi

There’s no denying that Guest in Residence, the knitwear label founded by Gigi Hadid, has some of fashion’s cuddliest cashmere. Now, it can add eye-catching stripes to its list of shop-worthy qualities. This striped sweater is a little collegiate rugby player, a little off-duty downtown model. The balance comes from its ultra-wide, contrasting stripes and oversize, unisex fit.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Colors: Midnight/honey/cherry, magenta/cherry, forest/cobalt/midnight

One sweater, six variations on neutral stripes. This knit from standout Copenhagen-based brand Stine Goya is just unconventional enough to break up your rotation of basic winter knitwear. Better yet, the fit is ever-so-slightly oversize, to make a leather midi skirt or tailored pant feel like pajama dressing—and to make at-home lounging a little more elevated.

Sizes: XXS–L

Colors: Multicolor stripe

What reviewers are saying: “Five stars.”

Miu Miu’s button-up cardigan restored my faith in the power of crystalline embellishments. With scattered gems of different sizes, it looks like fairy dust was sprinkled on this striped cardigan’s shoulders.

Sizes: 0–6

Colors: Gray/blue

Search “Gap sweater” on TikTok, and your feed will be filled with rave reviews for this striped knit. The sleeves and torso flare out ever so slightly to achieve an oversize—but not overwhelming—shape. And a style tip from the chronically online shoppers who’ve worn it first: Try scrunching the collar down instead of folding it over.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Colors: Camel stripe, black/beige stripe, black/white stripe, deep green, black

What reviewers are saying: “Very soft material feels nice on the skin. A classic look. Cannot wait to wear it.”

It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when you’re wearing this cardigan. La Ligne embroidered the classic collarless style with cheery rows of rainbow rickrack stripes.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Cream/rainbow

What reviewers are saying: “Love the quality, style and fit. Super cute with a pair wide leg jeans.”

Necklaces and rings aren’t the only fashion items you can stack. When you’re piling a knit on top of another knit, and then adding a statement coat to tie it together, a base layer with a collar is a must. Specifically, splurge on Khaite’s cashmere blend with a preppy polo collar that can peek out from beneath a chunkier pullover. It also hits at just the right length to wear alone with a high-waist jean.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: White/navy

When I asked senior fashion editor Tara González to share her best striped sweater, she hesitated for the beat of a hummingbird’s wings before directing me to this COS pullover. Its shaggy material will give you all the warm and fuzzies while sticking to a reliably neutral palette.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Dark gray/stripe, white/stripe

There’s a lot going on with this Loewe striped sweater. The cloud blue and white stripes have varying widths, and Loewe’s anagram logo is cheekily embroidered with the hand-spun feel of a family quilt. It all comes together in a way that’s just right, and worthy of cuddling up in all winter long.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Blue/white

Toteme’s flowy sweater, however, is the absolute best when a loose fit is your top criterion. (Even the sleeves have a semi-exaggerated flare.) To play up the shape, Badiyi suggests pairing it with “a more intentionally tailored bottom and even a bit of a heel to bring in more length and height.” My suggestion: Try this sweater with straight-leg jeans and one of Toteme’s own pointed boots.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Cream/black, black/cream

This under-$100 sweater is all about graphic contrast. With just one thick cream stripe, it turns an ordinary crewneck into a moment. Pair with a relaxed black trouser or one of High Sport’s colorful kick flares.

Sizes: XXS–4XL

Colors: Black/white, green/white

Leave behind all your worries about perfectly tucking in and arranging your sweater. This asymmetrically cut knit from Quira falls just like you had precisely placed it yourself (without any of the extra effort).

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Red/black