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When it comes to shopping for clothes, my guiding principle has always been cost per wear (or CPW, for those who love an acronym). I generally aim for $1 (and ideally lower): If I can see myself wearing a $100 pair of sneakers at least 100 times and I’m confident that the quality is high enough to get me across that threshold, I can justify the purchase. There are always exceptions to my rule and budgeting will look different for everyone, but it’s a system that helps keep my shopping habits in check and prevents my closet from bursting at the seams. The challenge, however, has always been sweaters.
Since sweaters tend to be more expensive — not to mention bulky — my system has made me very selective. I pore over reviews to make sure the quality truly matches the price, and I no longer go for trendy finds that I know I won’t wear 40 to 60 times. I buy fewer sweaters, allocating that extra money toward investment knits made of more comfortable materials that have a better fit and provide years of additional use. Enter the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan, an internet sensation that, at $475, is a major purchase for just about anyone. But considering its CPW, we think it’s a worthy place to spend your hard-earned cash.
About the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Sweater
For context: Cashmere, with very few exceptions, is quite expensive. Prices vary depending on style, cashmere content, and quality, but a 100 percent cashmere cardigan from most retailers can run you at least $200, and Jenni Kayne’s is quite a bit more. Now, I’m not trying to downplay the fact that $475 is a lot to spend, but I am saying that fine cashmere is expensive for a reason. It’s lightweight and silky-soft while still being incredibly warm, and a high-quality knit takes those features to the next level. Yes, cashmere comes cheaper, but lower-quality options tend to be thinner fabrics that fray, fuzz, and degrade at a significantly faster rate. Jenni Kayne also commits to fair labor practices and sustainability, which should make you feel even better about your purchase.
Jenni Kayne’s Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan is made with the good stuff: 100 percent Mongolian cashmere, known for having a longer fiber that makes it softer and more durable. It comes in 10 neutral colors that will fit easily into any wardrobe with a wide size range from XXS to 3X. While the brand offers sweaters in many other styles and materials alongside other high-quality wardrobe basics, you’ll realize why this sweater is the brand’s best-selling item the second you pull it out of its packaging.
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Sweater Review
Right off the bat, I noticed how light the sweater was for its size. It’s unexpectedly plush, too — there’s a lot of “give” when you press down on it when folded — and I promise I’m not exaggerating when I say it is the softest sweater I’ve ever touched. It drapes beautifully without any weird bunching, stiffness, or heaviness. It’s like wearing a warm, fluffy cloud.
As for the sizing, it’s probably the best-fitting item of oversized clothing I’ve ever owned, which I know sounds like an oxymoron. I’m 5’6” and chose my normal size in the oatmeal color: The sweater covers my bum, but it doesn’t cling to me, and the sleeves are designed to end just past your wrists, so they’re not as slouchy as, say, men’s XL sweatshirts that swallow you whole. More importantly, I always feel good while I’m wearing it. It’s something that I don’t have to think twice about layering — I know it’s beyond comfortable and looks put-together at the same time, whether I’m wearing it buttoned up over a sports bra and leggings or open with a turtleneck and jeans.
Last but not least, it’s the perfect level of warmth. As someone who runs hot and speed-walks everywhere, I often overheat and reach my destination sweating. Unlike thick wool, cotton, or synthetic sweaters that can feel suffocating, this one creates a thin but effective layer of insulation that’s just enough to shield you from the elements. It was the wardrobe hero of an unseasonably cold trip I took to London when I accidentally brought a raincoat as my warmest outer layer in sub-freezing temperatures. I wore my cardigan on the plane and never took it off for five days — no checked bag necessary.
All in all, the Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan is essentially the perfect sweater. After five days of hard use in England in addition to two years of normal wear, it still looks as good as new, and I’m no longer intimidated by the dry-clean-only label — which, by the way, I haven’t had to deal with yet. It’s the sweater I reach for again and again no matter the season, and it’s well on its way to beating my cost-per-wear rule.
The Best Jenni Kayne Sweaters
Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan
Jenni Kayne
You’ve heard me talk about this enough to put you to sleep, but this cardigan has truly become my go-to for three seasons of the year. All the colors are beautiful, but I personally recommend the oatmeal. It goes with absolutely everything but never looks boring. You can size down for a closer fit, but I highly recommend reveling in the oversized coziness.
Cropped Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan
Jenni Kayne
If you don’t like the way oversized clothing falls on you, this shortened version of the same cardigan is cropped into a slightly boxy shape that falls right at the hip. It looks especially great with high-waisted pants.
Chloe Crewneck
Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne’s new launch includes the ideal sweater for the unpredictable weather of transition season. The 100-percent cotton Chloe Crewneck is soft, breathable, and comes in neutral solids and stripes perfect for summer and fall.
Cashmere Fisherman Sweater
Jenni Kayne
If pullovers are more your vibe, go for Jenni Kayne’s fisherman-style sweater with a wide, comfortable crewneck that goes with just about anything.
Flynn Cashmere Sweater
Jenni Kayne
Another of Katie’s go-to’s, this lightweight v-neck is an excellent layering piece in all seasons. Breezy enough for balmy days while still providing the warmth of cashmere in cooler temperatures, this is a sweater you can wear anywhere, anytime.
