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Whether it's a lightweight spring duster or a thick winter pullover, sweaters are basically the comfiest, most favored items in your closet — as long as they don't pill, that is. When this happens, they not only become less comfortable, they lose a little of that new-sweater shine, too. This is why the best sweaters that don't pill are pure gold.
Why do sweaters pill?
So why do sweaters pill in the first place? The answer is actually pretty straightforward — when their fibers get tangled together, they form tiny balls (aka "pills") that cling to the garment. This can happen any time there's abrasion, whether it's from laundering or simply rubbing up against objects during everyday wear.
What sweater material does not pill?
Unfortunately, there's no option that's 100% pill-proof — and factors like how the fabric is constructed can have a big impact, too. That said, there are some general guidelines that can help when shopping for a pill-resistant sweater. For example, steer clear of acrylic, and when possible, and opt for sweaters that are made up of one material (100% cotton, for example). You may also want to avoid fabrics that combine both natural and synthetic materials. So what should you look for? Fabrics with longer fibers as opposed to shorter ones that rub together and split easily.
With all these considerations in mind, I scoured Amazon for sweaters that don't pill (and sifted through reviews to get the input of real-life reviewers). Here are the top style-savvy picks that’ll stay looking fresh for many wears to come.
1A Simple Sweater With Cozy, Oversized Sleeves
Designed with a crew neckline and cute side slits, this is one of the best cotton sweaters when it comes to the fight against pilling. Made from 100% cotton, it features thin shaker rib stitching and a cozy, oversized cut. An instant wardrobe staple, it's soft, lightweight, and super comfortable, according to reviewers. Best of all, it comes in both solids and stripes.
According to a reviewer: “Smooth comfortable cotton, feels great, really nice fit, becoming cut, washes like a dream, no pilling. I can't ask for anything more.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
- Available colors and styles: 14
2A Silky Rayon Cardigan With A Draped Cut
Made with a blend of 95% rayon and 5% spandex, this silky soft cardigan is another popular choice on Amazon, and it’s the kind of thing that looks nice enough to wear to the office or dinner out, but is soft enough to wear every day around the house. The long-sleeve cardigan drapes in the front, and the stretchy jersey-knit fabric doesn't pill easily, according to reviewers. This pick comes in your choice of two dozen bright and neutral colors, making it easy to find one that fits your style.
According to a reviewer: “Five stars. My favorite cardigan now. Lightweight and washes without pilling...”
- Available sizes: X-Large — 4X-Large
- Available colors and styles: 24
3A V-Neck With A Slightly Oversize Fit
Laid-back and chic, this V-neck sweater has a slightly oversize fit that gives it the perfect amount of slouchiness — but you can still pair it with tailored trousers for a more polished look. Made from 100% cotton, this mid-weight sweater offers just the right amount of thickness (according to reviewers) and comes in neutrals and muted colors.
According to a reviewer: “These are my best finds for cotton v-neck sweaters on Amazon and I bought in several jewel tones. They wash up well. No pilling.”
- Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
- Available colors and styles: 9
4An Extra Long Sweater With A Cowl Neck
With thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon, this extra long knit sweater is constructed with a cute cowl neckline and a long, tailored fit that makes it a fan favorite on the site. The sweater's viscose-nylon fabric is resistant to lint and pilling, according to reviewers, and the cable-knit pattern makes it look just as cozy as it feels. On top of all that, it comes in more than 30 colors, ranging from jade to plum to mustard yellow.
According to a reviewer: “It's the perfect fit and length for me, and I'm 5'10". Love it over flannel-lined leggings in cooler weather with my Doc Marten boots. So far no pilling, but I only hand wash it just to be safe.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
- Available colors and style: 34
5A Popcorn Cardigan That’s Incredibly Cozy
This two-pocket cardigan is the perfect layering piece for transitional weather, since it works either as a lightweight jacket or as a sweater to wear over your favorite loungewear. It’s made from a synthetic fabric in a popcorn-knit style that’s incredibly soft to the touch, but won’t pill no matter how often you wash and wear it. It has an open-front design with two cozy pockets on either side that will keep your hands warm in chilly temperatures. It hits around mid-thigh, making it a versatile piece you can wear with almost anything.
Editor’s note: “This is one of my favorite cardigans, it’s just so soft! I love to toss it on over my workout clothes so I can run errands after I hit the gym, but I also wear it around the house over loungewear. It’s softer than most of my throw blankets, the pockets are amazing, and the fabric is knit so that it’s practically impossible for this sweater to pill.” — Carina Finn
- Available sizes: Small, Large
- Available colors and styles: 2
6A Sweater With A Timeless Fisherman Cable Design
Usually when a piece of clothing has this much classic appeal, it costs an arm and a leg, but not so with this fisherman cable-knit sweater — and reviewers swear by the quality, having awarded it a 4.5-star overall rating after more than 3,000 reviews. Made from 100% cotton, it has a relaxed fit and comes in stripes as well as solids in colors like caramel, chestnut, and blue heather.
According to a reviewer: “Love this sweater. Thick, soft and generously cut. I considered going up a size so I’d get a slouchy, comfy fit but based on reviews decided to stick with my regular “large”. It’s loose & cozy without being too baggy or sloppy. I’ve washed on cold/delicate & line dried twice and it hasn’t pilled or stretched. Just what I was looking for.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
- Available colors and styles: 21
7A Cashmere Pullover That's Outrageously Soft
Made with 100% Mongolian cashmere, this high-quality crew-neck sweater is well-loved on Amazon, with many reviewers vouching that it's resistant to pilling. The lightweight sweater is soft and breathable, with fine, long-staple fibers and delicate ribbing.
According to one reviewer: "Soft and oh so warm. Good value for the price. Expect pilling when new but should settle down after the first wash and comb. I wore this and a cuddle dud undershirt with my all weather coat to the Macy’s parade this year and was toasty warm. Love the weight.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
- Available colors and styles: 12
8A Flowy Duster Cardigan That's Made With 95% Bamboo
Constructed with a blend of 95% bamboo and 5% spandex, this women's cardigan sweater has a soft, stretchy feel and holds up well over time. The duster-length sweater has a stylish high-low hem with a draped cut that flows around you.
According to a reviewer: “It washes and drys perfectly and doesn’t pill or fade like others I own. And while it’s pajama-level comfy, I can wear it with jeans or leggings to run errands or pick up kiddos without looking too sloppy or revealing more than I’d like. I also like the front is shorter than the back...”
- Available sizes: Small — 5X-Large
- Available colors and styles: 22
9A Medium-Weight Sweater That You Can Dress Up Or Down
This medium-weight women's sweater is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, depending on your plans. It's made of 100% cotton, with oversized pockets and a hem that hits around the mid-thigh. Even better: It comes in a wide variety of solid colors and patterns.
According to a reviewer: “This is a great, boxy cardigan. The small gage stitch & yarn make it very light weight & comfy. The body & sleeve length is perfect. I love the low profile buttons & small button wholes. I will be ordering another color in the fall.”
- Available sizes: Medium to 6X-Large
- Available colors and styles: 17
10A Cute Lantern-Sleeved Cardigan That's 100% Cotton
Another option made from 100% cotton, this oversized women's sweater features cute, chunky buttons and a cozy knit construction. Available in 14 color choices, it's soft, breathable, and extremely versatile. To keep this sweater looking it's best, you'll want to hand-wash and hang it to dry.
According to a reviewer: “This is the perfect chunky cardigan of my dreams. The arms are super long and have a nice drape around the wrists, and it basically feels like I'm walking around in a cozy blanket. It's not itchy which is what I was most worried about, and it's not too heavy. I would say it is the ideal late fall cardigan.”
- Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large
- Available colors and styles: 12
11A Slim Turtleneck With High Reviewer Ratings
Like other options on the list, this cute turtleneck sweater is made of 100% cotton, making it soft and super breathable. The stylish, lightweight pullover is easy to dress up or down, and can even be layered under a blazer for a chic work look. Plus, it comes backed by real wearers — it’s earned a 4.6-star overall rating after more than 5,000 reviews.
According to a reviewer: “This is such a versatile part of my wardrobe. My workplace is always chilly so I wear layers on a daily basis. I can wear this turtleneck with jeans or dress pants, layer it with a sweater or jacket, or simply wear it alone.Although I've worn this many times, it still looks great. It hasn't faded and there's no pilling or shrinkage.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
- Available colors and styles: 23
12A Light Duster Cardigan That Comes In 16 Colors
Featuring a smooth blend of rayon and spandex, this stretchy, full-length cardigan sweater makes a great lightweight top layer to throw over a tank, tee, or cami. The open front design goes with leggings, long skirts, slacks, and even jeans.
According to a reviewer: “I love this cardigan. It is a great piece to add to your outfit for the spring. It is nice fitted and flowy. Doesn't quite remind me of a cardigan based on how thin it is but overall I am quiet pleased. [...]. I simply love it!”
- Available sizes: Small — 4X-Large
- Available colors and styles: 17
13A Ribbed Cardigan You Can Wear With Anything
While this ribbed cardigan is made from a blend of fabrics, Amazon reviewers say that the fabric is so thick and well-made that it seems built to last. It’s made from a cotton/polyester blend with some elastane for comfort and stretch, and has blouson sleeves, a button-front closure, and a relaxed fit that will quickly make this one of your new favorite sweaters.
According to a reviewer: “The sweater is soft & heavy, can be dressed up or casual. This will be a versatile cardigan & great for daily wear. I like the extra detail of the slightly blouson sleeve – it’s not overdone. [...] It came out perfect – no shrink, no pilling.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
- Available colors and styles: 10
14An Oversize Sweater That Comes In Tons Of Fun Patterns
Amazon shoppers are obsessed with this graphic sweater, which has over 1,800 perfect five-star ratings. It’s made from a blend of cotton and wool that’s soft, warm, and wears particularly well. It comes in 22 vibrant, abstract prints that will make this a unique addition to your sweater collection, and it has a loose fit that reviewers say is super comfortable. In order to keep this sweater looking its best, the brand recommends hand washing and air drying.
According to a reviewer: “Fits perfectly you know, roomy. The knit is thick and so soft and cozy, the design 🎨 and colors are beautiful. I am going to buy a couple more of these sweaters. The sweater washes without pilling.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large
- Available colors and styles: 43
15A Bamboo Pullover That’s Backed By A 10-Year Warranty
Combining the best qualities of a sweatshirt and a sweater, this chic black pullover is made from a bamboo-based fabric that’s not only incredibly soft, it can also help to naturally regulate your body temperature so you stay cozy and warm without overheating. It has a relaxed fit, is just a little stretchy, and the brand is so confident that this sweater won’t pill, they’ll replace it if it shows any signs of wear within 10 years.
According to a reviewer: “I would wear this pullover literally every day if I could. It has the feel of a sweatshirt, but the chic look of a sweater. It's softer than you can possibly imagine, and feels incredibly cozy. I love that the fabric holds up to washing and regular wear and doesn't pill at all. Get the matching joggers and be prepared to never want to wear anything else again.”
- Available sizes: X-Small — Small
- Available colors and styles: 1
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