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21 Cute Sweaters That Don't Make You Look Bulky
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by Nina Bradley
Updated:
Originally Published:
When the temperatures drop, it can be hard to find the best sweaters that don't make you look bulky (but are still incredibly cozy). A good trick of the trade is to select cozy sweaters made with fabrics like cashmere and cotton, which will keep you warm without looking too puffy. Tops with a more streamlined fit, whether slim or relaxed, will also do the trick when it comes to creating a less boxy appearance and feel.
Don't get me wrong: Oversized sweaters will never go out of style —but sometimes, it's nice to have something lighter and free-flowing to wear when you're chilly. To achieve this, you'll want to stray away from thicker, stiffer materials like canvas, fleece, burlap, corduroy, and most cable knit sweaters. The term "chunky knit" may also be a warning sign of the sweater being bulkier than you might want.
To help you along your shopping journey, I've compiled a list of the best bulk-free sweaters that are sure to become staples in your wardrobe. This list offers something for everyone, from turtlenecks and cardigans to cutouts and deconstructed pieces. Each option listed is made of lightweight fabrics that'll keep you warm without feeling overwhelming.
Keep scrolling to check out some of the cutest, non-bulky sweaters that Amazon has to offer.
1
Editor’s Pick: A Slim Button-Down In A Stretchy Ribbed Knit
This stretchy ribbed button-down from The Drop is a recent favorite of Associate Commerce Editor Caroline Goldstein’s. “I love the nerdy-chic details, like that extra-pointy collar and horn buttons, but the deep V is low-key sexy,” she says. “The super-slim fit tucks seamlessly into whatever bottoms I put on, too (it looks really cute with a plaid mini skirt for a Dark Academia vibe), though the longer hem looks effortlessly cool, and very on-trend, with a pair of flared leggings or sweater pants.” Speaking of flared leggings, you can pick up the coordinating pair here.
- Available sizes: XX-Small - 3X
2
This Crisscross Sweater With A Deep V-Neck Opening
Pretty as a layering top or all alone, this V-neck sweater features a crisscross front that drapes to create a trendy and fashionable look. It's soft and lightweight, falling right at the hip to compliment your jeans, leggings, and skirts with ease. Select from a multitude of subdued colors.
- Available sizes: Small - 3XL
3
A Lightweight Cardigan With Large Side Pockets
You can top any outfit off with this cardigan to complete your look for the day. It features an open front, three-quarter sleeves, and side pockets that allow you to tuck your hands and other items. Made of a blend of soft materials (including both cotton and cashmere), this sweater has a streamlined fit that feels cozy and lightweight.
- Available sizes: Small - XX-Large
4
A Relaxed Color-Block Sweater That Comes In So Many Shades
Enjoy the relaxed nature of this color-block sweater, which has a crewneck and cozy dropped sleeves. It's made with 100% polyester, so it's just as warm as it is soft. It also features an oversized fit that's sure to go hand-in-hand with many other pieces in your closet. This top comes in a wide selection of color combinations, too.
- Available sizes: Small - X-Large
5
A Fuzzy Cardigan That Comes In A Variety Of Patterns
This oversized, open-front cardigan is soft, plush, and easy to layer. Like others mentioned on this list, it closes like a shawl —but there are other options available that close with two buttons. You can also choose from different animal prints, plaid designs, even seasonal patterns.
- Available sizes: Small - XX-Large
6
This Duster Sweater That Comes In A Variety Of Neutral Hues
Eliminate the need for a coat with this long sweater duster. It's great for layering with your favorite tees, tops, and tanks —and it features a shawl collar with ribbing throughout the fabric. Pick this up in one of many neutral colors.
- Available sizes: X-Small - XX-Large
7
The Soft V-Neck Sweater That Comes In An Assortment Of Muted Colors
This deep V-neck sweater —which is made with a hint of cashmere —offers a relaxed, lightweight fit that's soft and comfortable. The design pulls over your head for easy wear and can be laundered in the washing machine for added convenience. Choose your favorite of six muted colors.
- Available sizes: Small - XX-Large
8
A V-Neck Waffle Sweater That Can Be Worn Off The Shoulder
Slip into this waffle-knit sweater to stay warm without feeling too bulky. It has an oversized V-neck that can be worn off the shoulder, and it's available in over eight colors. There are even a few color-block designs and tie-dye styles with the same build to choose from.
- Available sizes: Small - XX-Large
9
This Flowing Batwing Sweater With A Fitted Waist
Designed with batwing sleeves and a wide boat neckline, this sweater will go great with jeans, leggings, and more. It's a loose and lightweight pullover that's available in a variety of vivid hues. It also boasts a 4.5-star rating, which is seriously impressive. One customer wrote, "This sweater is everything! The material is soft and thin; perfect for fall. The waist area is fitted compared to the rest."
- Available sizes: One Size Fits Most
10
This Cozy Crewneck Sweater Made With 100% Cashmere
You'll feel super cozy in this crewneck sweater that's made with 100% two-ply cashmere. It's available in nine colors, including some shades with knit designs throughout. They all have rib-knit collars, cuffs, and hems —and they can easily be layered underneath your jacket.
- Available sizes: Small - X-Large
11
This Oversized Knit Sweater That's "Cozy Without Being Too Bulky"
Made with a blend of two-ply cashmere and wool, this sweater has chunky knit styling without being too bulky. It's designed to fit loosely and features a round neckline with ribbed designs on the cuffs and hemline. A large assortment of vibrant colors are available for your selection. One person wrote, "This sweater is so soft! It’s a great length to wear with leggings, and it is cozy without being too bulky."
- Available sizes: One Size Fits Most
12
This Relaxed-Fit Sweater With Ribbed Detailing
This slouchy crewneck sweater is sure to become a staple in your wardrobe. It features a simple, slouchy silhouette with a squared-off crewneck, as well as wide ribbed detailing on the hem and neckline. Select from nine essential colors, like olive, oatmeal, and navy.
- Available sizes: X-Small - XX-Large
13
An Oversized Mock Neck Sweater That's "Super Soft"
According to various Amazon customers, this comfy pullover sweater is "super soft." It features an oversized fit with a mock neck and long sleeves highlighted by ribbed cuffs. The style comes in eight different colors.
- Available sizes: X-Small - X-Large
14
This Cozy, Breathable Plus-Size Sweater With Ribbed Cuffs
Made with a breathable, yet warm blend of cotton, modal, and polyester, this plus-size sweater is great for everyday wear. It has a casual feel that can be dressed up or down, and the ribbed details throughout the edges make it even cozier. It's available in 10 soothing shades.
- Available sizes: 1X - 6X
15
A Baggy Knit Sweater With A Warm Turtleneck
This turtleneck has all the hallmarks of a great sweater: It boasts a breathable knit design along with batwing sleeves and ribbed detailing at the neck, hem, and cuffs. Although it's considered a "chunky knit" option, it's baggy and doesn't appear to be bulky.
- Available sizes: Small - X-Large
16
This Edgy Knit Sweater With An Off-The-Shoulder Style
Go for a mix of comfy and edgy with this off-the-shoulder sweater. The long-sleeve pullover is made with ribbed detailing at the hemline and cuffs —and it comes in a variety of colors and leopard prints. Since it's made with viscose, polyester, and nylon, it's also has some stretch to it.
- Available sizes: X-Small - XX-Large
17
A Mock-Neck Sweater With A Streamlined Silhouette
Made of a lightweight blend of cotton, modal, and poly fabric, this mock-neck sweater is especially soft. The design features long sleeves and a streamlined silhouette — and it's highlighted with elastic ribbing at the neckline, hem, and cuffs. Select from a variety of colors and patterns.
- Available sizes: X-Small - 6X
18
A Waffle-Knit Sweater With An Open, Crisscross Design In The Back
This sweater is all business in the front and party in the back. It features a chic V-neck top, long rib-cuffed sleeves, and the surprise of cutout crisscross detailing on the reverse side. The waffle knit fabric helps keep it casual and comfy, making it easy to pair with leggings and jeans. Pick from a myriad of styles, sizes, and colors.
- Available sizes: Small - XX-Large
19
A Sweater With Leopard Designs On The Arms
This standout sweater features leopard designs throughout the arms, and it's made with a blend of cotton and nylon. It also boasts ribbed detailing around each trim and comes in eight different colors (all of which have the same leopards on each side).
- Available sizes: Small - X-Large
20
A Deconstructed V-Neck Sweater With A Worn-In Look
If you enjoy the deconstructed look, you're going to love this distressed sweater. It fits loose and has a V-neck design with tattered detailing along the sides. This particular pullover sweater also comes in gray —and the pink version doesn't have a V-neck.
- Available sizes: Small - XX-Large
21
An Open-Front Sweater With A Longline Silhouette
This longline, shawl-style cardigan sweater features an open front side pockets and ribbed detailing along the cuffs and hemline. It's soft, lightweight, and breathable, making it a suitable piece for various different seasons. Pick your favorite of many colors and pair it with jeans, leggings, skirts, and more.
- Available sizes: Small - 3XL
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FAQs
What kind of sweaters won't pill? ›
What we found—in this Wall Street Journal investigation of sorts, as well as almost every online fashion forum under the sun—was that while the majority of sweaters will pill (no matter the quality or price), the least likely material to do so is merino wool.
What is the sweater style for 2023? ›What are sweater styles 2023? The oversized turtleneck sweater, open knit sweater, ribbed knit polo sweater, quarter sleeve turtleneck, and thin turtleneck sweater are the key sweater styles 2023.
What color sweaters will be in winter 2023? ›Firstly, browns are super in right now. Think adobe (a dark camel hue) and tomato cream (warm brown hue) when looking for brown winter sweaters. Secondly, pink is super fashionable right now! We're talking light, pastel colors and even some fuchsia.
What fabrics are less likely to pill? ›Fabrics made of long fibers like silk and linen pill less than wool, cotton, polyester, and other synthetic threads. When fibers are mixed in a fabric like a cotton/polyester blend, one fiber is usually much stronger than the other. The weaker fiber will break, knot around to the stronger fiber, and a pill is formed.
What fabrics won't pill? ›In contrast, high-quality fabrics like Egyptian cotton, Supima cotton, or bamboo are less likely to pill because they have longer fibers that are less prone to breakage.
What outfits are trending right now 2023? ›- 01 of 18. Rich Red. From left: Stella McCartney, Ester Manas, Elie Saab. ...
- 02 of 18. The Peplum 2.0. ...
- 03 of 18. High Water Hemlines. ...
- 04 of 18. Olive Oil Green. ...
- 05 of 18. Mellow Yellow. ...
- 06 of 18. Navel Grazers. ...
- 07 of 18. Sweater Dresses. ...
- 08 of 18. Top-Shelf Tartan.
There's an obsession with '90s minimalism that hasn't faded, as well a newfound unapologetic love of sheer garments. But there are also lots of other things people seem to be shopping, like metallic footwear, moto-inspired leather separates, and bright, colorful dresses. Ahead, shop the top six summer trends of 2023.
What trends are popular right now 2023? ›2023 Style Trend: '90s Revival
Both López and Larroudé predict '90s silhouettes will make a comeback. Think column dresses and skirts, Matrix-inspired leather details, and pumps with vintage-inspired details.
Use Versatile Pieces
Button-up shirts worn over a tank or t-shirt and under a chunky sweater is a timeless, classy winter look that'll keep you cozy on the coldest days. Don't be afraid to get creative when layering and put versatile pieces like denim shirts, turtlenecks and sweaters to work.
Go with thinner knits or cashmere for a body skimming look. For belts, stick with skinny belts and consider a color that matches your sweater to elongate your torso. A long sleeve lightweight v-neck cardigan in a thinner knit is flattering and can be worn multiple seasons. Best length hits at the hip.
How do you not look big in a sweater? ›
If you're shorter, opt for a shorter oversized sweater so it doesn't hang too low on your thighs. When it's too long, it makes your legs look shorter and makes your sweater look too big. If you're taller, opt for a longer sweater when wearing with pants, and wear shorter ones with skirts.
What colors are in fashion right now 2023? ›Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023.
What are the new fashion colors for 2023? ›- Digital Lavender. Predicted to be the color of 2023, Coloro's Digital Lavender is the hue of renewed optimism and comfort. ...
- Viva Magenta. ...
- Raspberry Blush. ...
- Redend Point. ...
- 5. Luscious Red. ...
- Sundial. ...
- Tranquil Blue. ...
- Blank Canvas.
These pesky fabric pills are the result of normal wear and tear—broken clothing fibers on the surface become tangled together. Over time, these threads clump together, forming the characteristic lint ball that is stuck to your clothing.
What type of cotton does not pill? ›With most types of cotton, pills, which are tiny balls of tangled fiber, start to appear on clothing after around 10 washes. Pima cotton, however, hardly ever pills due to its long fibers, which means that garments made from this textile stay wearable for years and years.
Is there cashmere that doesn't pill? ›Low-quality cashmere is especially prone to pilling, as it is composed of mostly short fibers. High-quality cashmere products, such as those found at the Cashmere Shop will not pill excessively when properly cared for.
Are cashmere sweaters supposed to pill? ›Yes, pilling on cashmere is normal. Pilling occurs when fibers in the fabric rub together and form small balls of tangled fiber. This is a common occurrence with fabrics that contain high levels of natural fibers such as wool or cashmere.