Everyone is tired of being lied to by Instagram ads. You know the ones. A gorgeous model stands in a sun-drenched loft wearing a chunky, cream-colored sweater that looks like it weighs ten pounds and feels like a cloud. You click. It’s $45. You buy it. Two weeks later, a scratchy, thin acrylic mess arrives that smells like a chemical factory. It sucks. Honestly, it’s why most of us were skeptical when the Quince cable knit sweater started taking over every "affordable luxury" list on the internet.
The promise seemed too good. High-grade Mongolian cashmere or Australian Merino wool for under a hundred bucks? Usually, that’s a red flag. But Quince isn't exactly a traditional retailer. They use a factory-to-consumer model, basically cutting out the middleman and the fancy Madison Avenue storefronts to keep prices down.
Does it actually work? Or is it just another clever marketing ploy designed to make us feel like we’re getting a deal?
The Reality of Quince Quality vs. Big Brand Names
Let’s talk about the weight. A cheap sweater feels light because it is light. Brands save money by using less yarn and spinning it thinner. When you pick up a Quince cable knit sweater, specifically the 100% Cotton or the Merino versions, there is a distinct heft to it. It feels substantial in your hands.
If you compare it to something from Jenni Kayne or Vince—brands that easily charge $300 to $500 for similar silhouettes—the differences are surprisingly minute. Those high-end brands often use a slightly longer staple fiber, which reduces pilling over the long term. Quince uses a mid-to-long staple. It’s better than the fast-fashion garbage at the mall, but you might notice a tiny bit more fuzzing after month six than you would with a $500 investment piece.
But here is the kicker.
You can buy five of these for the price of one designer version. For most people living a real life—spilling coffee, chasing kids, commuting in the rain—that trade-off is a no-brainer.
Why the Knit Pattern Matters More Than You Think
Cable knitting isn't just for aesthetics. Historically, those chunky patterns were developed for Irish fishermen to add thickness and warmth without making the garment stiff. The Quince cable knit sweater uses a classic 5-gauge or 7-gauge knit depending on the specific model. This creates air pockets. Air is the best insulator.
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I’ve noticed that many "budget" brands fake the cable look. They use a stamped pattern or a very loose, flat knit that loses its shape after one wash. Quince actually executes a dimensional, raised cable. It has "loft." When you press your finger into the sleeve, it bounces back. That’s the sign of high-tension knitting.
Cotton vs. Cashmere: Which One Should You Actually Buy?
This is where people get confused. Quince offers the cable knit in several different materials. Choosing the wrong one for your climate is a recipe for a bad experience.
The Organic Cotton Cable Knit is their heavy hitter. It’s chunky. It’s breathable. If you live in a place like California or the South, this is your year-round staple. It’s surprisingly heavy, which gives it a great drape, but it won't make you sweat through your shirt the moment you step indoors.
Then there’s the Mongolian Cashmere Cable Knit. This is the one that gets all the TikTok fame.
Is it the softest cashmere on earth? No.
Is it better than the cashmere at Uniqlo or J.Crew? Yes, usually.
It’s Grade A cashmere, which means the fibers are thinner and longer than the "Grade C" stuff you find in bargain bins. However, cashmere is delicate. If you wear a heavy backpack over a cashmere cable knit every day, you are going to destroy it. Friction is the enemy here.
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Sizing is the Secret Sauce
We need to talk about the fit because it’s a bit polarizing. Quince tends to cut their sweaters with a slightly "boxier" fit. It’s not that oversized "I’m wearing a tent" look, but it’s definitely not slim-fit.
- If you want the classic look: Stick to your true size.
- If you want that Pinterest-aesthetic oversized vibe: Size up one.
- If you are petite: You might find the sleeves a bit long, but the ribbed cuffs are tight enough to hold them up at your wrists.
I’ve seen some reviews claiming the sweaters shrink. Here’s the truth: they don't shrink if you treat them like the natural fibers they are. If you throw a 100% wool sweater in a hot dryer, you are making a sweater for a Chihuahua. Don’t do that.
The Sustainability Question (The Part Nobody Reads But Should)
"Ethical fashion" is a term that gets thrown around like confetti. Quince claims to use Bluesign-approved dyes and GOTS-certified organic cotton. This actually matters. It means the factory isn't dumping toxic sludge into local rivers and the workers aren't breathing in nasty chemicals.
They also focus on "deadstock" and lean production. They don't make 50,000 sweaters and hope they sell. They make smaller batches. This is why you’ll often see the most popular colors—like the "Oatmeal" or "Navy"—out of stock for weeks at a time. It’s annoying for the shopper, but it’s objectively better for the planet.
Common Complaints and How to Avoid Them
It's not all sunshine and rainbows. No product is perfect.
One real issue is the "new sweater smell." Because Quince ships directly from the source to reduce carbon footprints, the garments are often bagged immediately after production. Sometimes, they arrive with a faint "factory" scent. It’s not permanent. A quick steam or just letting it hang in a ventilated room for an afternoon usually fixes it.
Another gripe? Pilling.
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Every single natural fiber sweater will pill. It’s physics. The tiny fibers rub together and create little balls. The Quince cable knit sweater is no exception. If you buy one, spend $10 on a battery-operated fabric shaver. Use it once a month. Your sweater will look brand new for three years. If you don't shave it, it will look like a Muppet by Christmas.
Style Pairings for the Modern Wardrobe
How do you actually wear this thing without looking like a 1950s professor?
- The Contrast Look: Pair the chunky cotton cable knit with sleek leggings or silk skirts. The mix of heavy texture and smooth fabric creates visual interest.
- The "Quiet Luxury" Vibe: Go monochromatic. An oatmeal sweater with tan trousers looks expensive. People will assume you spent $400. Let them.
- The Casual Weekend: Half-tuck the front into some high-waisted denim and add a lug-sole boot.
The beauty of the cable knit is its versatility. It fills that gap between a casual sweatshirt and a formal blazer. It’s the "middle ground" of clothing.
Maintenance: Don't Ruin Your Investment
If you bought the cashmere or wool version, please stop washing it every time you wear it. You don't need to. Wool is naturally antimicrobial. It doesn't hold onto odors like polyester does.
- Hand wash only: Use a gentle detergent like Eucalan or Woolite.
- The Towel Trick: Never wring out a wet sweater. Lay it on a towel, roll the towel up like a burrito to squeeze the water out, then lay it flat to dry.
- Storage: Never, ever hang a heavy sweater on a hanger. Gravity will stretch the shoulders into weird "nipple" shapes that never go away. Fold it.
Is it Worth the Money?
When you break down the cost-per-wear, the Quince cable knit sweater is a winner. If you buy a $60 cotton version and wear it 20 times this winter, that’s $3 per wear. Compared to a "fast fashion" alternative that falls apart after three washes, the value is clear.
It’s rare to find a brand that actually delivers on the "luxury for less" promise without cutting major corners on labor or material quality. Quince has managed to hit that sweet spot. It’s not the finest garment ever made by human hands, but for the price point, it’s probably the best one on the market right now.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
If you're ready to add one to your closet, don't just click "buy" on the first one you see. Follow these steps to ensure you actually like what shows up at your door:
- Check the material composition first. Ensure it is 100% of the fiber listed. Some brands (not Quince, usually) sneak in "polyamide" or "acrylic" blends. Quince sticks to 100% natural fibers for their core cable line, which is what you want for longevity.
- Measure a sweater you already love. Look at the "Garment Measurements" link on the Quince product page, not just the "Sizing Guide." Compare the chest width and length to your favorite old sweater to get the fit right the first time.
- Look at the "Global Recycled Standard" (GRS) labels if you are buying their recycled lines. It’s a good way to verify their sustainability claims.
- Order early in the season. Their logistics chain is efficient, but because they don't overproduce, the best colors (like Ivory and Charcoal) sell out the moment the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
- Invest in a cedar block. Since these are real wool/cashmere, moths will love them as much as you do. Keep a piece of cedar in your sweater drawer to keep the bugs away without the smell of mothballs.
Focus on the Organic Cotton version if you want a "workhorse" sweater, or the Cashmere version if you want a "treat yourself" piece that feels like a hug. Either way, you're getting a garment that punches way above its weight class.