Our Editors Tried 8 Amazon Essentials Sweaters (All Under $40)—And Didn't Hold Back Our Opinions
Including cardigans, crew necks, and polos galore.
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Every time sweater weather rolls around, I find myself on the hunt for comfortable and stylish knits to wrap myself in all season long. But as someone who's incredibly picky about my knitwear, I've always been slightly skeptical of Amazon Essentials' line of (seemingly) cute sweaters. To see how the e-tailer's under-$40 knits stack up in real life, I recruited my fellow editors to help me try out some of Amazon Essentials' most popular sweaters.
Shop Amazon Essentials Sweaters
A total of eight editors—all with different body types, heights, and style preferences—chose an Amazon Essentials sweater style to try, ranging from lightweight cardigans to chunky turtlenecks. After styling them alongside our own wardrobes for a few days, we gave our honest opinions based on size accuracy, fit, and overall style.
Based on editor feedback, this ended up being our most successful Amazon fashion review to date: we couldn't stop comparing notes on how cute and comfortable these under-$40 styes were. Keep reading for our full, unfiltered thoughts:
Best Deal
Sizes available: XXS to XXL | Colors available: 5 | Material: 55% Cotton, 25% modal, 20% polyester
A simple V-neck sweater is a staple in any wardrobe since you can layer it over button-downs or under bulkier jackets on chilly days. This lightweight, cotton-modal-blend pick features a hip-length silhouette with relaxed dropped shoulders and ribbed details at the cuffs and hem.
Editor Thoughts
"I love a V-neck because it makes my neck look longer than it is...I think this would make a perfect sweater for layering, since it has a roomy fit (hat tip to the dropped-shoulders here). Even with the loose fit, the shorter length makes it look more fitted. It's soft and stretchy, but not see-through. I'm planning on getting it in other colors!"—Commerce Editor Jessica Dukes.
Sizes available: XXS to XXL | Colors available: 5 | Material: 97% Cotton, 2% nylon, 1% elastane
Preppy and polished, this polo sweater comes in a few versatile shades, including these bold black-and-white stripes. Its knit is made from mostly cotton, making it a comfy pick for both chilly winter days and breezy summer nights.
Editor Thoughts
"This sweater looks even cuter in person than it did online, and I adore the preppy stripes and polo collar. It fit true to size, with a boxy silhouette that was cropped at the hip. The sleeves were the perfect length for my 5'5" frame. I was blown away by the fabric—it's comparable to other sweater brands I've tried at a fraction of the price. I appreciate that this mostly-cotton sweater felt soft with a substantial weight...It's already become one of my favorite sweaters in my rotation."—Associate Commerce Editor Lauren Gruber
Sizes available: XS to 6XL | Colors available: 10+ | Material: 55% Cotton, 25% modal, 20% polyester
Featuring a deep V-neck, this lightweight cardigan seems to be ideal for year-round wear. It's earned more than 15,500 five-star ratings, and reviewers praise its wide range of colors and season-transcending appeal. At just $16, it's the most affordable sweater we tried.
Editor Thoughts
"The cardigan fits true to size and has a slightly boxy fit. I personally would have preferred it to be a bit more tailored for a sleeker silhouette. While it’s not the most flattering on its own, it really shines as a layering piece under blazers or structured jackets. The overall style leans more professional, making it a great option for business casual or more formal settings. The fabric has a touch of stretch, providing comfort without feeling flimsy. While the material isn’t especially soft, it holds its structure well, contributing to a more polished appearance."—Commerce Content Strategy Manager Sophie Park
Sizes available: XXS to XXL | Colors available: 4 | Material: 96% Cotton, 3% other fiber, 1% elastane
Oversized, decorative gold buttons, textured tuck-stitch fabric, and built-in shoulder pads give this cardigan sweater an elevated appearance. Its structured design looks equally stylish buttoned up as it does worn open over T-shirts. At $40, it's the most expensive sweater we tried.
Editor Thoughts
"I really like this sweater and plan on incorporating it into my fall and winter wardrobe. While I usually opt for longer sweaters, this one has a slightly cropped design that works well for office outfits with high-waisted pants or jeans. I think this is meant to have a snug fit—so if you're looking for something loose, I would size up. The sweater itself feels thick and heavy (perfect for fall), but it's not too warm; I wore this while walking through steamy subway halls and didn't sweat at all! Plus, I love the gold-colored buttons that help gold jewelry pop. The pockets are great, too!"—Senior Editor Amanda Fama
Sizes available: XXS to XXL | Colors available: 10+ | Material: 56% Cotton, 23% polyester, 18% acrylic, 3% elastane
Fair Isle-print sweaters are a nostalgic pick for the winter months, but they're usually on the pricey side. A steal at under $25, this sweater comes in a handful of festive designs and features a simple crewneck silhouette that won't compete with its bold pattern.
Editor Thoughts
"I was honestly shocked by the quality of this sweater for the price—this seriously rivals some of the sweaters in my closet that cost around $200. The knit feels quite nice and squishy, but it ran a little bit small in my opinion. The sleeves were a bit short on me, but I have long arms. I really like the style; it feels very vintage-inspired without the musty thrift store smell or itchy fabric. I'll definitely be reaching for it this winter to wear alongside skirts, jeans, boots, and more."—Commerce Editor Samantha Jones
Sizes available: XS to 6XL | Colors available: 9 | Material: 55% Cotton, 25% modal, 20% polyester
Boasting an impressive 4.5/5 star rating from more than 10,000 Amazon shoppers, this longline cardigan has received rave reviews for its easy-to-layer silhouette and lightweight fabric. Plus, it has pockets.
Editor Thoughts
"I love that it's a cardigan style because it feels effortless to just toss on when you are running out the door. It is a little on the see-through side, but it's still surprisingly warm. It did seem a bit more snug [after washing], but since the fabric is pretty stretchy it was back to its normal sizing shortly thereafter. I am going to keep it as an office sweater for those days when I just need a light layer. I just wish it had a button or clasp on it, so that I had the option to close it if I wanted."—Commerce Editor Angel Madison
Sizes available: XS to XXL | Colors available: 10+ | Material: 100% Cotton
Once the temperatures start to drop, heavier sweaters like this luxe-looking cable knit turtleneck will become staples in your cold-weather wardrobe.
Editor Thoughts
"Made from 100% cotton, it is comfortable on the skin and it actually provides warmth. This is a bit oversized and loose on me. Since I ordered the smallest size available, I'm tempted to toss it in the dryer to see if it will shrink a little to be my ideal fit. I like the style, but the fit is a little oversized for my taste. The turtleneck isn't too tight and feels like a built-in scarf. The cable knit pattern is so chic, perfect for a more New England-inspired look. I can easily style it with jeans, slacks, or a skirt."—Commerce Editor Anvita Reddy
Sizes available: XS to 6XL | Colors available: 8 | Material: 100% Cotton
This effortlessly chic funnel-neck sweater suits a variety of occasions and styles—try dressing it up with a slip skirt, or pairing it with jeans and sneakers for a casual look. Reviewers love that it's made from 100% cotton and note that it feels soft and comfortable.
Editor Thoughts
"Although I tend to find most affordable sweaters itchy, this was surprisingly comfortable! It kept me cozy in a chilly movie theater, yet wasn't too bulky to toss over my shoulders for my walk home. I'm often between sizes (M/L), so I snagged a large for a slightly oversized look and really liked the fit, especially over my larger chest. I thought it was a great length for doing a front tuck with jeans. The sleeves were a little short. I'd definitely wear this IRL! I think this is a versatile option because of its mid-weight construction. The mock neck is cute and not constricting."—Commerce Editor Madison McGee
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