My Favorite Jenni Kayne Sweaters
My Favorite Jenni Kayne Sweaters
first published October 8th, 2021; last updated October 28th, 2023
No one loves a good sweater like me (Hi, my name is Alyssa and I’m always cold!), and no one does a good sweater quite like Jenni Kayne! Between the materials, the quality, the colors, they just get it every.single.time.
Since it’s officially sweater weather (for everyone else, for me it’s pretty much sweater weather year-round! Ha!) and I’ve started to build up a bit of a collection of their sweaters, which I can usually be found in most days, I figured it would be helpful to do reviews of Jenni Kayne sweaters that I own and take note of all of them in one post for you to reference for sizing notes, fit, style, colors, etc. I’ll keep this post updated as I add new colors and/or styles to my collection, so be sure to check back often!
It’s hard to play favorites when it comes to JK sweaters, but the COOPER CARDIGAN is definitely a favorite. It’s honestly in a league of it’s own, it’s just so luxurious. The weight, the feel, the material, the look, it truly is such a beautiful high-end timeless piece that will last for seasons to come.
AVAILABLE IN: taupe (what I’m wearing), black, warm ivory, chocolate, dark grey, taupe/navy stripe
FIT: I’m wearing a size medium; I originally got this in a small and while it fit, I wanted to have a bit more room so I sized up one size, which I would highly recommend do. The one and only JK sweater where I have to size up vs sizing down or taking my usual size! Ha
FEEL: If there was one word to describe this sweater it’s luxe! It truly could not be more amazing! The material has a nice thickness to it, but doesn’t weigh you down, and it just feels so soft against the skin. Worth every penny of the investment!
PERFECT FOR: Thanks to it’s luxe look and feel the Cooper is perfect for dressing up paired with a skirt (I especially love this skirt with it!) or over a slip dress or with nice slacks, but I also love dressing it down with loose jeans (to balance the fitted, luxe fit) and/or paired over a classic white t-shirt.
The CASHMERE COCOON CARDIGAN is just as cozy and cocoon-like as the regular cocoon cardigan but times 10. I think it may be one of my favorite JK sweaters and definitely one of my top favorite cardigans. It’s super comfortable and cozy and so versatile. Plus, I love that it comes in so many colors (I want them all!) and I love that the taupe one (which I’m wearing) is made with recycled cashmere. It’s warm and cozy if you need it to be, but also lightweight enough that you can wear it on a warm spring day. It’s great to wear as is (like how I’m wearing it in the pictures, under or over layers or even dressed up with something like a slip skirt. Just be sure to size down a size!
AVAILABLE IN: black, heather grey, ivory, oatmeal, heather navy, olive, undyed stone, russet, taupe (what I’m wearing taupe)
FIT: very oversized so I definitely recommend sizing down 1 size (I’m wearing an XS)
FEEL: lightweight, but still cozy
PERFECT FOR: casual looks, everyday, throwing over a dressier outfit, layering…a super versatile cardigan
This COTTON CROPPED COCOON CARDIGAN is the perfect lightweight version of last fall’s cashmere cropped cocoon. TBH, it’s pretty much been my go-to sweater of the season. It’s super versatile making it easy to grab for anything and everything, which I have. In fact, there basically ins’t anywhere it hasn’t come with me since I got it- getaways, day trips, beach bags, overnight bags, farmers market excursions, coffee runs, date nights…you name it, this sweater has been there! I can dress it down and wear it with things like shorts for a super casual look, or it works just as well dressed up and paired with a slip dress or skirt. It’s lightweight enough for summer, but still cozy enough for cooler summer evenings and time by the beach. Plus, the navy color has been amazing (not going to lie, I’ve actually been surprised at how much I’ve worn it and picked it over other neutral colors given that I’m pretty much only always in beige or white). Truly can’t recommend this sweater enough!
AVAILABLE IN: navy (the shade I have) and mocha
FIT: oversized, size down for less baggy fit, or take your usual size to keep the oversized look and feel (as a rule of thumb, with anything cropped, I usually size up at least one size, but since I know the JK sweaters tend to run a bit big, I stuck to my usual size and it was perfect)
FEEL: super lightweight
PERFECT FOR: summer, especially those cooler summer nights where you want something cozy but not too heavy; dressing up or down
I’m not even kidding when I say that love this BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN so much that I got it in two colors. The sand is the creamiest, dreamiest soft white, perfect for spring, and the almond is just the loveliest toasty tan shade, also perfect for spring. I’ve basically been wearing this sweater non-stop since I got it (I know, I know, I say that a lot when it comes to Jenni’s sweaters, but it’s true). It’s light and perfect for warmer spring days, but also great to layer when it’s a bit cooler. I’ve paired mine with everything from sweaters to slacks to jeans and warm it alone, buttoned up (like I’ve pictured it here in the first photo), or layered it over this t-shirt for a soft and cozy look (like I’m showing in the second look). I mean, can you understand now why I got it in not one BUT two colors??! You just can’t go wrong with this one! Oh, and it’s part of JK’s Eco group, meaning it’s crafted using materials and practices that are better for your wardrobe and the planet. So really a win-win all-around!
AVAILABLE IN: sand (the color I’m wearing on the left), almond (the color I’m wearing on the right)
FIT: I’m wearing a size small, which is perfect, so I’d say go with your usual size.
FEEL: lightweight and lovely
PERFECT FOR: just about everything; it’s lightweight, making it ideal for spring, easy to wear, making it perfect for casual looks, but also chic enough for a more dressy pulled-together sitch and also looks great all on it’s own or layered up
Ah! The ALPACA COCOON CREWNECK. Another perfect Jenni Kayne sweater that really can do no wrong. It’s easy to wear, warm, cozy, but not heavy and perfect for any situation, from casual at-home looks to more dressy outfits for being out-and-about. I love pairing it with oversized sweaters for an at-home lounge moment, or, as you can see here, I like giving it a more dressed-up chic look by pairing it with bold gold jewelry and some black trousers. Truly a versatile sweater that can go from day to night and do it all.
AVAILABLE IN: oatmeal, grey, ivory, ivory stripe, charcoal (I’m wearing black which is not currently available)
FIT: I’m wearing a size small. The fit is definitely more oversized, so I would say to stick with your normal size to maintain that oversized feel, or go down a size if you want it to be a bit more fitted (although, personally, wouldn’t recommend that with this style of sweater).
FEEL: lightweight but still oh so warm and cozy
PERFECT FOR: everything from casual lounging at home to dressy looks out and about
Here’s the thing. If a sweater is a part of the JK alpaca cocoon range, I know I’m instantly going to love it. And this ALPACA COCOON CARDIGAN is no exception. It’s just so cozy, it feels like wearing a warm hug, which is exactly what I want in the middle of the cold fall and winter months!
For more photos on how I styled it for a cozy casual weekend outfit with the Jenni Kayne Saturday Sweatpants (also amazing, btw! I just size up two sizes!), you can check out this post.
AVAILABLE IN: oatmeal, grey, ivory (what I’m wearing)
FIT: I’m wearing a size x-small. The fit is definitely very oversized. I went down one size but honestly wish I had gone down 2 sizes as it was still almost too oversized for me (and we know I love an very oversized sitch haha).
FEEL: cozy and warm and perfect for cooler fall and winter months
PERFECT FOR: great for layering, lounging and casual looks
One of the questions I get asked most in regards to Jenni Kayne sweaters is where to start and which sweater to get first. Totally understandable given how many beautiful and wonderful JK sweaters there are! I have several favorites that I continuously reach for on repeat, including the EVERYDAY SWEATER, which is what I also suggest as an intro piece for starting your JK sweater collection. Here’s why- it’s super easy to wear. It’s lightweight but easy to layer with, so its great for a variety of seasons. It’s also got a nice fit to it. Like it’s not fitted, but it’s not oversized either. It’s just a great relaxed fit, meaning it can look more casual when you need it to, but it’s also not going to look sloppy if you want to dress it up. Which brings me to my next point. It’s easy to dress up or down, throw over a t-shirt or under a blazer making it super versatile and something you’ll definitely got lots of wear out of. And, the price point, especially for a JK sweater, is super approachable, making it easier to test out the JK sweater waters. Plus, it comes in lots of great color options.
PRO TIP- grab yourself a sweater stone. While I recommend having it to care for all your sweaters, the one downside to the everyday sweater is that it does pill a bit, so I especially recommend having one of these stones to help keep the everyday sweater looking in tip top shape.
AVAILABLE IN: taupe, dark camel, ivory, oatmeal (I’m wearing heather grey which is not currently available)
FIT: I’m wearing a size small; this sweater definitely fits tts, so if you want something more oversized, I’d suggest going up one size.
FEEL: lightweight, breathable, easy to wear
PERFECT FOR: just about anything! I mean, it’s not called the everyday sweater for nothing!
Not me with yet another alpaca cocoon piece! Ha! Although I’m sure, given the statement I made above about the alpaca cocoon cardigan, you’re probably not at all surprised. And yup, you guessed it I love this ALPACA COCOON TURTLENECK just as much as all my other cocoon pieces. I mean, have I mentioned just how soft and cozy it is?! I recently took it on a little weekend cold weather trip and it was pretty much the only sweater I wore because a) it kept me super warm and cozy and also b) it was perfect for daytime looks paired with jeans but it was also chic enough to dress up for dinner and going out (I did both, once with black jeans and another time with a black slip skirt).
AVAILABLE IN: ivory, oatmeal (what I’m wearing)
FIT: I’m wearing a size x-small. As with most of the cocoon sweaters, the fit is definitely oversized, so I recommend sizing down one size.
FEEL: cozy and thick but still lightweight
PERFECT FOR: everything from casual lounging at home to dressy looks out and about
I love this CASHMERE HALF ZIP so much that if I didn’t already have a closet full of sweaters I honestly probably would have gotten this in the storm color, too. I just find myself reaching for it to pair with so many things, everything from jeans to those casual moments where I’m wearing leggings but still want to look somewhat put together.
AVAILABLE IN: undyed stone, amber, ivory, black, oatmeal, heather grey (I’m wearing dove, which is not currently available)
FIT: I’m wearing a size small. The fit is definitely more oversized, so I would say to stick with your normal size to maintain that oversized feel, or go down a size if you want it to be a bit more fitted. Personally, I prefer the oversized fit in this sweater, so I say stick with your usual size.
FEEL: a super luxe (thanks to to the cashmere!) half zip that is lightweight but cozy
PERFECT FOR: pairing with everything from jeans to slacks to sweat pants to leggings (Yes I wear mine with all those things!)
I am obsessed with everything about the fisherman COCOON CREWNECK SWEATER! The color, the style, the knit, the fit, it’s all just absolute perfection that makes it a go-to in my closet for easy and effortless layering and wearing. You can see my full outfit post with more photos on how I styled it here and shop the sweater here.
AVAILABLE IN: currently sold out; however, this JK sweater is a similar option and I also love this cocoon crewneck
FIT: I’m wearing a small. It’s meant to have an oversized fit so I would say to stick with your usual size, or go down a size for a more fitted look. As an FYI, though, sleeve length might be too short if you do size down. I almost went down a size but I’m really glad I didn’t because then the sleeves definitely would have been too short (at least for me).
FEEL: like being wrapped up in a big hug; soft and chunky but not too bulky, toasty and warm but still lightweight
PERFECT FOR: cozy, effortless layering and looks in cooler months
The CABIN SWEATER was my first Jenni Kayne sweater, and, tbh, the sweater that opened my eyes to the JK sweater magic. I would honestly just wear this one sweater, forever, until the day I die, and be perfectly content. It’s truly such a perfect, flattering (especially if you’re a bit top heavy, like me), comfortable fit. I throw it on with sweatpants for a cozy but chic look, I pair it with jeans for something a little more put together but still comfy, and I even love throwing it over a slip dress or pairing it with a slip skirt. I’m telling you, you can’t go wrong with the Cabin Sweater. I’m telling you, do yourself a big favor, buy it in all the colors available, and thank me later.
AVAILABLE IN: oatmeal (left photo), ivory (right photo)
FIT: oversized, size down for less baggy fit, or take your usual size to keep the oversized look and feel (I’ve done both options, and personally, I prefer to size down as that’s still an oversized enough look for me, but tbh, you really can’t go wrong either way)
FEEL: lightweight + thinner
PERFECT FOR: casual, chic looks and year-round
You say “oversized” and I say “Sign me up!”. Suffice it to say, when Jenni Kayne came out with the OVERSIZED CASHMERE FISHERMAN SWEATER, I couldn’t get my hands on it fast enough! It’s so warm and cozy and thick and chunky, but still super lightweight (if that makes sense). And, of course, I love the taupe color and the fact that it is made from recycled cashmere. I love to pair it with leggings for a casual but pulled-together look, as well as with jeans and it’s perfect for layering in colder, winter weather.
AVAILABLE IN: taupe (what I’m wearing)
FIT: as the name implies the fit is oversized so take your usual size to keep the oversized look and feel, or size down for a less baggy look and feel (I’m wearing a medium because for some reason I thought I should size up, I’m not sure why haha I still love the sweater, but I definitely should have gone with a small if not an xs!)
FEEL: lightweight but still chunky and cozy
PERFECT FOR: cozy, casual looks
As the name implies, COCOON CARDIGAN does indeed feel like you’ve just been wrapped up in the coziest cocoon, and honestly who doesn’t want to feel like that, especially in the cooler months? I love throwing this sweater on over a dress (like I did in the photos, above), wearing it on beach walks or around the house when I’m cold (read: all the time), and it’s the perfect travel companion, especially when you’re freezing on an airplane (read: also me all the time). Basically, whenever you want to be wrapped up in a cozy cocoon, wear this sweater!
AVAILABLE IN: olive, cocoa, willow, taupe (what I’m wearing)
FIT: oversized, size down for less baggy fit, or take your usual size to keep the oversized look and feel (which is what I did, but tbh, I would size down next time as it’s very oversized)
FEEL: oversized, thicker, a bit bulkier
PERFECT FOR: casual looks and cooler months
This CROPPED CASHMERE COCOON CARDIGAN one of Jenni Kayne’s newest sweaters, a take on their classic cocoon cardigan, that I just mentioned above, and I’m absolutely in love with it! Just like the OG cocoon, this version is equally as cozy while also being perfectly cropped to just above the hip. However, the material is less bulky, and I will say, because of that, plus the cut and style, I feel like this version of the cocoon gives you a bit more flexibility to dress it down and wear it more casually or dress it up and wear it with something a little more fancy versus the original cocoon that feels more oversized, casual and comfy.
For the cropped cardigan, I’ve been loving wearing it fully buttoned, as if it’s a shirt, throwing it on with jeans and crop top or tank top and throwing it over a slip dress for a cozy, chic look.
AVAILABLE IN: ivory, oatmeal, black (I’m wearing camel, which is not currently available), undyed stone, chocalate, shadow, charcoal
FIT: oversized, size down for less baggy fit, or take your usual size to keep the oversized look and feel (as a rule of thumb, with anything cropped, I usually size up at least one size, but since I know the JK sweaters tend to run a bit big, I stuck to my usual size and it was perfect)
FEEL: lightweight and thinner
PERFECT FOR: any look, any time of year
This CASHMERE TURTLENECK is the newest JK sweater to join my collection. And while it may be new, I can already tell you that I will be living in this beauty. It’s luxuriously soft, thick and warm, and you NEED it for winter. I’m also thinking it will be especially perfect for winter trips where après ski, cozy cabins and/or skiing are involved (Looking at you, Aspen and Switzerland!).
AVAILABLE IN: ivory (what I’m wearing), black, undyed stone, storm
FIT: oversized, size down for less baggy fit, or take your usual size to keep the oversized look and feel (which is what I did)
FEEL: thick and warm
PERFECT FOR: casual to dressy looks and cooler times of year
The Atlas Sweater is just a good basic, casual, comfy sweater. Easy to wear, easy to throw on with jeans, not too heavy so perfect for those times your cool, but not cold, if you know what I mean.
not currently available
FIT: true to size; for a more fitted feel, keep your usual size, for an oversized fit, size up
FEEL: thick but not bulky
PERFECT FOR: casual but pulled-together looks and cooler months
