women's apparel

The Best Time to Buy an On-Sale Sweater Is in the Offseason

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Photo: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

It might be the season of swimsuits and sandals, but real deal freaks know there’s no better time to get a sweater on sale than in the offseason. This year is no exception: I can’t believe how good the knit deals are right now, with everything from Gap CashSoft and J.Crew Heritage for at least 50 percent off to &Daughter and Leset styles at some of the deepest discounts we’ve seen. And while it might be a few months before you wear your new sweater, you’ll thank us come the fall (or the next time your office cranks the AC). So do your future self the favor now and pick up some very inexpensive sweaters.

Updated on June 22, 2025
We’ve updated our list by removing a few out-of-stock pieces and adding some new picks — including on-sale knits from Kule, Cos, American Vintage, and Leset.

J.Crew Heritage Cotton Fisherman Crewneck Sweater
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From $32

It’s right out of an old J.Crew catalogue on a shelf next to a 1998 issue of Town & Country.

From $32 at J.Crew
Buy
with code: EXTRA
J.Crew Four-Pocket Cardigan
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For a fishing trip in Peekskill, campground site in the Catskills, or picnic on the Williamsburg waterfront.

J.Crew Marielle Cropped Cardigan
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Gap CashSoft Cropped High V-Neck Sweater
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“Bury Me in CashSoft” reads a semi-recent Strategist headline, if you’re wondering what we think of the cashmerelike material.

Gap CashSoft Cardigan
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From $70

This cardigan got our writer Brenley Goertzen through the Toronto winter.

Gap CashSoft Shaker-Stitch Crewneck Sweater
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Get the matching marked-down sweater pants to make it a set.

[Editor’s note: While the Tall and Petite options are mostly in stock, Regular length sizes are extremely limited.]

Gap Pointelle Henley Sweater Top
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Pointelle is having a major moment right now. This top has it in a more substantial sweater weight, so you can wear it into winter.

Madewell Ribbed Lace-Up Sweater
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$21

Better than a hoodie drawstring …

$21 at Madewell
Buy
with code: SUMMERTIME
Madewell Ribbed Zip-Front Cardigan
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$42

A full zip is not at all like the quarter-zip of Wall Street brokers and bitcoin bros.

$42 at Madewell
Buy
with code: SUMMERTIME
Madewell Mixed-Yarn Striped Sweater
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C’est Français (mime)!

$21 at Madewell
Buy
with code: SUMMERTIME
Everlane The Slouchy Funnel Neck in Everyday Cotton
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A funnel neck is the happy medium between a turtleneck and a mockneck.

COS Trapeze Merino Wool Sweater
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$68

The flowy drape on this 100% merino wool sweater helps it stand out in a sea of basic crew necks. The fiery red color helps, too.

COS Slim Merino Wool Seamless T-Shirt
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This top has the relaxed appeal of a perfectly worn-in tee, but the ribbed hem, sleeves, and collar give it an air of refinement. It’s also made from temperature-regulating lightweight merino wool, so you can start wearing it now.

Sandy Liang Mock Neck Sweater
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All the layering without the layering.

Line & Dot Tess Cardigan
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A version of the ubiquitous tie-front top (but with bows that won’t come undone).

Mango Longline Rib Cardigan
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Mango Longline Rib Cardigan
$45
$45

The tortoise buttons and wide-set ribbing take this oversized cardigan from ‘boyfriend’ to ‘grandpa’ territory — in a good way. It’ll also come in handy when the office AC is on full blast.

Alex Mill Arielle V Neck Sweater In Cotton Linen
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Made from a cotton-linen blend, it’ll be just the thing during next False Spring.

Alex Mill Mariner Rollneck Sweater In Cotton
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Nearly every fashion editor on my Instagram feed has some form of Alex Mill’s rollneck.

Alex Mill Albertina Cardigan
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A classic Breton stripe but in cardigan form, which makes it more interesting and more versatile.

C by Bloomingdale’s Short-Sleeve Polo Sweater
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There’s nothing more “sporty coastal elite” (except maybe a golf towel) than a cashmere polo.

Kule The Hudson Cardigan
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Kule The Hudson Cardigan
$249
$249

The notched collar and contrast red tipping make this sweater-blazer hybrid feel like something Harry Potter would wear to a Princeton eating club, and it’s a vibe I can fully get behind.

American Vintage Nenybay Jumper
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A slouchy cut, buttery yellow color, and airy alpaca blend are a lot of good things in one lovely, fluffy package.

Guest in Residence Collegiate Stripe Cashmere Polo Sweater
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When fall and winter usher in cooler, darker days, this breezy cashmere polo will be the bright spot your wardrobe needs.

Guest in Residence Cashmere Hoodie
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It’s nearly impossible to deny the appeal of a cozy cashmere hoodie. This one is oversized but not at all sloppy, so it can easily be dressed up or down.

&Daughter Fintra Crop High Neck
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&Daughter Fintra Crop High Neck
$240
$240

I can’t remember ever seeing an &Daughter original going for so low (unless it was on the RealReal).

&Daughter Caragh Oversized Wool Sweater
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You had me at “Oversized” — but the chunky rib trim and warm oat color don’t hurt, either.

Leset Emma Deep V Sweater
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The exceedingly deep v-neck will inevitably take your layering game to the next level.

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The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

The Best Time to Buy an On-Sale Sweater Is in the Offseason