Nothing says fall like a cream cable knit sweater. It’s the uniform of apple picking, football Saturdays and holiday cards. Ralph Lauren’s version is the classic everyone pictures, and these Ralph Lauren cable knit sweater alternatives capture that preppy, cozy look for less.
A Lauren Ralph Lauren cotton cable knit runs about $165 to $175 at stores like Macy’s and Zappos, and the cashmere styles cost much more. So I found 5 cable knit crewnecks on Amazon and Walmart starting at $18, and checked each one’s price and rating today.
Why Everyone Loves the Ralph Lauren Cable Knit Sweater
It’s timeless in the truest sense. The chunky cables, simple crew neck and classic colors look the same today as they did decades ago. For reference, Lauren Ralph Lauren cotton cable knits sell for about $165 to $175 right now.
- Classic cables: Twisted, braided patterns add texture and warmth.
- Crew neck: Simple and easy to layer over collared shirts.
- Heritage colors: Cream, navy, hunter green and red.
- Relaxed fit: Roomy enough for a button down underneath.
- Year after year: It never looks dated.
It’s also the easiest way to look put together on a cold morning. Throw it on with jeans, and you instantly look like you planned your outfit, even if you didn’t.
What to Look for in a Cable Knit Sweater Alternative
Not all cable knits are created equal. These details matter most.
- Fiber: Cotton is soft and washable. Wool blends are warmer. Acrylic is affordable but can pill.
- Cable depth: Defined, raised cables look richer than flat printed patterns.
- Weight: Mid weight knits work for most of fall and winter.
- Fit: Regular fit looks classic, while oversized feels more modern.
- Cuffs and hem: Ribbed edges help the sweater keep its shape.
Cotton, Wool or Acrylic?
Cotton cable knits are breathable, soft and usually machine washable. They’re great for early fall and for anyone who finds wool itchy. However, they’re not as warm on truly cold days.
Wool and wool blends trap heat beautifully, and they resist odors, so you can wear them more between washes. Acrylic and polyester blends are the most affordable. They can look great, but they’re more likely to pill over time. Check each listing’s fabric details so you know what you’re getting.
Which Color Should You Choose?
Cream is the most iconic choice. It looks fresh with denim, khakis and plaid. Navy and hunter green feel especially preppy, and they hide spills better if you’re wrangling kids. A classic red cable knit is perfect for the holidays.
The 5 Best Ralph Lauren Cable Knit Sweater Alternatives
I checked every price and rating on the retailer’s site today. Colors and sizes vary, so tap through to see what’s available.
Amazon Essentials Soft Cotton Cable Crewneck Sweater, $18
This cream cable knit is one of the most reviewed sweaters on Amazon, with more than 13,000 reviews and a 4.5 star average.
It’s a soft cotton crewneck in a regular fit, so it looks very close to the classic. At about $18, it’s the one I’d grab first.
Best for: The closest classic look.
SUNBS Oversized Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater, $23.98
If you like a roomier fit, this oversized cable knit from Walmart is lovely. It has a relaxed shape that feels a little more modern.
It holds 4.6 stars from about 220 ratings.
Best for: A relaxed, oversized fit.
Scenario Crewneck Cable Knit Sweater, $19.98
This mid weight cable knit comes in sizes XS through XXXL, which makes it a great inclusive option.
It’s rated 4.6 stars by about 85 Walmart shoppers.
Best for: A wide size range.
Amazon Essentials 100% Cotton Cable Knit Sweater, $19.77
This 100% cotton cable knit comes in a rich dark green that feels very preppy. It’s breathable and easy to wash.
It has more than 1,500 reviews with a 4.3 star average.
Best for: A preppy color.
ZAFUL Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater, $29.99
ZAFUL’s cable knit has a slightly cropped, casual shape and comes in warm neutral tones like the khaki shown.
It averages 4.1 stars from about 43 reviews.
Best for: A shorter, casual fit.
How to Style Your Cable Knit Sweater
A cable knit is the ultimate easy outfit maker. Try these combinations.
- Preppy classic: A collared shirt underneath with jeans and loafers.
- Weekend: Leggings, tall boots and the oversized SUNBS sweater.
- Holiday: A plaid skirt, tights and a cream cable knit.
- Casual work: Tailored trousers with the sweater tucked in at the front.
Straight jeans are perfect with a cable knit. See my Agolde 90s jeans alternatives. For a cozy layer on top, my Barbour jacket alternatives are a classic match.
How to Layer a Cable Knit Sweater
A cable knit sweater is thick, so layering works best when the pieces underneath are thin. A fitted cotton tee or a simple long sleeve top keeps the sweater from bunching at the arms. For a classic Ralph Lauren style look, slip a crisp button down shirt underneath and pull the collar and cuffs out just a little. It reads polished without trying too hard.
Over the sweater, reach for outerwear with a relaxed cut. A wool coat, a quilted vest or a barn jacket all have enough room for chunky cables. Tight blazers tend to flatten the texture, which is the whole point of the sweater. If you love scarves, choose one in a smooth fabric so it does not compete with the knit.
Cable Knit Sweater Sizing Tips
Fit makes a big difference with this style. The Lauren Ralph Lauren version has a classic, slightly relaxed fit, so if you want that same look, order your usual size in a regular fit sweater. If a listing calls itself oversized, consider sizing down one if you prefer a neater shape.
Always check the size chart before you buy. Look at the chest width and the body length, then compare them with a sweater you already own and like. Cotton knits can relax a bit with wear, while acrylic blends usually hold their shape. Reading the most recent reviews is also helpful, since shoppers often mention whether a sweater runs big, small or true to size.
How to Wash a Cable Knit Sweater
Turn your sweater inside out and wash it on a gentle cold cycle, or hand wash it. Never wring it out. Instead, roll it in a towel to remove water, then lay it flat to dry. Hanging a wet sweater stretches it out of shape.
For pilling, use a fabric shaver or sweater comb. Store folded, not hung, to keep the shoulders from stretching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sweater is similar to the Ralph Lauren cable knit?
The Amazon Essentials Soft Cotton Cable Crewneck is the closest match, and it has more than 13,000 reviews. The Scenario Crewneck Cable Knit at Walmart is another great option.
Does Walmart have a Ralph Lauren cable knit look alike?
Yes. Walmart carries the SUNBS Oversized Cable Knit and the Scenario Crewneck Cable Knit, both for under $25.
Is the Ralph Lauren cable knit sweater worth the money?
It’s a well made classic, and many people keep theirs for years. Still, these alternatives give you the same look for a fraction of the price, so you can buy two colors.
Do cable knit sweaters shrink?
Cotton and wool can shrink in hot water or a hot dryer. Wash in cold and lay flat to dry, and your sweater should keep its size.
Final Thoughts
The Amazon Essentials Soft Cotton Cable Crewneck is my top pick, with the best mix of price and reviews. The Scenario sweater is a great value with a wide size range. If you want a roomier, modern fit, the SUNBS oversized cable knit is the standout.
More cozy layers? Browse my Sezane Gaspard cardigan alternatives.
Discover more designer look alikes in my ultimate guide to designer alternatives for less.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you purchase after clicking through the link.
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