I’m convinced that no one does knitwear quite like Jenni Kayne. The brand is the epitome of California cool; laid-back living. And the clothing truly reflects that. Of everything I’ve tried, it’s always the knitwear for me. I’ve tried out quite a few of the brand’s classic knits, so wanted to share a Jenni Kayne sweater review, chatting through the pros and cons of each piece, along with sizing information, and wear and tear. Read of for all the details, plus you can use the code below for a sitewide discount!
Use code JamieLee15 for 15% off all apparel
Jenni Kayne Cropped Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan
Available in 3 colours and retails for $425
The cocoon cardigans are a Jenni Kayne classic; a slouchy, perfect boxy fitting knit in a lush, plush cashmere. These are a splurge, but beautiful quality. Very soft, and will go with absolutely everything. Personally I prefer the shorter length as it is easier to tuck into jeans and trousers when worn buttoned up like in the imagery above. Yes, pilling will happen, but this is all part of the process when owning cashmere. I recommend adding a cashmere comb to your maintenance kit and giving your knitwear a once over every few weeks. This also can be hand washed in a cold setting. I’m wearing my usual size S here and love the fit but if you prefer something a little closer cut to the body then you may like to size down. The black yarn will pick up little flecks of dust – evident in the pictures above. Otherwise the perfect piece and one of my favourites from Jenni Kayne.
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan
Available in 12 colours and retails for $445
While I may prefer the length of the cropped version, the original cashmere cocoon cardigan is right up there as one of my favourites. It’s such an easy, throw on and go style, and works well with everything. This was one of my most worn pieces last spring (not hard to see why), and I especially love this russet hue. Again worn in my usual size S for that perfectly slouchy fit. One of those items that you can’t go wrong with. If price is a factor in your choice, then the original length offers better value for money given there’s only a $20USD price difference.
Jenni Kayne Alpaca Cocoon Cardigan
Available in 3 colours and retails for $345
The same cut and fit as the previous knit, but this time in an alpaca wool blend. Composition is 73% baby alpaca, 23% polyamide and 7% merino wool. This feels fluffy and soft, and is smooth to the touch in a synthetic kind of way (which might not be for everyone). There’s a bit of bulk to the style, but it has this cloud-like quality that makes it very light to wear, while being ultra cosy and warm. Just like the cashmere knits, Jenni Kayne’s alpaca blend is prone to pilling on areas where there’s a lot of friction. I recommend using a fabric shaver to tidy it up. This has the same sizing and fit as the cashmere version. Stick with your usual size if you’re after that effortless, perfectly slouchy look. Texture on this is one of the main draw cards, and I do find it’s slightly warmer than the cashmere version.
Jenni Kayne Boucle Cocoon Cardigan
Available in 1 colour and retails for $375
Final cocoon cardigan to touch on in this Jenni Kayne sweater review is the boucle version. If you thought the alpaca version was giving texture, this really amps it up a notch. Fabric composition is a blend of 40% baby alpaca, 40% merino wool, 17% nylon, and 3% elastane. This is tightly woven and dense; perhaps the warmest of the trio. The yarn is fuzzy and interesting to touch, and while it’s still plush and soft, it’s the least snuggly of the bunch. There’s also a bit more structure to this style. I really love the smoke grey colour, which is versatile and easy to pair. Sizing is on par with the cashmere and alpaca knits; size down for a more intentional or close cut fit. Otherwise stick with your usual for a relaxed slouchy look.
Jenni Kayne Sweater Coat
Available in 3 colours and retails for $425
One of the things I like about sweater coats is that they’re a pretty good “third” piece if you live in a mild climate like I do. Something that I can heavily lean on in the colder months, but also not so bulky that it won’t layer well underneath a coat if it’s especially frosty. This does an excellent job of filling that gap in my closet; the long length is really chic, and it looks great worn with some leggings, cute boots, and belted at the waist. This has a slightly oversized fit, but not so much that I’d recommend sizing down. Stick with your usual size here. Fabric composition is 54% merino wool, 22% yak, 19% polyamide, and 5% elastane; it has a fuzzy hand feel but doesn’t feel itchy or irritating against the skin. If you’re tossing up between this or one of the cashmere styles, I’d go with the cashmere as to me it’s the more luxurious option.
Jenni Kayne Mohair Boyfriend Cardigan
Available in 2 colours and retails for $445
Super cute, and leaning into that 90s and 00s trend of cropped “micro” cardigans. This is the shortest knitwear piece I have from Jenni Kayne, and has more of a regular fit. It’s relaxed but not in that slouchy way that the cocoon cardigans are. Definitely stick with your usual size. Being mohair I would have expected this to be quite scratchy and itchy against the skin. And it is textured, but I don’t find it gives me any grief but if you have particularly sensitive skin, I’d say opt for cashmere or cotton just to be on the safe side. This is made from 81% superfine mohair, 8% extra fine merino wool, and 11% poly amidic fiber; the latter two helping to soften and likely also strengthen the mohair fibres. While I think this is really cute, and LOVE the tactile quality of it, for the price I’d again recommend opting for cashmere, especially if you’re in the throes of building out your wardrobe basics. However if you’re wanting to have a little more fun with textures, then this is a great option.
Jenni Kayne Oversized Crewneck
Available in 2 colours and retails for $395
One of my favourite knits that I’ll be talking about in this Jenni Kayne sweater review, is the oversized crewneck. This is a blend of recycled cashmere and cotton. It feels thick and weighty, and is smooth to the touch. Densely woven yarn, that has a finish resembling a cotton knit. I really like the way that this fits worn both loose or with a French tuck. It’s quite an oversized fit, so I recommend sizing down if you’re petite. I’m wearing the size S here. Mine has worn really well; it’s one of my most worn knitwear pieces of 2022 and has only recently started to show some signs of pilling. This is a splurge but one I’d hand on heart recommend, and add back into my closet in a heartbeat if anything happened to it.
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Half Zip
Available in 2 colours and retails for $445
Well this sweater is an absolute delight. The half zip has really made its way into the fashion zeitgeist over the past few years, and I’m a big fan of the functionality and versatility. I’m wearing it here in the size S. The cashmere density and quality is the same as the cocoon cardigan, so you’re getting something really premium. The zipper opens and closes smoothly, and I really like the contrast that the silver tone provides. Again, expect some pilling with this one where you get friction against the knit. I have the size S and think this is a style you could easily size up or down in, depending on how boxy you want it to fit. There’s plenty of room underneath to layer if it’s especially cold. I really like the length, it’s perfect for tucking into mid/high rise jeans and trousers.
Jenni Kayne Cabin Sweater
Available in 2 colours and retails for $345
Final knit to cover off in this Jenni Kayne sweater review is the Cabin sweater; a tunic length, ribbed v-neck knit. This is 70% wool and 30% cashmere, and while it doesn’t have that super soft quality of the cashmere cocoon cardigans, it’s up there. Not itchy at all, and very comfortable to wear. This feels sturdy and robust, and despite being in an ivory/white shade, it’s not sheer at all. I’m wearing the size small, and would recommend sizing down if you’re petite as it’s quite a generous cut. Style has a dropped shoulder, and deep v-neck. Love the ribbed yarn, adds some delicious texture to this piece.
Thanks for the recommendation – I have three of her sweaters now and the cashmere is just so dense and squishy! I love them so much. Of all the style blogs I read, yours is the one which motivates my purchases the most (hello Vaneli pumps and Cafune Stance bag!).
Author
The Jenni Kayne cashmere is lovely isn’t it? I was wearing the cropped cocoon cardigan earlier today – one of my go to’s if it’s a little nippy. Ahh hehe I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing XD Hopefully you love those pieces as much as I do, though! xx