Top 10 Most Popular Sweater Styles Explained: Trends, Fabrics & Buyer Insights

Sweaters are more than just cold-weather essentials—they’re fashion statements, brand bestsellers, and cornerstones of every apparel collection. For global buyers and retailers, knowing which sweater styles lead the market can make all the difference in planning seasonal orders and product development.

In this article, we break down the Top 10 most popular sweater styles, explore trending fabrics, and share valuable buyer insights for those sourcing from trusted sweater manufacturers and sweater factories like Veken—a professional sweater company in China with decades of textile expertise.

🧶 1. Cable Knit Sweater — Timeless Texture Meets Modern Warmth

Cable knit sweaters never go out of style. Their signature twisted patterns bring dimension and warmth, making them a staple in sweater wholesale collections worldwide.

Best for: Winter collections, high-end retail
Fabrics: Wool, wool blend, cashmere blend
Why buyers love it: Strong texture, luxurious feel, and perfect for OEM sweater customization.
Veken Tip: Combine classic cable patterns with sustainable yarns for a modern eco-luxury touch.

👕 2. Cardigan Sweater — The Versatile Everyday Layer

From lightweight office wear to chunky winter wraps, cardigans remain a top-selling style in ODM sweater catalogs. Buttoned or open-front, they fit any market segment—from corporate uniforms to lifestyle fashion.

Best for: Multi-season layering
Fabrics: Cotton, viscose, acrylic
Buyer insight: Great for both men’s and women’s lines due to versatile sizing and styling flexibility.

🧸 3. Crew Neck Sweater — Minimalism That Sells

Simple, elegant, and universal, crew neck sweaters dominate bulk orders. Their flat neckline complements both formal and casual collections, making them a go-to for large-scale production.

Why it’s trending:

• Low manufacturing complexity

• Consistent global demand

• Perfect for sweater wholesale and uniform programs

Veken Advantage: With automated knitting technology, Veken’s sweater factory ensures precise bulk consistency while maintaining soft hand feel.

🌿 4. Turtleneck Sweater — Sophistication with Function

Turtleneck sweaters combine warmth and sophistication, often used in winter-ready OEM sweater designs. They project elegance while serving as functional cold-weather apparel.

Fabric spotlight: Merino wool, modal blend
Ideal markets: Northern Europe, Canada, Japan, and high-end urban retailers
Pro tip: Add rib-knit texture or oversized fits to meet current “quiet luxury” trends.

💼 5. V-Neck Sweater — Office-Friendly Classic

A favorite in corporate wear and school uniforms, V-neck sweaters deliver a professional yet comfortable appeal.

Best for: Layering over shirts or polos
Fabrics: Cotton blends, cashmere, acrylic
Buyer tip: Offer this style in multiple colors—neutral tones sell best in wholesale markets.

🌈 6. Oversized Sweater — Comfort Meets Street Style

Fashion-forward buyers are leaning into relaxed fits and soft silhouettes. The oversized sweater trend continues to rise, especially among Gen Z and online retailers.

Why it’s booming:

• Gender-neutral appeal

• Ideal for ODM sweater customization

• Room for creative prints and embroidery

Veken’s R&D team specializes in transforming trend sketches into bulk-ready prototypes with advanced digital sampling.

🐑 7. Wool Blend Sweater — The Premium Feel for Every Market

For buyers looking to balance quality and affordability, wool blend sweaters are a top choice. They deliver warmth without the high price of 100% wool.

Veken’s yarn sourcing network ensures stable supply and color consistency across large orders.

💫 8. Cashmere Sweater — Luxury at Scale

Cashmere remains the gold standard of sweater luxury. Although high-end, efficient production in sweater China factories makes it more accessible for premium private-label brands.

Veken’s advantage:

• In-house cashmere spinning & dyeing

• OEM capability for global designer labels

• Strict fiber quality inspection

Ideal for: High-end boutiques and sustainable fashion collections.

🌎 9. Recycled Yarn Sweater — The Future of Knitwear

As sustainability drives the global textile market, recycled yarn sweaters have surged in popularity. Major buyers are prioritizing eco-certified factories and traceable production.

Fabrics: Recycled cotton, RPET, regenerated wool
Why it matters:

• Reduces waste and carbon footprint

• Boosts brand sustainability credentials

• Eligible for green certifications (e.g., GRS)

Learn more about Veken’s eco-production standards that support long-term ESG goals.

🔥 10. Fashion Knit Sweater — Trend-Driven Custom Designs

When fashion meets function, custom fashion knit sweaters become a brand’s signature product. These include jacquard, color-block, 3D texture, and embroidery designs tailored for trend cycles.

OEM & ODM options:

• Logo jacquard knits

• Digital prints

• Seasonal capsule styles

Buyer insight: Brands seeking uniqueness often collaborate with sweater manufacturers like Veken for flexible ODM sweater design services and small-batch prototyping.

🧵 Sweater Fabric Comparison at a Glance

💡 Why Global Buyers Choose Veken as Their Sweater Partner

Founded in Ningbo, China, Veken is a vertically integrated sweater manufacturer and textile factory serving global brands with full OEM & ODM services.

✅ What Makes Veken Stand Out

• 20+ years of experience in sweater manufacturing

• Automated knitting and digital pattern control

• In-house yarn sourcing and color development

• Bulk production capacity for international retailers

• Strict quality inspection & global logistics support

Learn more about their services → Veken Sweater Services
or get in touch directly → Contact Veken

📈 Blending Trend, Fabric, and Function

The global sweater market continues to evolve, blending timeless craftsmanship with smart materials and sustainable practices. Whether you’re a retailer, brand owner, or distributor, partnering with an experienced sweater factory in China like Veken ensures access to trend-driven designs, reliable production, and consistent quality.

In short:

The right style + the right fabric + the right manufacturer = your next bestseller.

🌐 Explore More from Veken

• About Us: https://vekensweater.com/about/

• Services: https://vekensweater.com/services/

• Contact: https://vekensweater.com/contact-us/