Reformation Clara cardigan review: I own dozens of sweaters. Here's why I think this one is worth the money
It's classic, versatile and comes in more than a dozen colours.
Anyone who knows me knows I'm obsessed with sweaters. From cult favourites like Babaa to everyday staples like Gap and Uniqlo, I've tried them all.
And since I spend so much time wearing knits (I do live in Canada, after all), I like to invest in quality, classic styles that will stand up to years of wear. One of my go-to brands for knits? Reformation. I own several of their sweaters — including the Jadey V-Neck and Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater, and I recently added the Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan to my collection ahead of spring. At $288 CAD (and with some versions ringing in at $348), it's definitely not cheap — but if you're looking to invest in high-quality knitwear that's a multi-season staple, read on to see why I think this cardigan is worth the investment.
The Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan comes in more than a dozen colourways.
Reformation Clara Crew Cardigan: Review
What is it?
The Reformation Clara Crew Cardigan is made up of 95 per cent recycled cashmere and 5 per cent cashmere. It's a midweight crew-style cardigan that has a classic, slightly cropped fit (I took my usual size) and features a button front and ribbed hem. I was looking for a pink sweater, so I snagged this in Babygirl, which is a perfect baby pink (with matching pink buttons — my favourite detail). If pink isn't your thing, it comes in more than a dozen colours and patterns, including one with an embroidered bow that I'm eyeing after spotting Demi Lovato wearing it a couple of weeks ago. While it's technically a knit made for fall and winter weather, I think it's perfect for unpredictable Canadian spring weather and even chilly summer nights.
The Reformation Clara Cardigan with bow embroidery.
How to wear a cardigan for spring and summer 2025
One of the reasons I'm obsessed with cardigans (I actually prefer them over pullover styles) is because they're so versatile. I love wearing a cardigan buttoned up over a long-sleeve or turtleneck on chilly days. As the weather has warmed up, I've been wearing this cardigan with just the top button done up — it's a fun way to showcase your outfit underneath while still staying warm. I'm also looking forward to wearing this with a denim mini skirt and collared shirt — or thrown over the shoulders of a cute mini dress for a preppy, just-came-from-the-tennis-court look.
Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
Review: How does it wear and hold up?
I've been wearing this cardigan at least weekly for a couple of months now, and I haven't really noticed any wear or tear, beyond a few fuzzies around the armpits — something I find is unavoidable with wool or cashmere (this Yahoo-approved fabric shaver is essential if you love knits as much as I do!). The cashmere is luxurious feeling, soft and lightweight. It really feels like you're wearing (Sexy Flanders voice) nothing at all. If you're sensitive to itchy fabrics, this is for you. Wool irritates my skin and I find that even some cashmere makes me itchy — but Reformation's lightweight blend feels soft to the touch. While I personally would never wear a knit without something underneath, you definitely could.
Red was a dominant colourway for 2024, and I don't see it losing steam anytime soon.
Is it worth the price? What makes cashmere so expensive?
At just under $300, there's no beating around the bush: this cardigan isn't cheap. Cashmere is one of the priciest knits, largely because of how it's made and sourced. Cashmere comes from a particular breed of goats found only in Mongolia, China and the Himalayas, and collecting cashmere wool is also seasonally restricted; it's typically only done only once a year. That makes it quite rare — on average, the world sees about 1,200,000 tonnes of wool production yearly, while only 6,500 tonnes of cashmere are produced. That combined with limited production capability drives up the price.
The Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan also comes in an argyle pattern; perfect for a preppy look.
That said, the Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan is actually more affordably priced than a lot of cashmere competitors, and I personally think it's worth the investment — if you take care of it. Reformation recommends hand washing and laying flat to dry, which is a good best practice for all your knits — I learned the hard way many years ago that cashmere + dryer = an infant-sized version of my favourite sweater. I like to think of the cost of my sweaters by price per wear; and I think a classic cardigan like this one will be something in my wardrobe for years to come.
That said, if you can't justify the price right now, I've rounded up some more of my favourite cardigans for spring under $50 below.
Shop more cardigans for spring under $50:
A lightweight cardigan that's great for warmer weather.
This affordable cardigan rings in at under $40 and comes in 19 colours.
This cotton-blend cardigan feels like cashmere without the price tag.
A cute, cropped cardigan.
This cardigan features built-in UV protection.
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