This sweater is soft. Not cashmere soft , but soft. I am 5 foot 1 inch and I weigh about 175 lb. I'm generally a size 16/18. I bought the XL. I like the length because I prefer things that are a little longer and since I'm 5-1 it's definitely longer than the pictures on the other girls. I am exchanging this sweater and this time I'm going to get a large. It doesn't look like it's a whole lot smaller, as far as the size chart goes, but I think it would be a little less loose in the underarms. Sleeves are always too long on me I just roll them up. I like the sweater very much and I will be exchanging it for a black one in size L. It's comfy. I think just about anybody would love this sweater. Definitely wearing a strapless bra.