Buying a Cashmere Sweater

While cashmere sweaters have a reputation for having an astronomical price tag, a new generation of direct-to-consumer brands has brought the covetable staple down to more attainable levels. One of the best is Naadam, which features a classic crew neck starting at $75.

Look for white or light-color cashmere, as darker shades require more dyeing and stripping that can damage the fibers. Then, look for a fit that’s snug around the collar and boxier through the body.

Warmth

Cashmere is an extremely warm material and can trap heat more effectively than wool without adding bulk. It’s also much softer and lighter than wool, making it more comfortable to wear in cold temperatures.

When shopping for a Cashmere Sweater, you want to look for one with a high gauge number and ply count—the higher these numbers are, the finer the fabric. Additionally, avoid sweaters that have been dyed multiple times. Joseph explains that this practice degrades the fiber over time and can cause it to break down more quickly.

Other easy indicators of quality include checking the length and fineness of the fiber, rubbing it to see if it pills or leaves a filmy residue on your hands, and stretching it to see how well it bounces back into shape. Lastly, look for details that demonstrate more time and care went into the piece, like a flat seam. This sweater is knitted from 2-ply cashmere and reinforced with elastane at the cuffs, neckline and arms. It’s available in sizes XS through L, and White + Warren emphasizes sustainability; its yarns are traceable, and the company works with the Sustainable Fibre Alliance to ensure low environmental impact and herder well-being.

Softness

Cashmere is a luxe material that’s soft Cashmere Sweater and breathable, but it also requires proper care to maintain its shape, feel, and color. The wrong wash can damage the fibers, leaving your sweater pilling and worn before its time (see Reference 1).

To avoid this, make sure your cashmere is made from long and fine fibers. Look for a label that identifies the type and grade of fiber, as well as where it was harvested. In addition, pay attention to the gauge and ply count of the sweater’s yarn. A higher ply count generally means the yarn is thicker, and a thinner ply count indicates a lighter knit.

When washing your cashmere, always use cold water (this prevents colors or dyes from running) and a mild detergent. Avoid rubbing or twisting the garment, and never wring it out. Instead, gently press out excess water until bubbles no longer emerge and let it dry flat on a towel. If it’s still damp, reshape and allow to air dry overnight. Avoid putting it in the dryer or using an iron, as both can cause irreversible shrinkage and ruin the shape of your sweater.

Lightweight

Often, the quality of a cashmere sweater can be measured by its weight and size. In fact, a good quality cashmere sweater will be lightweight and fit nicely on your body without being oversized or bulky.

This elegant cashmere turtleneck sweater delivers the perfect balance of warmth and lightness for a polished, feminine look. Wear it with dark cigarette pants for a sophisticated layered look that is both elegant and refined.

The lightweight nature of a cashmere sweater makes it the perfect piece to pack in your bag for travel. This open-front cardigan has a hoodie silhouette and rib knit trim that adds casual comfort, while the super-soft Mongolian cashmere delivers elevated style.

Easily layer this lightweight cashmere crew neck sweater with your favorite black pencil skirt and dress pants for a stylish, feminine outfit in the office or on a day out running errands. This sweater features a form-fitting silhouette and soft feel, and is available in a wide range of colors to complement your wardrobe. The sustainable, herder-sourced cashmere is traceable to a single inner Mongolian source, and the brand emphasizes ethical and environmentally conscious business practices.

Longevity

Whether you’re buying a cashmere crew or a midi cardigan, look for a timeless fit and durable construction. A good rule of thumb, says Diamond, is that “if you pull at a sweater and it stays put, it’s likely high quality.” You can also test the material by gently stretching it–good cashmere will spring back Cashmere Sweater into shape. And pay close attention to friction points like the elbows and sides, where it will rub against your other clothes and your handbag, says Diamond. Check for pilling, which happens when the fibers break down and create small bumps on a sweater.

Look for brands that source traceable yarns and embrace responsible ways of dyeing, such as direct-to-consumer brand White + Warren, whose sweaters are made from Inner Mongolian cashmere that’s spun in Italy by Cariaggi, a premier eco-conscious mill. The label aims to reduce the impact of its supply chain, with a focus on herder well-being and environmental sustainability.

Look for a wide range of silhouettes, from comfy oversized turtlenecks from Tory Burch and Lafayette 148 to sleek fitted crewnecks from Everlane and J.Crew, and a range of price points, from $95 for this cozy Madewell sweater to a more luxe $200 option by Another Tomorrow.

Care

Cashmere is a delicate fabric that should be handled gently. To help preserve its longevity, the fibers should be washed in cool water with a mild detergent. Warm water and harsh detergents will cause the sweater to shrink, deteriorate, and stretch.

After washing, gently press the garment with a dry towel to remove excess moisture. Never wring or twist the garment, as it can damage the delicate yarns. Never put the sweater in the dryer. Heat from the dryer will destroy the delicate fibers and cause the sweater to stretch, deteriorate, or shrink.

If you have a hole or tear in your sweater, you can sew it using a needle and matching thread. You can also use a piece of the same yarn to patch the hole or tear.

You can prevent snags and wrinkles in your cashmere sweater by using a sweater comb or steamer. Store your cashmere in a breathable fabric storage bag or box, and consider adding cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep moths and other pests away. Lastly, never put your cashmere in the dryer.