It’s officially sweater weather, and if you’re looking to invest in a cashmere sweater, it’s worth doing your research first.
Cashmere is known for being very soft and indulgent, gathering a name for its high quality over the years.
It’s important to note that cashmere has drawn some controversy over the years for its environmental impacts. Demand for the fibre has increased the number of goats needed to produce it, which has in turn impacted the landscapes in countries where it is commonly produced such as China and Mongolia.
However, it is also a natural fibre which is biodegradable and renewable. Some brands have been proactive about it, such as Ralph Lauren, who have partnered with Re-Verso to accept used cashmere items for recycling.
Cashmere can also be expensive, but there is increasingly a larger price range, allowing more people to own clothing made of the fibre. So, if you’re in the market for one of these super-soft items, consider this your guide.
What Is Cashmere?
Cashmere has been manufactured in Mongolia, Nepal and Kashmir for thousands of years.
It comes from the fluffy winter undercoat of cashmere and pashmina goats, which is turned into yarn to make textiles and clothing. Cashmere is often softer and more comfortable than sheep’s wool, which has increased its demand over the years as well as its use in luxury fashion.
With this has also come a higher price tag for cashmere than clothing made from wool.
While cashmere is expensive, you can get clothing made from it across a range of prices. This is usually down to the quality of the cashmere used in the making of the clothing.
The best quality cashmere uses very fine hairs, resulting in a softer garment. While all cashmere is prone to pilling, lower quality cashmere will often pill faster. Cashmere is graded, according to the CFDA, on a scale from A-C.
With demand for cashmere high, more and more suppliers are looking to recycled cashmere as the way forward, to reduce demand for sheep and thus the strain on the environment. Other alternatives include recycled wool and alpaca.
How To Shop For Cashmere Sweaters?
How do you know if you’re purchasing ‘good’ cashmere?
You’ll often see the terms ‘gauge’ and ‘ply’ used, which refers to the amount of stitches per inch of cashmere in the garment. The tighter it’s weaved, the higher the ply and durability, the higher the price.
Always check the label to ensure that the garment is 100 per cent cashmere and not blended with another type of wool to bulk out the yarn. Also always review the garment in person to see if there is any pilling.
How To Look After Cashmere?
As a fine and delicate material, you’re best to take care with your cashmere garments. Always follow the label on your clothing item to ensure you get the best clean.
Try not to wash your garment every time you wear it if you can avoid it to help preserve the fibre quality and always use a very mild detergent that is approved for delicate yarns. Also consider turning your garment inside out to avoid pilling on the exterior.
Hand Wash:
- Use cold water only and a delicate fibre-approved detergent
- Wash for only a few minutes and rinse with cold water
- Squeeze water out of the garment but do not ring or pull as it can warp the garment
- Wrap the cashmere garment in a towel to remove more water
- Lay flat to dry in a cool place. Don’t expose it to the sunlight or direct heat as this can result in the garment shrinking.
Machine Wash:
- If your garment is suitable for machine wash (it’s also worth checking if your machine has a wool wash function), always use the cold setting.
- Be sure to use a delicate-yarn appropriate detergent
- Don’t let the garment sit in the machine for ages after the cycle has finished
Always store your knitwear once it is completely dry, folded flat, it may stretch if hung up in the cabinet.
The Best Cashmere Sweaters In Australia
Best Value: 3D Knit 100% Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, $169.90, Uniqlo
This high quality knit has softness and warmth front-of mind, using cashmere and 3-dimensional knitting to create a classic crewneck you’ll love for years.
- 100% cashmere
- Tight knit cashmere for a durable feel
- Pilling-resistant processing
- Classic shape
Best Crew Neck: Baby Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $355, Lilysilk
Using Mongolian cashmere, the threads of this cashmere are roughly one-sixth the thickness of a typical human hair, ensuring the garment can boast remarkable softness.
- 100% baby cashmere
- Round neck
- Regular fit
- Extreme softness
Best V-Neck: Sass & Bide Moda Cashmere V Neck Knit Top in Blue, $390, MYER
In a gorgeous midnight blue tone, this super soft V-neck is elegant and comfortable. With a loose fit silhouette and high-low hem, you’ll be reaching for it again and again through winter.
- 100% cashmere
- V-neck fit
- Relaxed fit
- High/low hem
Best Cropped: Naadam Cropped Cashmere Cardigan, $499, The Outnet
Chic, lightweight and easily styled with a pair of high waisted pants, this heavenly soft sweater is made using 100% Mongolian cashmere. It has a slim fit and curved V neckline for a feminine silhouette.
- 100% cashmere
- Cropped cardigan silhouette
- Ribbed trims
- Ultra soft
Best Turtle Neck: COS Chunky Pure Cashmere Turtleneck, $450, The Iconic
This pullover cashmere turtleneck is the ultimate cold weather staple. In classic black, it will keep you warm on the coldest days and is the perfect example of how comfortable and stylish can coexist.
- 100% cashmere
- Turtleneck shape
- Oversized fit
- Cosy and soft
Best Luxury: Max Mara Berlina Cable Knit Sleeve Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $1,753.40, Nordstrom
A contemporary take on a classic cable knit, this elevated shape uses cloud-soft cashmere and cable stitching on the sleeves, fitted with a ribbed trim. Intensely comfortable and luxurious, it’s hard to go past this investment piece.
- 100% cashmere
- Ribbed cuffs and hem
- Crewneck shape
- Cloud-soft
