A soft-as-clouds cashmere sweater is a great staple for the winter months
But where do you find the best cashmere sweaters which will keep you warm without breaking the bank?
Here are the brands with the best cashmere sweaters.
While cashmere does, understandably, have a reputation for being a luxury material with a price tag to match, there are actually plenty of stylish AND affordable options available.
We asked for recommendations from the 40+ Style Community on where to shop for the best cashmere sweaters and here are the results, along with a few of our own favorites.
Best cashmere sweaters – What is cashmere?
First of all, what is cashmere, and why does it keep you so warm?
Nagore (above) wears a pink sweater to allow her to wear her summer dress during cooler weather.
Check out this similar sweater, dress, shoes, woven hat, and bag.
If you’ve worn or touched cashmere, you know how soft it feels against your skin.
That’s because its made from the super-soft fibers farmed from cashmere goats.
Cashmere comes from only the soft layer underneath a goat’s outer coat.
When the weather gets warmer and goats shed their coats, cashmere producers comb out the fibers which are then spun to they can be made into sweaters.
It will take three to four goats to make just one sweater, which explains why the price of cashmere can be high.
Why opt for a cashmere sweater?
Here some of the advantages of choosing cashmere as your fabric of choice for your winter sweater:
1. Quality and longevity
Cashmere is considered one of the most luxurious of natural fibers. It is durable and soft and, when it’s well taken care of, can last you for a very long time.
2. Comfort
Want the warmth but not the bulk? Cashmere is a great choice. It has insulating properties so you don’t need lots of layers to stay warm.
3. The feel against your skin
This has to be one of the biggest reasons for choosing cashmere. There is nothing like the silky feel of cashmere against your skin.
4. Available in different colors
While it does come in natural colors of white, gray and brown, it is also easy to dye so you can get cashmere in just about any shade you want.
Judith (above) looks fabulous in styling her bold red cashmere sweater with animal printed pants and hat.
Recreate her look with these similar sweater, pants, hat and booties.
5. Natural and breathable
Because it is a natural fabric, cashmere is breathable, making it comfortable in both winter and summer weather.
If you want to know more about fabrics you enjoy this article on the properties of fabric.
You may also agree with what I have to say here in this article on why I have a problem wearing synthetic materials.
6. A gift
I always think cashmere makes a fantastic gift, particularly for Christmas.
For more gift ideas look at the best gifts for women over 40.
7. To travel in
A cozy cashmere wrap or hoodie is a great option to travel in as it will keep you snug on the plane.
Nordstrom wool & cashmere poncho
Also see stylish travel clothes for women.
Catherine (above) wears a poncho and matching scarf.
Check out these cashmere poncho options from Amazon and Nordstrom. Complete her look with these similar jeans, hat, and booties.
How to select the best cashmere sweaters
Even though all cashmere has to come from the cashmere goat, not all cashmere is of the same quality.
Cashmere grades
Cashmere is graded A,B or C, with A grade cashmere being the finest and C grade being the coarsest.
Unfortunately, it generally won’t say what grade it is on the label. Your best option is to feel it.
Is it 100% cashmere?
If you want a pure cashmere sweater, then check it is 100% cashmere. It it’s a blend, the percentage of cashmere will be stated.
However, don’t discount buying a blend as these can sometimes last longer as they are not as delicate as pure cashmere.
An investment
Don’t be afraid to spend more than you usually would on a sweater. Cashmere is something you will keep in your closet forever.
Will it pile?
Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, check the feel of the fabric.
Make sure it feels soft, rub your hand over it and try to get a feel about whether it will pile, give it a little stretch and make sure it goes back into shape.
What is the ply?
See if the label tells you if it is one-ply or two-ply.
Two-ply is likely to last for longer. When it’s 2 ply two threads of yarn are twisted together to give a more resistant knit.
With single-ply cashmere only single thread is used and holes may develop more easily.
Usually the higher the ply the more tightly knit the sweater is. If the ply is not mentioned on the label check how tightly knit the sweater is which will give you a good indication.
The thicker it is, the more expensive
This one is obvious, but the thicker your sweater is, the pricier it is likely to be because plain styles such as a simple v-neck take less cashmere than a cable-knit, for example.
Classic cashmere sweater styles to look out for
If you want to make sure you get many seasons out of your cashmere sweater, you may want to opt for a very classic style which definitely won’t date.
Also take a look at the style capsule for the classic style personality.
These are the most timeless styles to look for.
The best cashmere sweaters – a V-neck
A v-neck style is very flattering and will never go out of style.
Halogen v-neck cashmere sweater
Patricia (above) wears her v-neck sweater with jeans and a Gucci bag.
Check out this similar sweater, raw hem jeans, belt, earrings and booties to copy her look.
Cashmere round neck sweater
A round neck is another classic option to choose.
Velvet by Graham & Spencer cashmere sweater
Greetje (above) wears a colorful striped sweater and tights.
Recreate her look with this similar cashmere jumper, skirt, belt, tights and pumps.
Cashmere turtle neck sweater
A turtleneck is a versatile sweater which is a good addition to your closet for transitional weather.
You can pop a turtle neck under a dress and wear with boots to give you some extra warmth.
Nordstrom Signature turtleneck cashmere sweater
Tanasha (above) teams her turtle neck with jeans and snake print booties.
Check out this similar sweater, jeans, hat and booties.
Cashmere cardigan
A cardigan is always a great option to stay cozy in cooler months, and a wrap style is very flattering.
Halogen wrap cashmere cardigan
Annette (above) wears her cardigan with a satin top.
Steal her look with this similar cashmere cardigan, silk tank, pants, necklace, and shoes.
Our readers’ recommendations for the best cashmere sweaters
These are some of the favorite brands for cashmere sweaters.
Nordstrom cashmere sweaters
Nordstrom Signature is a good go-to for cashmere.
A cashmere sweater is something that should live in your closet – and on you – for years to come, so I think choosing a classic style is important.
I love the buttons on this cashmere pullover and I can see it transcending seasons.
Nordstrom Signature cashmere pullover
Halogen cashmere
Another brand you’ll find at Nordstrom, Halogen was also recommended.
It’s an exclusive brand to Nordstrom and often has good basics.
Their pieces are perfect to wear during cold months as you can layer over blouses or knitwear, depending on the temperature.
Halogen off the shoulder sweater cashmere
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is renowned for creating classic pieces which are stylish but won’t go out of style.
Eileen Fisher silk & cashmere cardigan
Vince Cashmere
Vince is a favorite for luxurious basics which all go well together.
I love the neckline on this sweater. Vince cashmere was recommended to me as it doesn’t pile.
Vince wool & Cashmere turtleneck sweater
Boden
British brand Boden is a favorite of stylist Ruth Essex for its quality. There are lots of classic cashmere designs as well as those with a little twist, such as stripes down the side.
I love this belted cashmere cardigan.
Boden ‘Cara’ cardigan
John Lewis
Another staple of the British high street, John Lewis has a wide range of cashmere in neutrals, brights, and patterns. I love this cashmere roll neck jumper
John Lewis cashmere roll neck jumper
COS
The grown-up sister to H&M, COS is a good place to look for classics, which won’t date, including a cashmere sweater.
COS knitted cashmere sweater
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is renowned as being one of the places on the high street to go for classic design.
Marks and Spencer cashmere jumper
Polo Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren‘s cable-knit sweaters are immediately recognizable, and they go with everything from jeans to pleated skirts.
Polo Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater
J.Crew
A turtle neck like this one from J.Crew will be a good addition to your fall wardrobe.
J.Crew cashmere turtleneck sweater
Everlane
This round-neck from Everlane comes in a pretty shade of blue.
Everlane cashmere vintage crew
Lark & Ro
One of Amazon’s own fashion brands, Lark & Ro is a good option for value cashmere.
Lark & Ro v-neck pullover cashmere sweater
I would love to extend this list and get more of your recommendations for the best cashmere sweaters available in stores now.
If you have any recommendations or have a cashmere sweater that you really love, let me know!
Do you love to wear cashmere? Do you have a favorite sweater?
Continue reading:
The Ultimate Checklist Of Wardrobe Essentials: Which 28 Essential Pieces Do You Need In Your Closet? 9 New Ways To Style Fall Sweaters For Women The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat Like this article on the best cashmere sweaters? Save it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Patricia
The post Where to shop for the best cashmere sweaters appeared first on 40+ Style.
#WhatToBuy
Here are the brands with the best cashmere sweaters.
While cashmere does, understandably, have a reputation for being a luxury material with a price tag to match, there are actually plenty of stylish AND affordable options available.
We asked for recommendations from the 40+ Style Community on where to shop for the best cashmere sweaters and here are the results, along with a few of our own favorites.
Best cashmere sweaters – What is cashmere?
First of all, what is cashmere, and why does it keep you so warm?
Nagore (above) wears a pink sweater to allow her to wear her summer dress during cooler weather.
Check out this similar sweater, dress, shoes, woven hat, and bag.
If you’ve worn or touched cashmere, you know how soft it feels against your skin.
That’s because its made from the super-soft fibers farmed from cashmere goats.
Cashmere comes from only the soft layer underneath a goat’s outer coat.
When the weather gets warmer and goats shed their coats, cashmere producers comb out the fibers which are then spun to they can be made into sweaters.
It will take three to four goats to make just one sweater, which explains why the price of cashmere can be high.
Why opt for a cashmere sweater?
Here some of the advantages of choosing cashmere as your fabric of choice for your winter sweater:
1. Quality and longevity
Cashmere is considered one of the most luxurious of natural fibers. It is durable and soft and, when it’s well taken care of, can last you for a very long time.
2. Comfort
Want the warmth but not the bulk? Cashmere is a great choice. It has insulating properties so you don’t need lots of layers to stay warm.
3. The feel against your skin
This has to be one of the biggest reasons for choosing cashmere. There is nothing like the silky feel of cashmere against your skin.
4. Available in different colors
While it does come in natural colors of white, gray and brown, it is also easy to dye so you can get cashmere in just about any shade you want.
Judith (above) looks fabulous in styling her bold red cashmere sweater with animal printed pants and hat.
Recreate her look with these similar sweater, pants, hat and booties.
5. Natural and breathable
Because it is a natural fabric, cashmere is breathable, making it comfortable in both winter and summer weather.
If you want to know more about fabrics you enjoy this article on the properties of fabric.
You may also agree with what I have to say here in this article on why I have a problem wearing synthetic materials.
6. A gift
I always think cashmere makes a fantastic gift, particularly for Christmas.
For more gift ideas look at the best gifts for women over 40.
7. To travel in
A cozy cashmere wrap or hoodie is a great option to travel in as it will keep you snug on the plane.
Nordstrom wool & cashmere poncho
Also see stylish travel clothes for women.
Catherine (above) wears a poncho and matching scarf.
Check out these cashmere poncho options from Amazon and Nordstrom. Complete her look with these similar jeans, hat, and booties.
How to select the best cashmere sweaters
Even though all cashmere has to come from the cashmere goat, not all cashmere is of the same quality.
Cashmere grades
Cashmere is graded A,B or C, with A grade cashmere being the finest and C grade being the coarsest.
Unfortunately, it generally won’t say what grade it is on the label. Your best option is to feel it.
Is it 100% cashmere?
If you want a pure cashmere sweater, then check it is 100% cashmere. It it’s a blend, the percentage of cashmere will be stated.
However, don’t discount buying a blend as these can sometimes last longer as they are not as delicate as pure cashmere.
An investment
Don’t be afraid to spend more than you usually would on a sweater. Cashmere is something you will keep in your closet forever.
Will it pile?
Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, check the feel of the fabric.
Make sure it feels soft, rub your hand over it and try to get a feel about whether it will pile, give it a little stretch and make sure it goes back into shape.
What is the ply?
See if the label tells you if it is one-ply or two-ply.
Two-ply is likely to last for longer. When it’s 2 ply two threads of yarn are twisted together to give a more resistant knit.
With single-ply cashmere only single thread is used and holes may develop more easily.
Usually the higher the ply the more tightly knit the sweater is. If the ply is not mentioned on the label check how tightly knit the sweater is which will give you a good indication.
The thicker it is, the more expensive
This one is obvious, but the thicker your sweater is, the pricier it is likely to be because plain styles such as a simple v-neck take less cashmere than a cable-knit, for example.
Classic cashmere sweater styles to look out for
If you want to make sure you get many seasons out of your cashmere sweater, you may want to opt for a very classic style which definitely won’t date.
Also take a look at the style capsule for the classic style personality.
These are the most timeless styles to look for.
The best cashmere sweaters – a V-neck
A v-neck style is very flattering and will never go out of style.
Halogen v-neck cashmere sweater
Patricia (above) wears her v-neck sweater with jeans and a Gucci bag.
Check out this similar sweater, raw hem jeans, belt, earrings and booties to copy her look.
Cashmere round neck sweater
A round neck is another classic option to choose.
Velvet by Graham & Spencer cashmere sweater
Greetje (above) wears a colorful striped sweater and tights.
Recreate her look with this similar cashmere jumper, skirt, belt, tights and pumps.
Cashmere turtle neck sweater
A turtleneck is a versatile sweater which is a good addition to your closet for transitional weather.
You can pop a turtle neck under a dress and wear with boots to give you some extra warmth.
Nordstrom Signature turtleneck cashmere sweater
Tanasha (above) teams her turtle neck with jeans and snake print booties.
Check out this similar sweater, jeans, hat and booties.
Cashmere cardigan
A cardigan is always a great option to stay cozy in cooler months, and a wrap style is very flattering.
Halogen wrap cashmere cardigan
Annette (above) wears her cardigan with a satin top.
Steal her look with this similar cashmere cardigan, silk tank, pants, necklace, and shoes.
Our readers’ recommendations for the best cashmere sweaters
These are some of the favorite brands for cashmere sweaters.
Nordstrom cashmere sweaters
Nordstrom Signature is a good go-to for cashmere.
A cashmere sweater is something that should live in your closet – and on you – for years to come, so I think choosing a classic style is important.
I love the buttons on this cashmere pullover and I can see it transcending seasons.
Nordstrom Signature cashmere pullover
Halogen cashmere
Another brand you’ll find at Nordstrom, Halogen was also recommended.
It’s an exclusive brand to Nordstrom and often has good basics.
Their pieces are perfect to wear during cold months as you can layer over blouses or knitwear, depending on the temperature.
Halogen off the shoulder sweater cashmere
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is renowned for creating classic pieces which are stylish but won’t go out of style.
Eileen Fisher silk & cashmere cardigan
Vince Cashmere
Vince is a favorite for luxurious basics which all go well together.
I love the neckline on this sweater. Vince cashmere was recommended to me as it doesn’t pile.
Vince wool & Cashmere turtleneck sweater
Boden
British brand Boden is a favorite of stylist Ruth Essex for its quality. There are lots of classic cashmere designs as well as those with a little twist, such as stripes down the side.
I love this belted cashmere cardigan.
Boden ‘Cara’ cardigan
John Lewis
Another staple of the British high street, John Lewis has a wide range of cashmere in neutrals, brights, and patterns. I love this cashmere roll neck jumper
John Lewis cashmere roll neck jumper
COS
The grown-up sister to H&M, COS is a good place to look for classics, which won’t date, including a cashmere sweater.
COS knitted cashmere sweater
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is renowned as being one of the places on the high street to go for classic design.
Marks and Spencer cashmere jumper
Polo Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren‘s cable-knit sweaters are immediately recognizable, and they go with everything from jeans to pleated skirts.
Polo Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater
J.Crew
A turtle neck like this one from J.Crew will be a good addition to your fall wardrobe.
J.Crew cashmere turtleneck sweater
Everlane
This round-neck from Everlane comes in a pretty shade of blue.
Everlane cashmere vintage crew
Lark & Ro
One of Amazon’s own fashion brands, Lark & Ro is a good option for value cashmere.
Lark & Ro v-neck pullover cashmere sweater
I would love to extend this list and get more of your recommendations for the best cashmere sweaters available in stores now.
If you have any recommendations or have a cashmere sweater that you really love, let me know!
Do you love to wear cashmere? Do you have a favorite sweater?
Continue reading:
The Ultimate Checklist Of Wardrobe Essentials: Which 28 Essential Pieces Do You Need In Your Closet? 9 New Ways To Style Fall Sweaters For Women The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat Like this article on the best cashmere sweaters? Save it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Patricia
The post Where to shop for the best cashmere sweaters appeared first on 40+ Style.
#WhatToBuy