18th November 2016

Cashmere: tried and tested

Fashion - By Alexandra Stedman
Cashmere jumper: £129, Boden. Jeans: £29.99, H&M. Watch: £125, Skagen. Photographs: Christopher O’Donnell
Cashmere: we all love it. It’s my go-to wardrobe saviour when it comes to winter hibernation (don’t get me started on the M&S cashmere joggers), especially when working from home. My last cashmere post was highly received so thought I’d do a few updates on some great classics (because if you’re gonna drop the money for cashmere, you at least want it to stand the test of time).  Here are a few of my faves:
1. BODEN
 
They make great cashmere, and the few that I own (navy crew-neck, black v-neck) have never bobbled. They’re pricey, but definitely worth the investment.
Cashmere jumper: £129, Boden. Jeans: £29.99, H&M. Watch: £125, Skagen. Chair: La Redoute. Sheepskin throw: £30, Ikea.
And I love the new colourblock versions they’ve introduced. This one reminds me of a rhubarb and custard sweet – but in a totally good way, of course.

2. UNIQLO

Jumper: £69.90, Uniqlo. Jeans: £29.99, H&M. 
Uniqlo is one of those shops I go into about twice a year, but then totally remember why I love it and stock up on everyone’s presents. Family members have often opened Uniqlo cashmere for christmas (and they do great, chic (I promise!) loungewear for men). And for the price, it’s pretty much unbeatable.

3. IRIS 

Jumper: £275, Iris. Watch: £125, Skagen.
So this is the expensive one…Iris, a store I’ve only recently discovered, not only sells the best Isabel Marant Etoile, my favourite Bella Freud jumpers – but also its amazing own line cashmere. I love the slight fleck on this jumper, making it much more than a plain grey crew-neck. And it’s SO cosy.
3. BANANA REPUBLIC
Crew-neck jumper: £180, Banana Republic 
So Banana Republic has been having a bit of a tough time lately, but weirdly I’ve been drawn to their site more and more (have you seen this fab, bell sleeve cashmere mix top for £49.50?). This one is classic, great quality and I love the external seam detail.

4. THE WHITE COMPANY


I always think of The White Company as super expensive, but for cashmere this quality it really is well priced. I could hibernate in this waffle knit one forever…

Cashmere jumper: £169, The White Company. 
Cashmere jumper: £169, The White Company. Watch: £125, Skagen.

5. ASOS

Up until recently, I would never have considered looking on Asos for my cashmere, but they not only have great quality pieces, but also something a bit different – I love this funnel neck stripe jumper from Asos White – their more contemporary, premium line (I often filter to Asos White when searching Asos – it feels a tad more grown-up and chic).
Cashmere jumper: £95, Asos White

And how to look after cashmere? A cashmere comb is a must…and where I can I try and hand-wash. But lack of both time and energy leads me to use the I Hate Ironing app occasionally. It’s not cheap (£8 per cashmere item) but they pick it up and drop it off back at a time convenient to you (which you select on the app). It’s one of the few (indulgent) apps I use!One to Watch: Wyse London

You’ve most probably seen Wyse London’s rainbow stripe jumpers on Instagram: the perfect mix of luxury with a cool but fun edge, Wyse cashmere is one to invest in. I have the tracksuit bottoms and they’re my saviour on long haul flights.

I also want to tell you about an amazing new cashmere brand run by a long-time reader/supporter and now friend through this crazy blogging world: Lois Avery.

Lois Avery – inspired by Italy

Jennie from Lois Avery recently quit her job as a Lawyer to pursue her dreams and is now her own GirlBoss designing and producing quality cashmere shawls and scarves, inspired by her travels and love affair with Italy. The quality really is the best and the packaging is spot on. You can follow her fab page on Instagram here, as well for a spot of wanderlust and gelato.

THE FRUGAL EDIT




1. Cashmere jumper: £119, Zara


2. Cashmere mittens: £39, Jigsaw


3. Cashmere beanie: £35.99, Mango


4. Cashmere hooded top: £165, Iris & Ink


5. Cashmere mix socks: £10 for a set of 2, Next


6. Cashmere jumper: £59.99, H&M


7. Cashmere bell sleeved jumper: £95, Topshop


8. Cashmere joggers: £100, Warehouse


9. Cashmere jumper: £75, Marks & Spencer


10. Cashmere comb: £3.50, Hush


11. Cashmere blend scarf: £59, Cos

All cashmere was borrowed (and returned) for the purpose of this shoot.

See my try-on session over on YouTube:

By Alexandra Stedman

Fashion Editor, Blogger, Realist

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Comments

  1. Hi Alex, you can't go wrong with cashmere! I was wondering which of these brands make the most slim fitting style of jumper? I'm not looking for skin tight but I struggle with boxy style tops. I really love the quality of the uniqlo jumpers but I remember the past few years when I tried them on they were really loose fitting and didn't look great on me. Same with Gap. How did you find them this year? Thanks!

    Reply

  2. I live in my cashmere and my collection is ever growing. I've been buying from Uniqlo for a few years but prefer their men's version as it hangs better. I also love 360 Cashmere and Jumper 1234, both reasonably priced and incerdibly stylish 🙂
    Ana

    Reply

  3. This is one great post, Alex! My favourites are Boden and White Company.They will be on the Christmas wish list. And I also like Uniqlo for its slouchiness and affordability. I was wondering about sizing; I am usually a UK 8 size. What size would you recommend? I have to order online because I live in a Uniqlo-less country 🙁 Oh and the Lois Avery scarves look AMAZING! Thank you for the tip! Brigitte xx

    Reply

  9. White Company isn’t cheap but their stuff is so good. My top tip, get on their mailing list. I never pay full price for anything at White Co now. They send me a catalogue with a VIP shopping card every few weeks, usually 15% off, sometimes 20%.

    Reply

  14. Hi Alex,

    It’s serendipity that you did this blog post now as I am on the hunt for the ‘perfect’ cashmere jumper.
    Can I ask is the Uniqlo jumper you are wearing a mens or womens one? and what size would you go for for both of these- I normally wear a size 10 but would like a flattering slouchy fit…any advice?

    Many Thanks,
    Anna

    Reply

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