I haven’t done a big round-up edit like this for ages, mainly because I haven’t quite had the brain capacity but also because I always like to try, touch and feel all the products before really recommending them (see my last deep dive cashmere post here). But in this day and age, it’s just not possible and it was rather wasteful having products sent in to try so instead, I am doing a round-up of brands which, through the years, I have become familiar with and have tried their cashmere before or have it on good authority that it’s worth the money. I will try and include 100% cashmere but when it’s a mix I will state that.
Cashmere by its very nature is expensive, so this won’t be a cheap as chips blogpost, more the best value and I have tried to highlight more affordable options, like accessories or cashmere blends, where possible. Interestingly, I really struggled to find supermarket cashmere, which used to be all the rage at one point…and maybe that’s a good sign of the cashmere market staying better quality at a higher price point. Anyway, musing over – I hope you find this useful!
1. Boden
Browsing the Boden site, they have some super luxe cashmere for over £200, but this plain crew-neck comes in 11 colours and is £115. I always find Boden good quality, especially with wardrobe staples like this and I have had some of their cashmere for years.
100% cashmere
Machine washable
This tank top is also v v nice (although I’m still on the fence about the longevity of a tank top):
If you’re still not keen on the price then a lot of their general knitwear range (I love this style) contains a cashmere mix (albeit 5%) or try accessories – cashmere beret, anyone?!
2. Arket
Trust Arket to have a brilliant range of cashmere (I love this stripe version) and make it ethically, too. This jumper is made from recycled cashmere sourced from second-hand cashmere products. It comes naturally oversized, too, which is a bonus as far as I’m concerned. I’ve chosen lilac here as think it’d look great with denim but they have this style in black too if you were after something simpler.
75% cashmere, 25% wool
Can be washed at 30 degrees
Not sure you want to invest fully? Arket also has smaller items like cashmere socks (which make great gifts!) here.
3. Uniqlo
100% cashmere
Dry clean but also hand washable
The original affordable cashmere knit from Uniqlo comes in 14 colourways and an array of styles – cardigans, v-necks (and if you’re really lucky, there are a limited few left in the sale here for £59.90). For the price it is excellent quality (personally I would size up as I find Uniqlo knitwear quite snug), there is a hidden cost in the dry cleaning (and more ethical implications with that, too) so it is brilliant that they can now be hand-washed. Their men’s cashmere range is excellent too, and great for gifting – and their accessories are pretty chic, too.
4. H&M
H&M has clearly seen an increase in demand for better fabrics and higher price point pieces, and they have a good mix of 100% cashmere pieces to cashmere blends.
100% cashmere
Can be washed at 30 degrees
The less cashmere blend, then the more affordable product you will find (and they will be easier to wash, too!). These joggers are 10% cashmere and 90% cotton but machine wash at 30 degrees.
5. Gap
70% recycled cashmere, 30% merino wool
Machine wash and lay flat to dry
I have two Gap cashmere jumpers (I sized up in both) – one I’ve had for almost 10 years – and can highly recommend. The style and neckline is the perfect weekend knit. It seems the percentage has gone down (for the same price offering) but it has been replaced with recycled cashmere which is always a good thing. They also offer beanie hats in the same recycled fabric composition.
6. John Lewis
100% cashmere
Machine washable
John Lewis continue to impress me with their great quality clothing and no nonsense price tags. Love the colour pop on this jumper for something a bit different (it also comes in pink).
7. Cos
Last time I did a cashmere edit, I praised Cos cashmere and I’d like to think that’s why the classic versions are mostly sold out on their site(!) – a few are available here. It really is great and I love that most come naturally oversized, too (and say so in their description).
100% cashmere
Dry clean only
GCS certified
Cos’s cashmere is certified by the Good Cashmere Standard (GCS) which means it has a fully traceable supply chain.
8. The Outnet
Not exactly High Street but one of my top tips for getting branded cashmere at High Street prices as they stock cashmere brands like Chinti + Parker, and have lots of stock of this striped cashmere mix knit at 50% off, for instance.
70% recycled cashmere, 25% cashmere and 5% wool
Dry clean only
9. Marks & Spencer
Fancy a good quality cashmere jumper that comes in every colour under the sun and also goes to a size 24? M&S have got you covered. Probably the largest offering on the High Street, they also stock excellent hoodies, all machine washable.
100% cashmere
Machine washable
10. The White Company
I almost didn’t include The White Company as I assumed it would be too high a price point but I was pleasantly surprised browsing the site.
100% cashmere
Hand wash
GCS certified
All cashmere naturally bobbles, it’s called ‘pilling’ and contrary to popular belief (including my own!) it does not denote the quality of the fabric (although Uniqlo does claim to use technology that lessens the pilling process).
We have a bit of a moth problem at ours so are currently looking for different storage options but I thought this article in Vogue was useful on caring for your cashmere (Jigsaw actually do a lovely debobbling comb for £7 here).
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