This has been one of the most requested posts recently, so thought I’d better get it in before Christmas wish list time.
But first, I need a bit of a disclaimer.
This is not a post about the cheapest cashmere on the block. It’s all High Street and “affordable” cashmere (I put that in loose quotation marks) but it’s also my edit, as a Fashion Editor who has worked on magazines and seen and touched A LOT of jumpers over the years. It’s what I believe to be the best quality and value for money, as opposed to the cheapest.
These are also the styles I would wear, so mainly crew-necks with a polo neck thrown in as opposed to v-necks and I’ve worn them all with the same trousers so you can see the different styles.
There is also the ethical issue of cashmere, so I am also discussing brands whom I believe to be the most sustainable – but please do your own research if this doesn’t appear to be the case for you.
Lastly, I called in all this product to shoot, and have returned it to the relevant PRs. This is a research piece, using personal anecdotes. I don’t own all of these jumpers! But I worked really hard to find jumpers that are all available now for once, as I had such a stock issue the last time I did this round-up so hopefully it is more user-friendly this time!
1. THE HERO CASHMERE
I always get told that the best High Street cashmere is Uniqlo or M&S, however, I firmly believe it’s Gap. I have a charcoal grey jumper from about 4 years ago that is my absolute favourite, it has NEVER bobbled and when I pack away all my cashmere in the summer, this is the one I allow myself to keep out, in case of a chill.
This season, they have a chunky poloneck too, but for me, the crew-neck in black would be the perfect investment. Sadly, cashmere is always excluded from those 40% off discounts….except apparently for this Black Friday – the discount is being honoured!
I am wearing size Medium, which is perfect to me.
2. THE AFFORDABLE CASHMERE
The classic, ultimate, comes in 17 colours cashmere (the pillarbox red would be very useful, too) and it is machine washable at 40 degrees (but 30 would be kinder to the environment, don’t you think?). Marks & Spencer are also pretty good for other forms of cashmere too – their tracksuit bottoms are what lounging on the sofa dreams are made of.
I’m wearing a size 10 which is a good fit, but could easily wear a size 12 for a more relaxed look.
ALSO TRY: H&M.
3. THE PRINTED CASHMERE
I’m going to say it: I wasn’t sure Boden were capable of doing a ‘subtle’ print but they’ve hit it spot on, here. I’ve always avoided too much print from Boden in the past, opting for the plainer pieces but this jumper is just pure joy.
It’s machine washable but it is quite snug fit, I’m wearing a size Large.
ALSO TRY: Wyse London and Jumper1234.
4. THE CLASSIC
After wearing this, it might just overtake Gap for best cashmere, it’s so soft and the grey is that perfect charcoal with just the right amount of cosiness and specks.
I’m wearing a size Small, and it’s nice and oversized. The downside? Like most things in Cos: it’s dry-clean only.
ALSO TRY: ARKET.
5. THE SUSTAINABLE CASHMERE
Made with 100% Grade A cashmere and using a Hong Kong factory, creating jobs for out of work artisans, this is a brand with a difference. And there’s free UK shipping.
This has a natural, oversized fit and is cropped so is, in fact, the perfect jumper for achieving that ‘J Crew tuck’: I am wearing size S/M.
So that’s my really edited edit, but these are the ones I truly believe will stand the test of time and will stay in your drawers for years to come (just be careful of those moths!).
If they do bobble, use a cashmere comb (ooh – what a lovely gift that would make – or am I just getting old?!). And it doesn’t have to be a jumper – I have tracksuit bottoms (M&S), a beanie hat (And Other Stories) and have been known to buy Chris a cashmere scarf in the past (in Liverpool FC colours, of course!).
Hope you found that helpful and ENJOY the warmth!
Thank you, fab edit!
Gap sent me a code that had the grey cashmere crew at 40% last week – may still be on but think you have to sign up to take advantage…
This is excellent intel, thank you!
Hi Alex, I recently bought the Boden striped jumper in your feature and sadly it is not £98. but is in fact £130.
But can confirm it is fab.
Will change now – oops!
I love a cashmere sweater. I may be slightly addicted!
Mine are all “affordable”. I remeber buying the first from Cos, in Paris about ten years ago – grey, long length, thumb holes in the sleeves and still goin strong with minimal bobbling. Most of the rest is from Boden, and gets worn all the time in the winter (none of it bought for full price!). I dont have a gap near by, but I’ll certainly keep my eye open.
what a great edit! I think I’ll go for the Gap, but tempted by the Boden… thank you, gorgeous post. x
Hello – I have the cos knit and can vouch for their cashmere, it lasts really well. Their cashmere scarves and hats are fab too. I also really rate the quality of Jigsaw cashmere.
I had a quick look at the Boden jumper and it’s actually £130 (the plain ones are £98), although there’s always a discount code to be had for Boden!
Lovely photos, as always x
Oh will change it! I often find boden pricing misleading on their site – I always get drawn in by the price but my taste is always the expensive version!! x
Have you seen We Are Future cashmere? French company that does affordable cashmere with great slogans and colours
No I haven’t seen! Sounds right up my street! xxx
Sorry From Future not We are future
Cashmere is so cosy and comfortable to wear. It also always looks elegant. Thank you for this post
I love your cashmere edits! Inspired to try Gap and pair with Vans and a red lip, thank-you for such practical advice with beautiful pieces. Please do more high street edits of seasonal basics?
Yes – I should do this! Feeling inspired – maybe a few a season xx
Thank you Alex great post! I don’t own any cashmere but changing my mind. Next time I should buy one cashmere instead of four other lesser quality sweaters. Can’t wait!
Yes – I literally live in mine in winter x
Loved this post. Thank you.
Did you know M and S have discontinued the round neck cashmere online?? Grab in store while you can…
Oh fab x
Hi,
Love this edit! Bit off topic, but please can you tell which shade of lipstick you are wearing!?
Thanks!
Daisy
Which one? I’ve linked in most pics x
For me, nothing beats M&S cashmere!
http://www.petiteelliee.com
Ellie xx
Hi! Love this edit so nice to see cashmere of such good quality on the high street! I work for COS and the cashmere youve mentioned can be washed at 30/on a delicate wash and then dried flat, so much easier for mums than having to dry clean all the time (although finding somewhere to dry flat away from little hands might be a challenge!)
Oh that’s good to know (as it doesn’t say on the label!) – we have found a lovely local drycleaner too so it’s nice to pass business his way anyway! xx
Excellent edit. I’m very quickly becoming a cashmere addict. I scour eBay for as new or bnwt and have found some excellent pieces from M&S to Wyse. Acrylic budget, cashmere addiction! Recycling at its best! Love the Boden sweater.
Brilliant!
Normally shop at gap for my thermal. Every year without fail! Always the best! However this year I brought mine from Crew clothing! There’s are all printed and not plain but regardless are all so nice!!
I love cashmere and probably have over 25 cashmere jumpers…this is a great edit but other places worth noting are Oxfam online, they have a great range, at good quality for much more accessible prices. Also ebay is a great place to look for affordable cashmere. x
Yes – great tips! For this shoot, I borrowed from the brands and didn’t buy them so not so easy to shoot this time but definitely something for readers to think about and look into!
Yes! I really needed this, I was praying you would do a cashmere edit this year as my old Uniqlo jumpers have worn through. Will try out Gap and Cos this weekend. Thank you so much, Alex!
Yes, please! You are so good at them x
So happy to know you are a crew- neck girl like me!
No fake tan involved!!! My chest is always so pale in the winter!! xx
I bought some of the M&S cashmere tracksuit bottoms last time I was in London, after you posted about them a few years ago. I wore them so much they gasped their very last gasp and I had to make them into pretty awesome (if I do say so myself) hot water bottle covers. I am beyond delighted to know they are available again.
This is very inventive, indeed!
Love this post Alex! I have been wanting to purchase a cashmere sweater and this is so helpful!
So pleased! xxx
My ultimate is the unisex cashmere crewneck from Farnol – £98 and a comfortable loose fit.
So interesting! Farnol got in touch about doing something but it was before the site had launched so I was nervous to promote….and haven’t heard much since – do you love the brand? x
Such a great post! Bit off topic but could you share where your bracelets are from? I can see the necklaces are tagged but not the bracelets. Thanks
These are Laura Lee and Missoma x
Which color is the M&S Jumper ?
Blush pink x
Love this edit but am loving the cashmere football scarf idea too – am totally buying as Christmas gifts. Thanks Alex
Haha – yes! Thought I’d slip that in! Such a good gift – got my dad their cashmere lined leather gloves one year too, and he loved them! x
Love a good cashmere jumper! I would also add Uniqlo to the mix….I’ve had mine for a few years – washes well and no bobbles – plus affordable 😉
I wanted to add Uniqlo as I have found their cashmere scratchy in the past, so wanted to see if it was different! But they never replied to my emails so couldn’t try it sadly x
The post is really on time for the cold season. I love cashmere and charcoal grey one is absolutely my favorite! I’m a bit sceptical about sustainability claims as it is so abused nowdays.
Yes, I agree. I tend to just shop in places I trust and know to be transparent x
Hi, I thought you’d like to know GAP has 40% off everything today and includes cashmere 😉 And 50% if you’re shopping in store!
Now I can get two colors for the price of one 😉 Love your style!
Is a cashmere comb better for cashmere than a de-bobbler?
I don’t think there is any difference really, but they’re much cheaper! x
I bought the Gap jumper with the 40% discount and I love it, thank you for the tip! 🙂 x
so pleased – isn’t it the softest? x
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Hi Alex, learnt a lot from this post. Where is your gold bangle from? Looks gorgeous.
It’s Missoma x