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13th November 2018

The High Street Cashmere Edit

Fashion - By Alexandra Stedman

Glasses: Ace & Tate. Lips: Trish McEvoy. Necklace: Laura Lee jewellery. Long necklace: Missoma. Cashmere jumper: £119.95, Gap. Trousers: £79, Cos.

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

Cashmere jumper: £119.95, Gap. 

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

Jumper: £75, Marks & Spencer. Necklace: Laura Lee jewellery. Trousers: £79, Cos. Lips: Laura Mercier.

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

Jumper: £130, Boden. Trousers: £79, Cos. Lips: Trish McEvoy. Necklaces: Laura Lee jewellery.

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 

Charcoal jumper: £125, Cos. Trousers: £79, Cos. Lips: Smashbox ‘Paris Pink’. Necklaces: Laura Lee jewellery. Vans: Second Store.

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

Jumper: £145, Common Thread.Trousers: £79, Cos. Lips: Buxom in ‘Extreme Heat’. Watch: Larsson & Jennings.

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.

Jumper: £145, Common Thread.Trousers: £79, Cos. Lips: Buxom in ‘Extreme Heat’. Watch: Larsson & Jennings.

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!

By Alexandra Stedman

Fashion Editor, Blogger, Realist

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Comments

  1. Charlotte says

    13th November 2018 at 7:43 am

    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…

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      13th November 2018 at 10:40 am

      This is excellent intel, thank you!

      Reply
  2. Aileen says

    13th November 2018 at 8:00 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      13th November 2018 at 10:40 am

      Will change now – oops!

      Reply
  3. Danish Pastry says

    13th November 2018 at 8:11 am

    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.

    Reply
  4. myf says

    13th November 2018 at 9:00 am

    what a great edit! I think I’ll go for the Gap, but tempted by the Boden… thank you, gorgeous post. x

    Reply
  5. Sharon Kenyon says

    13th November 2018 at 9:41 am

    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

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      13th November 2018 at 10:39 am

      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

      Reply
  6. Kate Skitt says

    13th November 2018 at 9:44 am

    Have you seen We Are Future cashmere? French company that does affordable cashmere with great slogans and colours

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      13th November 2018 at 10:38 am

      No I haven’t seen! Sounds right up my street! xxx

      Reply
  7. Kate Skitt says

    13th November 2018 at 9:47 am

    Sorry From Future not We are future

    Reply
  8. Jill www.stylishatsixty.wordpress.com says

    13th November 2018 at 9:52 am

    Cashmere is so cosy and comfortable to wear. It also always looks elegant. Thank you for this post

    Reply
  9. Freya says

    13th November 2018 at 10:10 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      13th November 2018 at 10:46 am

      Yes – I should do this! Feeling inspired – maybe a few a season xx

      Reply
  10. Maria says

    13th November 2018 at 12:20 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      13th November 2018 at 3:27 pm

      Yes – I literally live in mine in winter x

      Reply
  11. Emily says

    13th November 2018 at 12:38 pm

    Loved this post. Thank you.

    Reply
  12. Jillian Owen says

    13th November 2018 at 1:00 pm

    Did you know M and S have discontinued the round neck cashmere online?? Grab in store while you can…

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      13th November 2018 at 3:27 pm

      Oh fab x

      Reply
  13. Daisy says

    13th November 2018 at 1:35 pm

    Hi,
    Love this edit! Bit off topic, but please can you tell which shade of lipstick you are wearing!?
    Thanks!
    Daisy

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      13th November 2018 at 3:27 pm

      Which one? I’ve linked in most pics x

      Reply
  14. Ellie says

    13th November 2018 at 3:07 pm

    For me, nothing beats M&S cashmere!

    http://www.petiteelliee.com

    Ellie xx

    Reply
  15. Emily says

    13th November 2018 at 7:28 pm

    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!)

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      14th November 2018 at 11:18 am

      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

      Reply
  16. Ali says

    13th November 2018 at 8:32 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      14th November 2018 at 11:17 am

      Brilliant!

      Reply
  17. Mic says

    13th November 2018 at 8:38 pm

    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!!

    Reply
  18. Jade McShane says

    13th November 2018 at 9:09 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      14th November 2018 at 11:16 am

      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!

      Reply
  19. Tia says

    13th November 2018 at 10:25 pm

    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!

    Reply
  20. Tia says

    13th November 2018 at 10:27 pm

    Yes, please! You are so good at them x

    Reply
  21. Monica says

    14th November 2018 at 12:35 am

    So happy to know you are a crew- neck girl like me!

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      14th November 2018 at 11:15 am

      No fake tan involved!!! My chest is always so pale in the winter!! xx

      Reply
  22. Jacqui says

    14th November 2018 at 6:30 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      14th November 2018 at 11:14 am

      This is very inventive, indeed!

      Reply
  23. Nicole says

    14th November 2018 at 8:29 am

    Love this post Alex! I have been wanting to purchase a cashmere sweater and this is so helpful!

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      14th November 2018 at 11:15 am

      So pleased! xxx

      Reply
  24. Amanda says

    14th November 2018 at 1:59 pm

    My ultimate is the unisex cashmere crewneck from Farnol – £98 and a comfortable loose fit.

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      14th November 2018 at 9:13 pm

      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

      Reply
  25. Nicole says

    15th November 2018 at 10:31 am

    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

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      15th November 2018 at 7:46 pm

      These are Laura Lee and Missoma x

      Reply
  26. Lucile Marcellin says

    15th November 2018 at 11:47 am

    Which color is the M&S Jumper ?

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      15th November 2018 at 7:47 pm

      Blush pink x

      Reply
  27. Lex says

    15th November 2018 at 10:44 pm

    Love this edit but am loving the cashmere football scarf idea too – am totally buying as Christmas gifts. Thanks Alex

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      17th November 2018 at 6:59 pm

      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

      Reply
  28. Monique McGoey says

    18th November 2018 at 8:42 pm

    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 😉

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      19th November 2018 at 8:11 am

      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

      Reply
  29. Inga says

    19th November 2018 at 9:29 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      19th November 2018 at 6:42 pm

      Yes, I agree. I tend to just shop in places I trust and know to be transparent x

      Reply
  30. Amna says

    20th November 2018 at 8:58 am

    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!

    Reply
  31. Sheila Jenkins says

    20th November 2018 at 5:47 pm

    Is a cashmere comb better for cashmere than a de-bobbler?

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      20th November 2018 at 6:19 pm

      I don’t think there is any difference really, but they’re much cheaper! x

      Reply
  32. Tara says

    25th November 2018 at 3:53 pm

    I bought the Gap jumper with the 40% discount and I love it, thank you for the tip! 🙂 x

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      25th November 2018 at 6:59 pm

      so pleased – isn’t it the softest? x

      Reply
  33. Aspirado Trading says

    27th November 2018 at 4:22 pm

    These look really great 🙂 We are a woman founded fashion company since 1999 in London, New York. Our biggest motivation is to empower and inspire women. By our hand beaded collection and organic / recycled collection we want our lady to feel happy and proud of her success being a woman in the corporate world. Learn more about us – AspiradoTrading dot com

    Reply
  34. Moon says

    29th November 2018 at 11:30 am

    Hi Alex, learnt a lot from this post. Where is your gold bangle from? Looks gorgeous.

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      29th November 2018 at 3:28 pm

      It’s Missoma x

      Reply

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