*At the time of publishing, the price was $300. The delicate knit is more prone to stretching than that of some other sweaters we tested. The brand offers a selection of 22 fun, woven designs, each adorned with its own unique graphical embellishments; we tested No. Still, cashmere has become considerably more accessible and affordable in the past decade, a development that can be almost entirely attributed to Chinas efforts to produce more of it. If youre planning to wear it over long-sleeve tops, though, you might consider sizing up, as the arms are pretty fitted. Subscribe now for unlimited access. You can unsubscribe at any time. Your browser seems to be out of date. The cashmere on this sweater is gorgeoussoft and smooth with very little fuzz. The shoulders have the most prominent fully fashioned seams we saw on any sweater, a sign of good quality. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. The Italic Mens Cashmere Crewneck Sweater (now unavailable) is remarkably soft but also borderline mushy and structureless, and ours arrived with a few sections already pilling. Msg & data rates may apply. Both China and Mongolia have recently lowered or limited cashmere goat herds and production output, for economic and environmental reasons. Although most of our picks are available in a wide variety of colors, styles, and sizes, some fashion brands offer only limited sizing. The cut is cropped and boxy, with dropped shoulders and ribbed detailing that looks stylish yet casual (think Parisian girl style). The Saks Fifth Avenue Collection Cashmere Roundneck Sweater looks stylish, with a slim and flattering cut, a cute split hem, and an interesting knit detail running down the back. Once a prohibitively priced luxury, cashmere now seems to be sold almost everywhere, often at suspiciously low prices. The general belief is that the best cashmere for sweaters comes by way of Inner Mongolia and parts of China, where the alpine goats of the region survive in an austere and harsh high-altitude landscape. Fabrics that have odor blocking properties won't absorb any unwanted smells. The Patagonia sweater has some heft, as its made of 95% recycled cashmere with 5% wool added in, a fibrous amalgamation thats thick enough not to feel like it requires the same delicate treatment as 100% cashmere. Please check your inbox for your 10% welcome offer! Msg & data rates may apply. Inspect the seams: Make sure the stitching looks solid and has no loose threads. We process your personal data as stated in our Privacy Policy. How it feels: Like your favorite childhood blanketslightly fuzzy, immediately warm, soft, and comforting. Were currently testing a few of Italics other goods, but we dont know yet if well make them picks. Often on sale for around $50 (from about $100), they rank among the cheapest 100% cashmere sweaters we saw. Up to 50% off End of Season Sale! View Terms & Privacy. Please check your inbox for your 10% welcome offer! We were looking for sweaters that delivered a good balance of high-quality materials and construction and a flattering, stylish fit for a fair price. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. The Amicale Cashmere sweaters we tried were soft and comfortable, albeit a little formfitting compared with those of most other brands. Made from ultra-sustainable, blow-your-mind soft cashmere, our classic women's $75 sweater should be worn on repeat. We go straight to the source so we can offer you luxurious cashmere at a fraction of the price. We process your personal data as stated in our Privacy Policy. Naadams transparency about where it sources its cashmere is surprising for a sweater at this price. It does have high-quality details, such as fully fashioned seams that reinforce the stitching along the shoulder and a well-finished edge along the shawl collar and front opening. The Leret Leret No. Weve reviewed this guide and stand by our picks. The color range of the Mini we tested is limited to just six options, but along with the classic neutrals, a few of those options veer into a more vibrant spectrum. A smaller gauge will result in a sweater with a tighter stitch, while a larger gauge will result in a sweater with a looser stitch. The cashmere industrys status is further complicated by growing concerns over human-rights violations and documentation of forced labor across the entire supply chain, specifically within the Xinjiang region of northwestern China, where many global fashion brands source their material and manufacturing. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Both the mens and womens sweaters we tested showed some signs of slight pilling, but we found that many of the cashmere sweaters we wore eventually developed mild pills. The goats subsist on meager diets while enduring frigid winter temperatures, and thus they have evolved to grow a double fleece of coarse wool on top and a dense cloud of extremely fine, soft hairs underneath. How it feels: Organic and a bit fuzzy; its finer and softer than wool, without any hint of itch. Though the Essentials knit appears quite durable, weve tempered our expectations based on its low price. The cashmere is perfectly soft against the skin and feels substantial without any itch whatsoever. If a sweater pills excessively when new, it probably wont last more than a couple of seasons. We use email and targeted online advertising to send you product and services updates, promotional offers and other marketing communications based on the information we collect about you, such as your email address, general location, and purchase and website browsing history. It became a favorite layer to add some warmth over summery tops, and it was perfect under warmer coats and jackets. We tested two crew necks, and their construction was decent, with pretty good ribbing at the cuffs, collar, and hem. We also tried the Italic mens cashmere crewneck but were surprised to discover that it didnt come close to the quality construction or high-end feel of this turtleneck, so we couldnt recommend it. At this price, its almost certainly made with shorter fibers that can fuzz. The cut is roomy and might fit more athletic builds, but our 5-foot-9 male tester found the forearms too long in relation to the rest of the sweater. The sizing isnt as inclusive as on some of our other picks. It comes in eight mostly neutral colors and five sizes. The design features generous ribbing along the hem and cuffs, creating a seal in areas where cold air tends to seep in. Dont Bother. You dont always need to follow the directions on clothing labels. The pliable fabric is resilient and bounces back easily. The knit springs back into shape without stretching. Of all the sweaters we tested, it received the most attentionand compliments. Free Ground Shipping within the Continental US on order of $150 or more! For those reasons, and because durability and feel come from both the raw materials and how its knit, cashmere is best inspected in person. Do Leret Leret cashmere sweaters feel two to four times more luxurious than their counterparts? The smooth weave keeps its shape beautifullyalways springing back when stretched. The quality and cost of cashmere depend upon many factors, but they mainly boil down to a combination of the length and fineness of the goats fleece and the skill and precision with which its collected. Subscribe to our newsletter to get 10% off your first full-price order. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Join the herd! Free Ground Shipping within the Continental US on order of $150 or more! by Christina Williams and Wirecutter Staff. Then we tested 22 cashmere sweaters for men and women to find our six favorite sweater-weather must-haves. The edges of the knit are also well finished. Always wash a cashmere sweater before storing it away for the summer. The stitching across the shoulders and across the torso is robust, with exemplary ribbing around the wrists, resulting in a gentle seal that keeps cold from creeping in. You can unsubscribe at any time. Up to 50% off End of Season Sale! What they all share is high-quality construction thatwith proper careshould last for seasons, as well as a flattering and comfortable fit and that silky-soft sensation you get only from cashmere. That typically means the maker has overwashed or treated the fibers with chemicals to soften them. A cheap cashmere sweater made of short-length fibers pills more easily than a sweater made with high-quality longer-length fibers, but both eventually pill. Invest in this sweater only if youre willing to treat it gently. We independently review everything we recommend. Compromises always exist with cashmere made from shorter-length fibers, as theyre more susceptible to stretching and tearing (and at this price, these sweaters are assuredly not made with the same thin and long fibers used to make $2,000 sweaters). Look for 2-ply or higher; single-ply cashmere is prone to develop holes quickly. Affordable cashmere for men and women: Naadam Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater, A stylish splurge for women: La Ligne Mini Toujours Sweater, A fun and fashionable statement sweater for men or women: Leret Leret No. The extra-long arms may annoy some wearers, but the ribbed knit is thick enough that they stay folded or scrunched to the wrist. We would wear this warmer, medium-weight sweater during the tail end of autumn or early winter with just a T-shirt underneath, though you can layer as you see fit. The Essential embodies cashmere at its most versatile, as a light-to-medium-weight sweater with a buttery-soft feel that isnt prone to pilling and springs back into shape when stretched. Weve found that the collar is especially resilienteven after putting the sweater on dozens of times. cart reminders) from NAADAM at the cell number used when signing up. The higher the gauge number, the more open-knit and lightweight the sweater. We gave Everlanes Cashmere Crew (available in mens and womens; now unavailable) high marks for fit and overall quality, particularly for its warmth and small details such as the reinforced ribbing around the neck and cuffs that added a little extra insurance against stretching. The yarn spun from shorter and broken cashmere filters down into the mass market, though sometimes higher-priced fashion brands use it, too, so you cant rely on price as an indicator of quality. Its also the most expensive cashmere sweater among our picks, a statement piece for the person with a fashionable bent who wants something beyond the basics. The White + Warrens open, airy weave isnt as warm or hearty as the knit of many other sweaters we recommendits more delicate, so it could snag, and its more prone to stretchingbut thats what makes it so light to wear and versatile for all weather and all outfits. So we set out to discover exactly how to buy a good cashmere sweater, and to learn whether pricier brands are really worth the money. 19, A luxurious womens turtleneck with a catch: Italic Relaxed Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, Versatile cashmere thats rugged and practical: Patagonia Mens Recycled Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, A lightweight womens cardigan for layering: White + Warren Essential Cashmere Trapeze Cardigan, Naadam Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater Men's, Naadam Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater Women's, The same soft cashmere with a slimmer fit, Naadams The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater, 12-gauge knit and the quality of stitching, Italic Relaxed Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, Patagonia Mens Recycled Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, White + Warren Essential Cashmere Trapeze Cardigan, White + Warrens Essential Cashmere Trapeze Cardigan, glide across taut sweater surfaces (video), Saks Fifth Avenue Collection Cashmere Roundneck Sweater, Equipment Sanni Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, director of product development and technical design, Amicale Cashmere, luxury branding executive, LFP Collective, Wirecutters 100 Most Popular Picks in March 2022, 50 Wirecutter Cleaning Picks Our Readers Love. The Patagonias cuffs and hem are particularly durable. For our tester, the cuffs were extra long and hit well past the wrists; although that could be annoying for some people, our tester simply rolled them up once, and the hefty knit kept them securely in place. Weve also updated information on our pick from Italic, which no longer requires membership to shop. Free ground shipping on all domestic orders $150 or more! The Patagonia did a great job of retaining body heat when we wore it on cold autumn mornings; its ideal for layering while youre exploring a city, hiking a trail, or even snowboarding. On our female tester, who is 5-foot-9 and wears a size small, the sweater fit slightly slouchy but never felt sloppy. To check for pilling, firmly wipe your hand across an arm or the front of the sweater to see if any fibers are starting to ball up. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Fit: Turtlenecks can sometimes feel restrictive, but on this sweater Italic hits a nice balance between fit and feel with a relaxed torso, fittedbut not tightarms, and long ribbed cuffs that hold their shape. Letting cashmere rest between wears helps reduce the pilling by allowing the fibers time to bounce back to their original shape. The issue isnt restricted to cashmere alone, with textiles, apparel, and footwear industries within the region all cited, and the concerns encompassing virtually the entire global fashion industry. Though thin and delicate, the White + Warren sweater is well madefully fashioned marks on the shoulders demonstrate reinforcement where it counts. I accept NAADAMs Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions and agree to receive communications from NAADAM. View Terms & Privacy. It had a sweatshirt-inspired design, which was fun, but the cashmere was very lightweight and stretched terribly, causing a baggy fit that made the arms look as if they were melting. The thick knit keeps its shape well. The cuffs, collar, and hem on the Naadam Essential are well made, especially for the price. cart reminders) from NAADAM at the cell number used when signing up. Check your email or text message for your 10% off promo code! Over 50,000 customers (really) love our ultra-soft, sustainable, 100% cashmere sweaters. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the Trapezes long cardigan style should adapt to various body types, the sizing is limited. You may withdraw your consent or manage your preferences at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any of our marketing emails, or by emailing us at support@naadam.co. Just ask the 50k people who have already rated it 5-stars. cart reminders) from NAADAM at the cell number used when signing up. The Essential comes in over 10 colors and a wide range of sizes (XXS to XXL), so almost anyone can find one to suit their taste. Its ribbed knit adds amazing texture and feels durable and extra warm. We love the small knit detail near the collar. We spent hours reading reviews, interviewing fashion designers and industry representatives, and researching the history and industry of cashmere manufacturing (including the highly recommended 1961 short film titled The Cashmere Story) before even attempting to determine a list of sweaters to test from the thousands available today. An increase in the sizes of goat herds grazing on the plains of Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and parts of the Himalayan mountains, paired with an orchestrated surge in processing capacity, has resulted in an abundance of low-quality cashmere sweaters selling for as little as $40 at fast fashion retailers. Availability is limited, and prices regularly land north of $400 for even a 1-ply cashmere sweater, making a William Lockie piece a true splurge. *At the time of publishing, the price was $200. Fit: In our tests, the relaxed Trapeze draped nicely along the bodyits flowy and comfortable. For people willing to spend extra for a big dose of personality, Leret Lerets unisex sweater feels soft, sumptuous, and warm. The sweater was clearly made to last for years, if not decades, but in the end we didnt like its style enough to justify its very high price. We also looked to fashion sites such as Gentlemans Gazette, Put This On, Racked, Styleforum, and Who What Wear to discover recommendations across various price ranges and styles. Gregory Han is a design, travel, and lifestyle writer, and the co-author of Creative Spaces: People, Homes, and Studios to Inspire. According to Derek Guy of Put This On, the best cashmere sweaters came by the way of Scotland prior to the 1990s, but the industry has since become a victim of globalization, and most remaining Scottish companies now operate as brands in name only. The cropped cut also helps with airflow, which comes in handy during warmer months, when the heavy knit may feel too warm. For a person who wants the comfort of cashmere with extra durability, Patagonias sweater is perfect for traveling or hiking but also wouldnt look out of place at the office. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Also, wash cashmere inside out to reduce any stress across the front surface of your garment. After a few weeks of wear, this sweaters neck hole hasnt lost any shape, even with one testers rather large head repeatedly popping through. 19 sweater we tested got a lot of attention. Free ground shipping on all domestic orders $150 or more! The cut is fitted enough to look polished but not overly restrictive. slug(values[0])":dynamic-options-json='optionMap[key]'>. Name something better for $75wellwait. Msg frequency varies. Msg frequency varies. The turtleneck is sized comfortably, unlike others we tried that felt constricting or had too much fabric. Our primary gripe: The cuffs lack an extra layer of reinforcementa detail we appreciate about Everlanes sweaterwhich may mean they wont retain their shape as well over time. You may need some updates before you can view our site. Another big giveaway: If your fingers feel slippery after touching the cashmere, it has likely been processed or treated. For stray pills, use a sweater comb, a small accessory designed to glide across taut sweater surfaces (video) and gently remove pills without damaging the knit. Despite what the care label tells you, skip the dry cleaner and hand-wash your cashmere at home instead. Most cashmere sweaters (and many of our picks) are made to 7-gauge (7GG) and 12-gauge (12GG) specifications. It would look as great with beat-up jeans and sneakers as it would with a silk skirt and heels. Nadia Monosova, director of product development and technical design, Amicale Cashmere, email interview, August 13 and October 14, 2020, Timothy Leung, pattern maker, Rag & Bone, email interview, August 10, 2020, Lisa Pomerantz, luxury branding executive, LFP Collective, phone interview, August 23, 2020. How it should feel: Lower-quality cashmere often feels extraordinarily soft, sometimes even mushy to the touch. If you want more coverage, La Ligne makes this sweater in a full length and a turtleneck, though we didnt test those versions. Msg & data rates may apply. By submitting this form, you agree to receive recurring automated promotional and personalized marketing text messages (e.g. Unlike some cheap cashmere we tried that felt artificially smooth because it was likely treated with chemicals, Italics fabric feels supple and high-end. This simple, luxurious, and flattering open-front cardigan offers a delicate layer of warmth without the weight, but it wont stand up to a lot of abuse. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). That hardscrabble climate prompts the goats to grow a luxuriously fine underfleece. For the past few months, however, it has been almost impossible to buy from Uniqlo, as weve seen problems with availability, canceled orders, and undependable shipping. The cuffs and hem are well made and help seal out the cold. Gauge refers to the density of the knit and the weight of the sweater. Ply refers to the number of cashmere threads twisted together to make yarn. These 100 useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in March 2022. You may withdraw your consent or manage your preferences at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any of our marketing emails, or by emailing us at support@naadam.co. On its own, it can be comfortable during spring and autumn, and in mildly cold climates, its perfect as an extra layer of warmth that doesnt feel annoyingly encumbering. Spending $60 for Italic Bold gets you $120 in credit per year, and you get a higher referral bonus ($30, compared with $15 for nonmembers). Every sweater we called in was made with 100% cashmere fibers, except for one sweater, which had 5% wool. 19 is an eye-catcher. You may withdraw your consent or manage your preferences at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any of our marketing emails, or by emailing us at support@naadam.co. The sizing spans from XXS to 3XL, and several styles are on offer, including crews, V-necks, and turtlenecks for both men and women. It isnt particularly showy, but it has a subtle, luxurious vibe that looks great with almost anything. This sweater comes in eight understated colors and four sizes. But the body of the sweater felt mushy and too flimsy for something so expensive. Theres a lot to like about Uniqlo cashmere sweaters. Those long narrow cuffs, plus the high-quality springy cashmere, keep the sweaters sleeves in place, whether you push them up or leave them down. Over 50,000 customers (really) love our ultra-soft, sustainable, 100% cashmere sweaters. The natural fibers in the wool and cashmere tend to slough off while wearing. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. View Terms & Privacy. intended to soften with wear but last a lifetime. We didn't invent cashmere, but we may as well have. How it feels: Perfectly soft with a smooth rather than fuzzy feel and just the right heft. Shop Women | Shop Men. The harsh chemicals used in dry cleaning can strip the fibers. If you have ever groomed a cat or dog, youve likely noticed a similar combination. But touch alone can be an inaccurate means of picking out a high-quality piece. As its a fashion-oriented brand, if you fall somewhere between two sizes, we recommend sizing up. Shop Women | Shop Men. If youre looking for cashmere you can layer, White + Warrens Essential Cashmere Trapeze Cardigan is a stylish option that flows naturally and feels nearly weightless. We also recommend investing in a long-handled boar-bristle cashmere brush to remove lint, fuzz, and dust between wears and washes. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. By submitting this form, you agree to receive recurring automated promotional and personalized marketing text messages (e.g. Msg frequency varies. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Check your email or text message for your 10% off promo code! How it feels: Thick and soft, with a ribbed knit thats luxurious, warm, and super durable. Now improved with a true women's fit, expanded sizes and new colors, our famous best seller is back and still $75 for 100% cashmere. You may need some updates before you can view our site. If youre shopping online, you might see a couple of cashmere-specific terms that, though they arent always reliable indicators of quality, may help you determine a sweaters durability, weight, and warmth: ply and gauge. The term "gauges" is a measurement used when referring to the stitching in knitwear. Fit: The dropped shoulder and the cropped length that hits at the waist arent everyones cup of tea, but our 5-foot-9 female tester found the cut of the size small just right. The arms were also long enough to cover her hands, but she found that they looked cute cuffed or scrunched up, a complement to the sweaters easygoing style. Well-finished ribbing around the neck, cuff, and waist bodes well for longevity, too. These sweaters are definitely more casual than business casual. When we first tested this sweater, Italics direct-to-consumer model required a membership to shop. What about once-vaunted Scottish cashmere? Thank you! Its classic crew-neck, hip-length style feels rugged next to some other sweaters we recommend, but it still looks appropriate at a nice restaurant. One sample had fully fashioned marks along both the armholes and neck, something we didnt see in any other sweater we tested, while another was cut and sewn, which we found odd. The hem and cuffs are also finished wellif delicatelywith a rolled edge. The mens version in medium had some extra room in the chest and around the arms but still didnt look or feel too boxy on our testers 5-foot-9 frame. Subscribe to our newsletter to get 10% off your first full-price order. In response, reputable cashmere brands such as Naadam and Leret Leret have begun advertising greater transparency about their sourcing and practices (PDF) to differentiate themselves (video) and appeal to more discerning buyers. Learn more. Free ground shipping on all domestic orders $150 or more! Shop Women | Shop Men. We will send you an email to reset your password. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Derek Guy of the fashion site Put This On washes his sweaters every seven to ten wears, and at the end of each winter season. Just remember that when the time comes to wash a cashmere garment, do it right and do it by hand. Fit: Leret Leret sweaters are unisex in style, with a relaxed fit offering more leeway in the torso. By submitting this form, you agree to receive recurring automated promotional and personalized marketing text messages (e.g. We use email and targeted online advertising to send you product and services updates, promotional offers and other marketing communications based on the information we collect about you, such as your email address, general location, and purchase and website browsing history. Patagonias attention to detail around the collar, cuffs, and hem are particularly top-notch, with each tightly ribbed section operating as a bouncer to keep out any cold riffraff trying to sneak in. cart reminders) from NAADAM at the cell number used when signing up. Thank you! And although its on the thicker side, its still pleasantly soft and smooth enough to remind you how wonderfully indulgent cashmere feels in comparison with traditional wool. And the fit has just enough room in the body and arms to be comfortable, yet its formfitting enough to avoid a boxy silhouette. The marks indicate that each piece of the sweaterthe front, the back, and each sleevewas knit individually, and then they were knitted together at the seams (versus the cut and sew method, in which pattern pieces are cut from one large piece of fabric and then sewn together). It felt only a little slickit was probably lightly finished with chemical softeners, but it felt better than some other cashmeres we tested, such as the almost greasy-feeling sweater we tried from J.Crew. Its also available in 17 colors, the most of any sweater we sampled. Name something better for $75wellwait. Nadia Monosova of Amicale Cashmere pointed out in an interview that most mid- to higher-grade cashmere sweaters should reveal fully fashioned marks, which look like small, upraised marks usually found running along the shoulders or where the arms meet the body of the sweater (places that often need extra reinforcing). It has a simple, drapey fit that extends beyond the waist and falls beautifully down the body. The durable ribbed cashmere is resilient and springy. The most affordable sweater we recommend is the perfect entry point into the world of cashmere. About 15,000 to 20,000 tons of cashmere are produced every year, but after the scouring and dehairing process, the pure cashmere makes up just a fraction of that amount, 6,500 tons (PDF).