My Capsule Wardrobe Pieces series has restarted this week with no.5, the cashmere sweater.
I honestly didn’t know what the fuss about it was until I got my first cashmere (actually only a few years ago) – and that’s despite working for a luxury cashmere brand in a concession in Selfridges in the mid 90s.
So until I had a cashmere sweater of my own I didn’t appreciate just how soft, warm and luxurious it really is. I find it an absolute joy to wear – it doesn’t itch like lambswool, and it’s apparently several times warmer (despite being so lightweight).
I FIND IT AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO WEAR – IT DOESN’T ITCH LIKE LAMBSWOOL, AND IT’S APPARENTLY SEVERAL TIMES WARMER (DESPITE BEING SO LIGHTWEIGHT).
Here are some of the outfits I’ve worn with my cashmere sweaters. You can see how well they work with both smart and casual looks, as well as during all seasons. If I could afford it I think I’ve have them in every colour going…!
My oldest one is the coral colour, and it’s still in beautiful condition after much washing (the “hand wash” cycle in the machine) and hasn’t needed de-pilling. As long as you take good care of good cashmere it will look after you – in a stylish and warm way 😉
Keep scrolling for a selection of cashmere sweaters in a huge array of different colours – and where to shop them…
SHOP THE EDIT:
In this series I’ve still got trench coats, white shirts and white sneakers to come. I’ve quite surprised myself at how much I’ve enjoyed virtual shopping for these posts, despite them being such basic items!
ARE YOU A CASHMERE LOVER? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!
Best colour choice under £100
1. M&S Collection Pure Cashmere Jumper (available in 10 colours)
For UK shopping click here, for US shopping click here
Of nearly 400 reviews on the Marks & Spencer website, this sweater has about 4.2 stars out of 5 which is great for such a low price. 10 colours is a good number to choose from, and they’re mostly lovely muted shades – I’d be going for that grey marl as it’s totally unlike the other ones I have and would be such a good neutral.
Best for choice of colours
2. J.Crew Long Sleeve Italian Cashmere Sweater (available in a whopping 16 colours)
For UK shopping click here, for US shopping click here (for the US: 30% off with code GETSHOPPING – valid at time of writing)
J. Crew is understandably a little pricier, but just look at all those colours! I’m eyeing up the burgundy, and mint tickles my fancy too. I also like the wider crew neckline (nothing worse than a sweater with a restrictive neck).
Best V-neck under £100
3. John Lewis Cashmere Deep V-Neck Jumper (available in 8 colours)
For UK shopping click here, for outside the UK select country when you click through
I like the look of a deep V-neck on a sweater, it gives a completely different look to a crew neck so you may be more of a V-fan. There’s a good colour selection too – all the neutrals plus a bright red and a bright blue. If you think the shape is maybe a little too fitted for you, just go up one or two sizes. I’ve done that myself in the past and it works a treat.
Best roll neck
4. R Studio at La Redoute Pure Cashmere Roll-Neck Sweater (available in 3 colours)
This is the shape I’m thinking of investing in for the winter: A loose fit roll neck. I like the baggy boyfriend-fit, and I think the three colours they’ve produced it in (black, grey marl and dusky pink) are all the choices you need (pink for me please).
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I must admit, I've never understood the fuss about cashmere! I bought a cashmere sweater from Boden a few years back, and only wore it a handful of times before it fell apart. I supposed that I hadn't been careful enough with it (hand-wash cycle in the machine), but that being the case cashmere was clearly too high maintenance for me, and so I've never bought one since!
Well I never understood the fuss either, Fran – but when I had my first one (which was a very good one) then I could see why. The warmth was sooooo noticeable, and I too wash mine on a machine hand wash, and they're just fine!!
I adore cashmere, I am not sure I could ever have to many sweaters. beautiful selections here
Thanks Linda – yes I want one in every colour imaginable!!
I buy all my cashmere, cropped cardis from Boden. They're amazing quality, machine wash and usually around £85. x
I buy all my cashmere, cropped cardis from Boden. They're amazing quality, machine wash and usually around £85. x
That's quite good value, Suzi!!
I love cashmere sweaters when its really cold and have several, one from John Lewis bought last year. I've also bought some from T K Maxx, so its worth going through their rails very carefully from time to time. They have all been fine and washed (by hand) beautifully. One is about 6 or 7 years old and still going strong.
Wow that is good going, Jaycee – you must look after them well x
Oh these are all so gorgeous, C! I love a V-neck and have a medium gray – but I think I need to add a color. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Sitting here wearing a cashmere sweater for the first time this year! It is a round neck though and v necks suit me better so it looks like I'll be going shopping again. Quite liking the look of the John Lewis one.
Linny x
http://www.karmasfootsteps.co.uk
Yes I've been wearing mine for warmth for a while now…!!
I was already thinking, but I want a v-neck, and there it was! I get gready of all those colours!
Oh I'm glad, Nancy!! Happy shopping x
I'm a cashmere addict, most of mine are from Boden, both crew neck sweaters and cropped cardigans. I do have one sweater from COS bought years ago in Paris which is still going strong. I have also bought the cashmere/ merino mix from woolovers, but I'd say I prefer 100% cashmere or 100% merino.
I do tend to get a bit of pilling (usually under the arms and the spot where a shoulder bag sits), but a cashmere comb sorts that out. I never use the shaver type to remove Pilling, one wrong move and the sweater is ruined!
Oh goodness yes, I lost a favoured cosy wool sweater to a shaver thingy last winter. Comb all the way for me now!
That's funny isn't it Danish – I've never once had any pilling on my sweaters…!
I just gave away 2 cashmere sweaters because I finally listened to my mirror and realized sweaters were not made for apple shapes. Unless it's a tunic there's not a sweater I can wear.
i love cashmere and I don't own but one or two pieces. I usually wait until they go on clearance. Even though the season is over I can look forward to wearing them the next season. Love the softness and luxury. These are beautiful options. Thank you for sharing, Catherine. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
My pleasure, Amy – and yes the softness (and warmth!) are second to none 🙂
Cashmere is a delight to wear but I do agree with the comment above about quality (although I can't comment on M&S).
I have 2 very expensive jumpers (for me anyway!) that look as fresh as the day they were bought BUT I have been really disappointed with certain big brands that seem to have put prices up but totally scrimped on quality.
Cashmere should be a forever piece.
I need to check out R-Studio as I love a roll neck… and the colours at J Crew look fabulous.
Great post Catherine.
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
The J Crew colours really are gorgeous (talk about a choice!!), but to me fit and neckline is almost more important than the cashmere itself. I guess it's something you never find out till you've had them a while, is it…?
I really think the quality and weight of M&S cashmere has declined in recent years. IMO Uniqlo can't be beaten for quality at the sub £100 price point.
Not tried cashmere from Woolovers yet but their merino/ cashmere blend is excellent and the range of colours fantastic
Oh and Uniqlo have 16 colours 🙂
That's really weird that you say that about Uniqlo, Rachel – I've always been given the impression that they're only a step up from Primark… I must be completely wrong because of what everyone says about them, but that's just the impression I get so I've never been near their website!! Maybe I should pop in next time I pass one, though I can't say I've ever seen a store…