While many people think that knitwear is too warm for non-winter wear, it’s actually a temperature-regulating fabric that can adapt to every season. In addition, the modern cashmere market has more options than ever before, allowing you to find pieces that suit your personal style and ideal price point. Whether you’re looking for a new sweater to treasure or a luxurious piece, now is a great time to invest in this high-quality clothing category and upgrade your wardrobe for the new season.
How to choose the best cashmere for you
Today, cashmere comes in a variety of price points and colors, making it easier than ever to pick the one that suits your aesthetic and budget preferences. That said, if you’re looking for guidance on what you should consider when buying cashmere, keep this in mind: most cashmere can only be dry cleaned. That said, if convenience is what you value most when buying cashmere, then you may want to pay special attention to care instructions, as some brands like Everlane and Quince offer cashmere that can be hand-washed or even machine-washed.
The Best Cashmere Brands to Buy Now
Naadam
Naadam is a sustainable Mongolian cashmere brand that offers lightweight, plain, and luxurious knitted versions. “I love Naadam because of its high quality cashmere and its approachable price,” says Audree Kate López, fashion stylist and editor in New York. “They work directly with herders, so they can cut out middlemen, pay higher wages, and sell high-quality products at lower prices. The brand offers a wide range of cashmere clothing, from classic sweaters, tank tops, and t-shirts to dresses, skirts, and jogging bottoms. “They use high-quality natural fibers (Mongolian cashmere, merino wool, silk and organic cotton) to create knitwear that is breathable, moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic,” López adds.
Fifteen
Quince is loved for its top-of-the-line approachable brand that focuses on high-end basics. “Quince is an affordable, sustainable brand that offers high-quality essentials,” López said. “They use high-quality organic materials (where possible) and eco-friendly packaging, and they use a factory-to-factory model, eliminating supply chain middlemen. “The best part? You can buy many of the brand’s best-selling cashmere pieces for $50 or less. “It’s an affordable luxury that will last you a long time,” López said.
Gobi
Gobi is an affordable cashmere brand that employs sustainable practices to protect the land and ensure that the goats remain comfortable throughout the grooming process. “Gobi has been a leader in the cashmere industry for more than 40 years, and they focus on quality, not just current trends,” López said. “They focus on 100-year-old craftsmanship, sustainability, affordable prices, and use 100% Mongolian cashmere. In the Gobi, you’ll find hundreds of classic cashmere pieces, but there are also newer, trendier silhouettes, vibrant colors, and pieces for every season.”
The Line
As the name suggests, La Ligne is a clothing brand that incorporates stripes in many designs. The brand “believes in the universal appeal of stripes – always classic, always stylish.” “As a lover of stripes, López highly recommends the brand. “It was created by a former Vogue editor and former head of business development at Rag & Bone,” she shared. “They offer classic, bold, colorful, and fun cashmere pieces. FYI, though, not everything is striped, and you can even customize the sleeves of your sweater with monograms.”
Guest in Residence
Nowadays, beauty brands produced by celebrities and models are very common, but clothing brands are very few. That’s part of what makes Gigi Hadid’s resident guest so special. “Guest in Residence is a cashmere knitwear brand with a mission to create the heirloom of the future – knitwear that will last – López,” says López. “What’s unique about the brand is that they offer a selection of baby items ranging from blankets to socks that make great gifts. I also love their website, where they divide it into classic and “pop colors” categories to simplify your shopping experience.”
Everlane
Everlane is known for its priceless modern essentials, and that extends to the cashmere category as well. “I’m a fan of Everlane cashmere sweaters because they’re affordable and a great entry point to start your cashmere journey,” says López. “Plus, they’re available in sizes up to 3XL.”
Naked Cashmere
True to its name, Naked Cashmere focuses on nude knitwear (and occasional light-colored pieces) across multiple categories, including tops, bottoms, dresses, and jumpsuits. “Founded by a third-generation knitwear expert, Naked Cashmere focuses on knitwear craftsmanship, sustainable sourcing, and timeless colors and silhouettes,” says López. “It’s a great place for classics, wardrobe essentials and unisex pieces.”
Uniqlo
A cashmere sweater for less than $100? We were sold. “Uniqlo is another affordable cashmere option with sizes up to 3XL,” says López. “The brand has recently updated the thickness and knit tension of the cashmere sweater to make it thicker and richer. ”
At Last
Cashmere is one of the softest and most luxurious knitwear and has a reputation for being super expensive, but these days, you can find cashmere pieces that suit every price point and aesthetic. As long as you research how to properly care for it, you’re sure to find a knitwear that will become a precious part of your wardrobe, whether you’re pairing it with a classic sweater, an accessory, or a statement piece.