The best cashmere sweaters add a touch of luxury to the simplest of outfits. The most elevated of wardrobe basics, investing in the best cashmere sweaters is always worth while.
A cashmere sweater is a wardrobe essential, and an ideal choice to bolster your capsule wardrobe. Comfy enough for off-duty days, yet smart enough to wear to the office (just add tailored pants), a cashmere sweater makes any look feel instantly pulled together. The best cashmere sweaters will become one of the most versatile knitwear pieces you own and certainly count towards your best sweaters collection. Team it with your best leggings at weekends, and wear it over a silky dress on chilly evenings. Gorgeous cashmere sweaters add luxe-factor to your loungewear too.
“No one can deny the unequivocal style status of the cashmere jumper, but you needn’t save them for winter,” says Hannah Eichler, stylist, writer, and fashion lecturer. “Unlike synthetic fibers which can leave you hot and sweaty, cashmere fibers are woven tightly together which allows air to circulate around your body, keeping you cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool.”
Best cashmere sweaters for women, as chosen by our fashion team
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Looking to take the plunge and invest in a new cashmere sweater? We’ve done the hard work for you and found the very best cashmere jumpers to invest in this season that will ensure your fall outfit ideas are cozy and stylish.
RRP: $259 / £179 | The White Company makes adjusting to fall weather easy. From scented candles to the best slippers, the brand knows how to keep us feeling toasty. This sumptuous roll neck, cashmere sweater will go with everything.
RRP: $210 / £150 | A capsule wardrobe hero, this striped sweater in cheery hues will easily up-style winter-ready looks. A consistent print trend, whatever the season, this cashmere round neck iteration is one that you can love for years to come.
RRP: $175 / £99 | A fashion crowd favorite, leopard print is one big fashion trend 2022 that is guaranteed to come with us into the new year, making this a wardrobe essential. The oversized print gives this a more modern and directional feel.
RRP: $525 / £329 | "This is my absolute favorite sweater", says woman and home fashion editor, Rivkie Baum. "I absolutely live in this Brora classic, it feels incredible and keeps me so toasty warm. It will never date and can be dressed up or down easily".
RRP: $199.99 / £119.99 | The deep V-neck on this design makes it ideal for what to wear over a denim shirt for added warmth. Grey is a stylish neutral hue that will add instant polish to any look. Half tuck the sweater into a waistband to reclaim your waist.
RRP: $188 / £210 | The half zip, collared knit was a huge sweater trend last season and expect this androgynous look to be back on the agenda for the fall 2022 fashion trends. This mid-blue hue is a great option as part of your denim skirt outfit ideas.
RRP: $169 (international shipping available) | Slim fit sweaters are just right when working out how to style a slip dress for your upcoming new season looks. This contour-hugging knit will sit close to the body and prevent any lumps and bumps under clothes.
RRP: $295 / £195 | A dip in temperature means we're likely to spend time at home. One of the best hoodies, this star printed piece can be worn with your best joggers for downtime or styled up, half tucked into an A-line skirt.
RRP: $129.90 / £109.90 | Knitted in 3D this cashmere sweater is seamless for a contoured fit. Easily styled under your best dresses for a cozy extra layer, or try it as the answer to what to wear over a dress, this look will be smooth and unfussy.
RRP: $249 (US only) | One of the best plus size clothing brands, Henning makes luxe basics for fuller figures. This classic cashmere-cotton blend sweater is available up to a 4X and is easily dressed up for the 9-5 or down for the weekend.
RRP: $720 / £610 | When it comes to the fashion color trends 2022, camel and oatmeal tones are leading the way into a season of luxe fabrications and weather-beating styles. This collared knit is ideal for pairing with smart tailored pieces for work.
RRP: $169 / £109.99 | A classic cable knit never goes out of style. Spin this into a fall-ready office outfit, by slipping it over a white shirt and wear with a black pencil skirt, or slim fit trousers. Add a tailored camel coat for a smart finish.
RRP: $268 / £275 | Add a pop of brightness to dreary mornings with this canary yellow cashmere sweater. In an oversized fit, this is like a hug from your closet. The deep cuffs and ribbed hem give a considered finish. Pair with denim jeans of all hues.
RRP: £135 (UK only) | One of top colors for the season - thanks to the explosion of people looking to discover what is Barbiecore - this sweater is great addition to smart casual outfit ideas, it gets added points for using organic cashmere.
RRP: $145 / £150 | A timeless crew neck, sweater is the ideal style partner for facing fall and spring weather. While bright hues will add a dose of cheer to your closet, if you're investing in one piece, opt for a neutral, such as this canvas hue.
RRP: $350 / £225 | The fall-ready edition of the Breton stripe t-shirt, a striped cashmere sweater gives a nod to classic Parisian styling that will always look chic and put together. In a slouchy, oversized fit, wear this jumper with fitted trousers or leggings.
RRP: £199 (international shipping available) | The best Christmas jumpers are on the horizon and this cozy cable yolk cashmere sweater with subtle snowflake design is a great piece to use to help kick off your Holiday wardrobe in style.
RRP: £325 (international delivery available) | Giving us '50s feels, this houndstooth cashmere sweater is ideal for teaming with this season's feminine A-line skirts for a comforting and tactile look. We love the use of pastel hues for added softness.
RRP: $190 / £118 | If you're looking to inject some cashmere into your best loungewear looks this fall/winter, then try this color blocked hoodie for size. The color renders it a timeless buy, making it a good investment piece for future seasons.
RRP: $379 / £249 | Known for the best leather jackets (a great piece to slip on over a cashmere sweater for added warmth), this sky blue knit with distressed edging gives a rock and roll feel to this otherwise grown-up and sophisticated look.
RRP: $213.96 / £185 | Slogan style knits still play a part in this season's sweater trends, and are a great way to inject personality. A chic and casual piece this iteration is ideal for weekend brunch outfit ideas.
Are cashmere sweaters worth it?
Cashmere sweaters are generally pricier than your average winter knit, but they do pay off in terms of quality and longevity, so are well worth spending a bit more money on. High-end brands focus on creating ethically made, top-notch cashmere that stands the test of time.
“If you aren’t quite ready for the 100% cashmere investment, brands such as Hobbs and Mint Velvet offer great cashmere and cotton blends at a lower price point,” says Katie Eastwood, stylist ambassador at personal styling service Stitch Fix.
How to wear a cashmere jumper
Cashmere jumpers are a key element in our capsule wardrobe and will help make getting dressed quicker, easier and chicer. “Cashmere sweaters are definitely an investment piece, but a cashmere jumper can stay in your wardrobe all year round,” adds Eastwood. “Navy and neutral tones are fantastic options for every season and are easy colors to incorporate into your capsule wardrobe.
"In the summer, pastel sweaters look chic styled with a light cami underneath, shorts and sandals, or worn over the shoulders with a slip dress. A v-neck style is also great for between seasons as it won’t feel too close around your neck.”
How to care for cashmere
If you want your best cashmere jumpers to last, you'll need to look after them properly to avoid shrinkage in the wash or shape loss.
“To ensure the longevity of your cashmere sweaters, it’s important to take care when washing them. Many brands such as Editor’s Cut offer machine-washable cashmere, but just be mindful of the temperature and spin speed - boiled cashmere is a lost cause, unfortunately,” explains Eastwood.
Remember to:
- Wash at cool temperatures: When putting your cashmere jumper in the machine, wash it no higher than 30 degrees and on a delicate spin. For added protection, you can place it inside a wash bag or pillowcase. However, if you’re nervous about machine washing, it may be safer to hand wash instead.
- Hand wash and dry flat: “Don’t be fooled by the label. I prefer to wash cashmere by hand and dry flat,” says Hannah. You also need to be careful when storing your cashmere sweaters to protect them from pesky moths.
- Store in sealed bags: “If you choose to pack away cashmere during warmer weather, use sealable bags and roll them to minimize creasing. If you vacuum pack them, don’t go too hard on the hoover as removing air can misshape the fibers,” adds Hannah.
- Use mothballs: “You can also use mothballs. I like the ones that incorporate lavender, which is highly repellent and also disguises the smell of traditional mothballs. You can also try soaking your clothes in equal parts water and vinegar to remove the smell.”
- Use a special comb: After repeat wear, it's common for cashmere to pill, especially in areas of friction such as under the arms and on the hip where your handbag may sit. Use a special cashmere comb to gently remove bobbles.
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