Cashmere is the Chardonnay of sweaters: it’s clean, buttery tender, and opulent. That mentioned, whereas it’s often regarded as a higher-end product, it’s by no means been extra accessible. Whether or not your funds is $50 or $500, you don’t should look far or large to discover a sweater so as to add to your journey wardrobe. I dwell in Montana, some 5,000 miles from Mongolia (the place the world’s finest cashmere comes from), however I’ve no less than a dozen cashmere sweaters in common rotation.
As a result of cashmere isn’t an entry-level materials like cotton, purchasing for a cashmere sweater may be intimidating. Nevertheless it doesn’t should be. I not too long ago collaborated with Journey + Leisure editors, who’re additionally big followers of this premium material, to match and distinction the very best of the very best for touring. We examined and traveled with an array of cashmere sweaters representing completely different kinds, matches, and worth factors. Beneath are our prime picks, together with a one hundred pc cashmere sweater for lower than $100 from Naadam, a sustainable cashmere model based by two faculty children who backpacked around Mongolia in 2013 and returned with an excellent enterprise concept.
When you requested AI to create a cashmere sweater that checks all of the packing containers, affordability being one of many packing containers, it might give you Naadam’s Authentic cashmere sweater. The one motive somebody wouldn’t like this sweater can be in the event that they have been allergic to cashmere. A medium weight that isn’t too skinny or too thick, it’s the sweater even the additional discerning Goldilocks would have settled on. Whereas the value has come up a bit because it debuted at simply $75, it’s nonetheless a steal, and it’ll by no means exit of favor. T+L editor Hillary Maglin can see it being a wardrobe workhorse for a decade or extra.
Select from greater than two dozen colours, together with an array of restricted version seems to be equivalent to electrical pink, tomato pink, and brown sugar. It’s the perfect size for a entrance tuck, and it runs true to measurement. Unsure what measurement you’re? As an alternative of simply that includes chest and hip measurements, Naadam’s helpful measurement information enables you to enter your peak, weight, and age to calculate your bust measurement and subsequent measurement. What does Naadam imply? Naadam is a conventional pageant held yearly in Mongolia. In truth, it’s acknowledged for its intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, which says the occasion’s rituals and customs “intensify respect for nature and the surroundings.” Naadam sources its sustainable cashmere from the Gobi Desert, the place the model’s founders as soon as discovered themselves staying with herders whereas backpacking within the East Asian nation.
The Particulars: 2XS to 2XL | one hundred pc Mongolian cashmere
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Some buyers, together with our tester, discovered it runs barely giant; measurement down when you’re in between sizes.
Even when we’d introduced in a tailor, senior editor Jackie Cucco couldn’t have been extra happy with this sweater’s match. She discovered the relaxed model to be actually cozy and simple to put on. And due to the outsized silhouette, it is easy to pair with virtually the whole lot she examined it with, together with trousers, denims, and clothes. The additional-thick ribbing on the hems provides some texture, and the sleeves are a bit on the lengthy aspect, so you’ll be able to roll them up when you like that look.
Select from greater than a dozen colours, together with contrasting stripes, and understand that it’s a mid-weight sweater, so it’s finest for shoulder season days. Whereas the Good Cashmere Normal-certified cashmere on this sweater comes from Mongolia, Everlane is clear about the truth that the sweater itself is made in China. Nonetheless, the model is simply as clear about which particular manufacturing facility it really works with. It employs greater than 700 folks and has been a accomplice of Everlane’s since 2011.
The Particulars: 2XS to 2XL | one hundred pc Grade A Mongolian cashmere mix, together with 70 % recycled cashmere and Good Cashmere Normal-certified cashmere
Craftsmanship is what separates this thicker ribbed sweater from different ribbed sweaters. Select from 4 colours, all neutrals, and relaxation assured, you received’t have purchaser’s regret. T+L affiliate editor Anna Popp has traveled with it on numerous journeys, and regardless of the frequent use, it nonetheless seems to be prefer it’s in mint situation. Along with being sturdy, this best-seller from State Cashmere is flexible, making it not simply a travel wardrobe staple, however a wardrobe staple basically. Whereas the ribbed look immediately elevates, it’s not misplaced at Entire Meals or a yoga studio.
I’ve been a giant fan of State Cashmere because it was based in New York Metropolis practically 10 years in the past, and I really like that it was the brainchild of an American faculty pupil with Mongolian heritage. In truth, Hao Rong’s grandparents raised cashmere goats. Not like corporations that mass produce in big portions, Rong hones in on high quality and “aware consumption,” even when it impacts the model’s backside line. State Cashmere’s total girls’s assortment options simply 16 merchandise, solely out there in a handful of colours.
The Particulars: S to XL | one hundred pc inside Mongolian Cashmere
Depart it to White+Warren — whose prospects embrace the likes of Emma Stone, Angelina Jolie, and Jennifer Garner — to create a cashmere sweater so heat you’ll end up welcoming a chilly spell. Just like the model’s iconic journey wrap, a best-seller since 1999 and one in every of our favourite travel blankets, this cashmere crewneck is as tender as it’s cozy. It’s additionally not primary, which makes it simpler to justify the larger worth. “I like that the collar and sleeves have accent patterns so it’s not one huge knitted design,” T+L editor Taylor Fox mentioned. The again additionally has a pleasant ribbed element working down the center.
Select from eight colours, and be aware that you could be have to roll up the cuffs because the sleeves are additional lengthy. In truth, we discovered your complete sweater to run giant. Nonetheless, that’s excellent when you plan on sporting a layer beneath. Whereas the White+Warren Cashmere Crewneck sweater doesn’t include a coupon totally free dry cleansing, it does include a complimentary cotton mud bag for journey and storage.
The Particulars: XS to XL | one hundred pc responsibly sourced Mongolian cashmere
When you’re searching for a stylish cardigan that doubles as a coat, can triple as a gown, and is so prime quality it’ll turn out to be a household heirloom, you’ve discovered it. Cucco says there is no such thing as a comparability between the Ravella Winslet Cashmere Cardigan Coat and the cheaper cashmere sweaters she owns. Maybe it’s as a result of Ravella solely makes use of Mongolian cashmere from Capra Hircus goats, the identical premium breed, trusted by designer manufacturers like Loro Piana, whose Parksville Cashmere Crewneck will set you again a cool $1,450.
We additionally love that, along with wanting elegant, this sweater options slouchy pockets — a characteristic most cashmere sweaters don’t have as a result of they’re expensive so as to add. The elegant rib detailing additionally takes it from mid to modish, and by way of heat, the Ravella Winslet Cashmere Cardigan Coat is certainly on the thicker aspect. It runs true to measurement and is lengthy sufficient to cowl your thighs. Select from seven colours. Professional tip: keep away from pure white and pure oatmeal when you suppose you’ll be sitting someplace soiled, like on public transportation.
The Particulars: XS to XL | one hundred pc luxurious Mongolian cashmere from Capra Hircus goats
Between its 4 trendy outsized buttons and boxy-ish match that layers properly over a wide range of tops and pairs effectively with much more bottoms, the Jenni Kayne Cropped Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan is a shoo-in for the very best cardigan we tried. That mentioned, it might additionally win the softest sweater superlative. Popp felt “tremendous snug” residing in it, together with on a cross-country flight, whereas touring for six straight weeks. And regardless of all that put on, it reveals little tear. “The cashmere is tremendous luxe, which supplies it a high-quality look and feel,” she famous. Select from eight colours, all neutrals, as Jenni Kayne prefers to make use of eco-friendly processes that require fewer chemical substances.
The Particulars: 2XS to 3XL | one hundred pc Mongolian cashmere
Like clockwork, I deal with myself to this sweater in one other colour each spring and fall. Happily for me, it’s out there in 17 engaging hues equivalent to mauve mist, light denim, and a butter yellow I want I might pull off with my pale pores and skin tone. Initially, I used to be skeptical of the standard, however I used to be incorrect. Whereas I received’t say this sweater is so well-constructed that it warrants tacking one other zero onto the top of the value, I’ve but to get a gap in any of mine. And I’m not the exception to the rule.
By way of softness, it’s simply as tender as my dearer sweaters. That mentioned, it’s loads thinner. I don’t actually put on it in winter as a result of it’s not heat sufficient (I dwell in Montana), nevertheless it’s the primary sweater I attain for after I’m touring someplace heat like Miami or Costa Rica the place I desire a light-weight layer to tie round my neck or stash in my bag after I’m out sightseeing and to slide on over my head after I step indoors and am greeted by the arctic blast of an over-eager AC unit.
The Particulars: XS to XL | one hundred pc Grade A Mongolian cashmere
A cashmere sweater with a removable hoodie? Signal us up. Hopefully, Lilysilk gave the designer who got here up with this good concept a increase, or on the very least, a devoted parking spot. Popp, who just isn’t often a fan of hoodies, is now a convert. She’s even gone as far as to say this sweater has turn out to be her “go-to airplane prime” and she or he wears it with the matching pants to maximise consolation.
The hood detaches through buttons, immediately turning this sweater right into a traditional crewneck for a wholly completely different look. Whereas Lilysilk is finest recognized for its signature silk, the model added a cashmere line in 2019. It’s a proud accomplice of The Good Cashmere Normal, an arm of the Assist by Commerce Basis, which goals to make the cashmere business extra sustainable.
The Particulars: XS to 2XL | one hundred pc Mongolian cashmere
Popp, who likes to sport sweaters on flights since they’re the bulkiest prime they pack, says sporting this brushed cashmere turtleneck is like “wrapping your self in a luxe journey blanket.” She discovered it roomy sufficient to put on a layer beneath, which is useful since this sweater isn’t meant for many who run scorching. And in contrast to tighter turtlenecks, you’ll by no means get claustrophobic when placing it on or taking it off, and it’s much less more likely to mess up your coiffure.
After all, our favourite factor about this sweater is the brushed look. The ten-karat gold-tone customized allure on the aspect additionally doesn’t go unnoticed. Make sure you be aware the restricted sizing out there basically extra-small/small and medium/giant choices.
The Particulars: XS/S to M/L | one hundred pc brushed cashmere
From Future’s Brief Crewneck Sweater has earned me compliments on all seven continents. I purchased it at Le Bon Marché in Paris (From Future is a French model) in 2021. 4 years later, I’m nonetheless reaching for it commonly, though I’ve added no less than a dozen extra cashmere sweaters to my closet since then. Not like each different crewneck sweater I personal, this one has a wonderfully cropped match. It’s not so quick that my abdomen reveals, nevertheless it’s quick sufficient that I can comfortably put on high-rise pants and showcase my waist.
I’m additionally an enormous fan of the three to 4 inches of ultra-wide ribbing on the hemline, collar, and cuffs. It provides a noticeable texture, like what you’d discover on a chunky cable knit sweater. Whereas I wouldn’t describe it as cumbersome, this sweater options four-ply cashmere, so it’s undoubtedly the thickest and warmest cashmere sweater I personal. Like Ravella, From Future solely makes use of premium fibers from Capra Hircus goats. Select from 5 colours; they promote out quick, so when you see one thing you want, don’t sleep on it.
The Particulars: XS to XL | one hundred pc GCS-verified cashmere
In two phrases, Cucco sums up the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Tee as a “good worth.” Certainly, for the price of a sit-down lunch on the airport, you’ll be able to have a one hundred pc cashmere important that appears simply as at house on a Boeing 747 because it does within the boardroom. At round 16 microns thick, it’s fairly skinny. That mentioned, it’s removed from see-through, and since it’s so light-weight, it means you’ll be able to nonetheless be sporting cashmere come summer time. In spite of everything, tees are supposed to be worn 12 months per yr.
Granted, not like regular tees, this one is additional tender and fitted and options effective ribbed detailing on the neckline, hem, and sleeves. If in case you have an older Quince cashmere piece — the model has been in enterprise since 2018 — simply know this cashmere is an improved model. Quince spent two years re-engineering it to make it extra sturdy. Select from 15 colours, together with ivory that you could be end up sporting greater than your favourite white tee.
The Particulars: XS to XL (additionally out there in 1X to 3X) | one hundred pc Grade A Mongolian cashmere
Our Testing Course of
All the cashmere sweaters we examined are owned by T+L editors and writers who’ve worn them extensively, whether or not at house or on the highway. Even when we’ve solely had them for a number of months, they’ve traveled the world with us and have been put to the check in a wide range of environments. Softness, match, consolation, model, and sturdiness are among the many attributes we’ve checked out, and we’ll proceed to gather and evaluate our insights within the coming months. Personally, I personal cashmere sweaters from 5 of the manufacturers talked about above, and lots of extra from manufacturers whose sweaters didn’t make the reduce.
Suggestions for Shopping for a Cashmere Sweater
Search for one hundred pc cashmere
As of late, cashmere is a little bit of a buzzword, and lots of sweaters marketed as cashmere are literally cashmere blends that includes lower-quality (and scratchier) materials. If you’d like the very best, search for a cashmere sweater that’s labeled as one hundred pc. Very similar to champagne should come from a sure area in France, cashmere is simply cashmere if it comes from particular breeds of goats. Most cashmere is sourced from China and Mongolia, the place finest practices (for the goats, herders, and environments) aren’t at all times used. For that motive, attempt to purchase from manufacturers that supply sustainable cashmere. Respected manufacturers will probably be clear about the place they get their cashmere from and label their merchandise as Good Cashmere Standard-certified.
Outline your funds
Make your search much less nerve-racking by crunching the numbers earlier than you begin including something to your purchasing cart and even take into consideration stepping foot in a becoming room. Most cashmere sweaters value over $100. With one hundred pc sweaters beginning at round $40, Quince persistently has essentially the most reasonably priced possibility. That mentioned, when figuring out how a lot you’ll be able to spend, have in mind the price of repairs. For instance, I spend $9 per sweater each time I dry clear it (roughly three to 4 occasions per yr).
Incessantly Requested Questions
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How do I wash a cashmere sweater?
Like many delicate materials, cashmere have to be washed in chilly water utilizing a light detergent. Most tags on cashmere merchandise say “hand wash solely,” however there’s a studying curve. When you’re not snug handwashing and subsequently laying out your sweater to air dry, undoubtedly take your cashmere sweater to the dry cleaner. It received’t be low-cost to scrub, nevertheless it’s often pristine when it’s returned. I’ve but to have a dry cleaner mess up any of my cashmere sweaters, whereas I’ve shrunken a number of sweaters and been disenchanted by lingering odors after hand washing at house.
Some sources on-line will say you’ll be able to wash cashmere in washing machines and not using a heart agitator. Nonetheless, I’ve by no means been happy with how they arrive out, and so they have a tendency to tablet extra after I wash them at house in comparison with when the dry cleaner washes them. When you do resolve to clean a cashmere sweater in a washer, take into account investing in a mesh bag to maintain it contained. And once more, ensure you use a light detergent with no harsh chemical substances or bleach.
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How can I inform if cashmere is high-quality?
The quickest approach to inform if cashmere is high-quality is to really feel it. Increased-quality cashmere is rarely scratchy. When you have a look at it intently, it also needs to have a tighter weave and retain its form when you stretch it. Sadly, it’s exhausting to inform if cashmere is high-quality simply by taking a look at it, and when you purchase it on-line, you received’t be capable of really feel it. Happily, corporations and types that use premium cashmere will often have info on their web sites; typically talking, the extra particulars supplied — size of fibers, ply, and gauge — the higher the sweater.
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What’s one of the best ways to retailer cashmere sweaters?
Overlook felt hangers. One of the best ways to retailer cashmere sweaters is to fold them and retailer them in a canvas bag or field. Be sure that they’re clear — soiled sweaters can entice unwelcome critters — and fully dry (you don’t need mildew both). Personally, I maintain mine in a paper-lined cedar chest as a result of cedar oils naturally repel moths. That mentioned, my cedar chest is fairly full at this level, so I’ll both have to get one other one or look into choices like these cashmere sweater storage bags.
Why Belief Journey + Leisure
For this story, Katie Jackson and T+L editors divided and conquered to check an array of cashmere sweaters representing 11 completely different classes. Jackson grew up elevating sheep on a ranch in rural Montana, and whereas she hated shearing them (her favourite chore was bottle-feeding lambs), she realized to understand pure fibers at a younger age. She’s labored as a full-time journey author since 2015 however has but to cross Mongolia off her bucket checklist. On the prime of her Christmas checklist, in the meantime, is at all times a present certificates to her native dry cleaner (whom she’s on a first-name foundation with).
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