The best cashmere jumpers add a touch of luxury that will elevate any outfit. From a neutral classic crew neck to a colourful patterned cardigan, there's a style to suit all tastes, whatever your budget.
Are you on the lookout for extra special knitwear? A cashmere jumper is a wise investment and will work hard as part of your winter capsule wardrobe. They may be more expensive than your best wool jumpers, but the feel and look of cashmere is second to none. If you look after your cashmere knitwear, it will last for many years and will never go out of date.
"There’s nothing quite like slipping on cashmere," says Antonia Kraskowski, fashion editor and stylist. "The soft fibres feel super luxurious against your skin, and that instantly cosy warmth can’t be beaten! When shopping for cashmere, there are so many brands to consider that you can find pieces at every budget if you hunt around!" These are our fashion team's top picks of the best styles to shop now and love forever.
Best cashmere jumpers, as chosen by fashion experts
Looking to take the plunge and invest in some new cashmere? We’ve done the hard work for you and found the very best 100% cashmere jumpers to invest in this season that will ensure your wardrobe is ready for any event. Whether you're looking for Christmas party outfits or need something extra warm for a skiing trip, you can't go wrong with these picks.
Whilst choosing the best cashmere jumpers, I looked at everything from the quality and thickness of the yarn to colours and sizes available. While trying on knitwear, I thought about the quality and looked at the way in which it was constructed. The feel of the cashmere was very important too, along with the design elements such as buttons and pockets. I also researched how sustainable the brand was and the price of the knitwear.
Best cashmere jumpers under £100
While cashmere is universally considered to be one of the world's most luxurious fibres, it is possible to enjoy wearing cashmere knitwear without having to raid your savings. "On the high street, there are some excellent options," says Antonia. "You can’t beat Marks & Spencer’s excellent offerings. My top tip is to head to the men’s section and snap up one of their cashmere crew neck sweaters in a classic shade such as navy or camel. The slightly oversized fit makes them look far more expensive than the price tag!"
A timeless classic, this crew neck jumper is a quintessential wardrobe staple and comes in ten shades. If you're looking for the best size range, M&S is a great place to start, as this jumper comes in sizes 6-24. If you are wondering how to wash a cashmere jumper, M&S suggest hand washing this knit to keep it looking smart.
"It's no surprise that John Lewis has a great range of affordable cashmere in their winter collection, as they have a reputation for combining quality and value," says Fashion Director Paula Moore. "This jumper is a smart investment for the cooler months ahead; their cashmere knitwear makes great gifts too." It's available in ten colours, and in sizes 8-20.
A short-sleeved jumper is the perfect choice for in-between seasons, and this one is incredibly lightweight. Try it layered over a crisp cotton shirt or long-sleeved t-shirt for an effortless, laidback look. It's available in sizes XS-XL, in grey, dark red and brown.
Best Cashmere Jumpers: Cardigans
There's a reason why fashion insiders love a cashmere cardigan - they are so versatile and can be styled in many ways. The epitome of country chic when worn with a tweed skirt and a silk scarf knotted at the neckline, this is a look that oozes Quiet Luxury. For a more contemporary spin, wear a cashmere cardigan unbuttoned over a simple t-shirt and trending barrel leg jeans or belted over a sequin skirt for a glamorous evening look.
"For cashmere, my favourite place has to be Reformation," says w&h Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr. "I bought a classic black jumper by the brand in a sample sale years ago, and it's still my most-worn winter item. Then I added a camel version to my collection last year, and it feels like a little bit of everyday luxury. It washes well, and I keep them looking fresh with an occasional debobble with my Philips fabric shaver." The Clara cardigan comes in a choice of 18 colours, and in sizes XS-XL.
Exceptionally soft and luxurious, this cardigan is crafted from cashmere that has been brushed to give it a fluffy finish, and it's like wearing a hug! You'll want to wear it with smart tailored trousers for the office and your favourite PJs for chilling on the sofa, just add cashmere socks and a cup of cocoa. It's also available in burgundy, with a matching sleeveless vest to create a classic twinset with a twist.
By partnering directly with sustainably sourced Mongolian cashmere suppliers and producing small product runs, Rise & Fall offer luxury cashmere knitwear without crazy designer price tags. Invest in this vibrantly coloured cardigan to uplift your winter basics - ideal if you are wondering what to wear on Christmas Day. It's available in 5 colours, and in sizes XS-XL.
Best Cashmere Jumpers: Roll necks
If you want to look elegant and classy, you would be wise to consider adding a chic camel roll neck jumper to your knitwear collection. Worn with slim-leg cigarette pants and kitten heels, it's a look with a Sixties vibe. Alternatively, wear a bolder colour with a pair of slimming jeans for a relaxed weekend outfit idea.
This longer-length jumper feels thicker than most high street cashmere knits and is really great for chilly autumn days. The drop shoulders and deep cuffs make it easy to push up the sleeves for easy styling. The yarn used has been certified by The Good Cashmere Standard, an independent standard that encompasses all aspects of sustainable production. It's also available in grey and black, in sizes XS-XL.
With its extra deep ribbed cuffs and generous roll neck, this slouchy fit jumper feels super luxurious. It's available in 8 colours and up to a size 3L. w&h fashion editor Hannah Hughes is a fan of the brand "My favourite cashmere piece is a Chinti & Parker jumper I've had for many years. It's such great quality, and hand washes really well - I use Soak Laundry Soap liquid as you don't need to rinse it and it smells delicious."
The clever thing about this jumper is that it can be worn with or without the roll neck! Take off the detachable 'snood' and you have a classic crew neckline for a two-in-one design. British clothing brand ME+EM is loved by celebrities and royalty alike. If the scarlet shade is too bright, opt for the navy or chestnut brown. You can sometimes find cashmere in the ME+EM sale, too.
Best cashmere jumpers: Crew necks
"My favourite cashmere jumper style has to be a round neck in a slightly oversized, boxy fit," says fashion editor and stylist Antonia Kraskowski. "I’ll wear it with a classic white t-shirt underneath to add a break between my skin and the coloured knit, as it helps brighten your face. It’s an instant outfit elevator too – throw on with your best jeans and a pair of loafers for a pulled together yet casual look."
Made from fully traceable cashmere in sizes XS-XL, with a minimal rolled neckline and fluted cuffs, this jumper has design elements that set it apart from more classic styles. "If you are looking for a neater fitting, lightweight jumper, you'll appreciate Jigsaw's signature Cloud Cashmere," says Janie Callaghan, creative director of The Stylist Service. "It feels incredibly soft and is perfect for layering."
Hush is known for elevated loungewear, a commitment to slow fashion and timeless designs with a contemporary edge. This eye-catching colour will luxe up your casual wardrobe and flatter all skin tones. It's available in four other colours, including some of the autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2025, like tomato red, and in sizes XXS - XL.
Treat yourself to this sweater and add the matching wide-leg trousers, and you will have the ultimate loungewear ensemble that will take you from pilates to lattes in style. Available in sizes XXS-XXL, it's ideal for those with a petite frame who are looking for a UK size 6. This camel beige shade is a timeless choice, or choose marl grey or purple, and take lounging to another level.
Best cashmere jumpers: Patterned
While neutral colours are great for their versatility, you may want to add a splash of colour and pattern to your winter wardrobe with one of these bright cashmere knits, guaranteed to add a dose of dopamine to your everyday dressing.
Give dopamine dressing a go this winter with this multicoloured leopard jumper that is sure to turn heads. With a slouchy boyfriend shape and relaxed fit, it offers comfort and practicality with a chic edge thanks to the vivid pattern. You can always rely on Boden, one of the best knitwear brands, for clever colour combinations.
I've never met a striped jumper that I didn't like, and this cashmere version in raspberry and deep fig is heading straight to the top of my wish list. The Chrissie jumper is a Wyse classic and gets five-star reviews. One customer wrote: "Perfect weight. Super soft cashmere. The sleeves are slightly long but gives the look a cool edge". It's available in four other stripe colour combinations and two plain shades, in sizes XS-XL.
This British heritage brand and its Fair Isle patterned knitwear have been catapulted into the limelight by TV host Claudia Winkleman, who has worn the timeless designs on hit BBC show The Traitors. They recently dropped a new version of her favourite jumper, but we are coveting this classic cardigan, which combines beautiful blue shades - it will become a firm favourite that will work across the seasons and last for many years to come.
Best cashmere jumpers: Sleeveless Tanks
Whether you call it a tank, a vest or simply a sleeveless jumper, you cannot deny the popularity of this knit over the last few seasons, and there are some gorgeous cashmere versions to choose from this winter. Endlessly versatile, they can be worn alone or layered over shirts and blouses for extra warmth. They are also a great way to get more mileage from your summer maxi dresses - pop one over the top and wear with western boots for a boho autumn outfit.
Wear this tank over a crisp white shirt and team with wide-leg jeans and a pair of loafers for a preppy look that will become your go-to office outfit. Whistles are well-respected for the quality of their cashmere, which is 100% traceable, sourced from farms in Inner Mongolia. This tank also comes in black in sizes XS-XL.
Another joyful cashmere knit from Boden, this crew neck tank has a relaxed fit and will look great over a simple white T-shirt for a functional and eye-catching look. With party season just around the corner, it can easily transform into a special occasion piece by pairing with velvet trousers and fancy flats. Available in eight colours in sizes XS-XL
White Stuff is really ahead of the game with their knitwear this season, and there's a lot to like about this cashmere V-neck tank. The contrast side trims add an interesting touch that moves it away from being ordinary, and the deep V neckline is super flattering. The side slits are practical, and the knit is longer at the back (great if you like bottom coverage!).
How to care for cashmere
Cashmere is precious, and if you want your best cashmere jumpers to look good for years to come, you will need to wash and store them carefully to avoid shrinkage, shape loss and being eaten by the dreaded moths! Julia Dee, founder of Total Wardrobe Care, has the following tips, advice and essential rules to follow.
- Rest your cashmere: Do not wear the same garment too frequently - allow a few days' rest after wearing.
- Be mindful: Do not wear cashmere with metal necklaces, bracelets or rough belts; go for a silk scarf and pearls.
- Wash carefully: Always check the washing instructions; some cashmere can be machine-washed, but a cold water hand-wash is safest if you are unsure. The worst things for cashmere knitwear are lots of agitation and harsh detergents. Use mild detergent for both hand and machine wash, without bleach or enzymes. Our Laundry Liquid contains natural Aloe Vera & Rosemary Oil and is ideal for cashmere and other delicate fabrics such as silk.
- Dry carefully: Squeeze gently, do not twist or wring. Twisting the wet cashmere sweater would stretch the shape. Air dry flat after removing excess water, away from direct heat and sunlight.
- De-pill your cashmere: The first thing you are likely to find with wear is the appearance of small pills or bobbles caused by friction. These can be removed with a simple knitwear comb.
- Store your cashmere: Dry your cashmere completely before storing to prevent moths from being attracted to the moisture in the cashmere fibres. Use storage bags to preserve the quality and ensure that no moths can come into contact.
- Protect your cashmere: Before storing items for the long term, make sure they are clean. Stains left for a long time can oxidise and are then impossible to remove. Food residues and skin cells attract clothes moths like nobody’s business. Use fragranced sachets scented with essential oils to repel moths.
FAQs
Why is cashmere so expensive?
Cashmere is a natural fibre that comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats. Jumpers are generally pricier than your average winter knit because of the scarcity of the material and the labour-intensive production processes. The finest cashmere fibres are collected by hand, which is time-consuming and expensive.
Is it worth investing in a cashmere jumper?
Cashmere fibres are exceptionally fine and fluffy, which allows them to trap more air and keep you warm. They feel slightly soapy when you touch them, which feels incredibly soft against the skin. A cashmere jumper is a luxury item; deciding how much to spend on one will depend on your personal budget. A more affordable option would be to buy a cashmere blend, which is where the cashmere fibres are mixed with wool to create a cheaper alternative.
How to style a cashmere jumper?
Cashmere jumpers are definitely an investment piece, but a cashmere jumper can stay in your wardrobe all year round. Unlike many man-made fibres, cashmere has great moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal to wear in the summer months or if you suffer from hot flushes. There are so many ways to wear a cashmere knit. Comfy enough for off-duty days, yet smart enough to wear to the office (just add tailored trousers), a cashmere knit will make any look feel instantly pulled together. Team an oversized jumper with leggings at weekends and add the luxe-factor to your loungewear, or wear a neat cardigan over a silky evening dress as a chic alternative to a jacket.
With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry, freelance fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski has worked at Conde Nast, across titles including, Glamour, Vogue New Markets and Easy Living. Antonia later went on to serve as the Fashion Editor of Express Newspapers and Magazines for five years before embarking on a freelance career.
