The best cashmere jumpers to buy now for maximum warmth and style - starting from £80
From affordable finds to investment pieces, we've found the crème de la crème of knitwear
Cashmere really is the ultimate feel-good fabric. Investing in a new cashmere knit isn't a decision to be taken lightly, as they are often more expensive than your best wool jumpers, but the feel and look is second to none. If you care for it correctly, cashmere will last for years and never go out of date. I have a beautiful cardigan that I inherited from my aunt that still looks as good today as it did when she bought it over 25 years ago.
Fashion editor and stylist Antonia Kraskowski agrees with me. "The soft fibres feel super luxurious, and the 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."
I hit the high street and tried on the best 100% cashmere jumpers to save you time and energy. Whether you're looking to update your autumn outfit ideas with a neutral crew neck or want a great gift for a fashion lover, our guide will lead you in the right direction. Shop now and love forever.
Best cashmere jumpers, as chosen by fashion experts
I hit the high street to try and test the best cashmere
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.
Cashmere jumpers under £100
It's considered to be one of the world's most luxurious fibres, but it is possible to wear cashmere without having to raid your savings. "You can’t beat Marks & Spencer’s excellent offerings." says Antonia. "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. The slightly oversized fit makes them look far more expensive than the price tag!"
Fashion Channel editor Rivkie Baum has chosen this classic crew neck as her top pick from John Lewis' great range of affordable cashmere. It's a smart investment for the cooler months ahead. It's available in 11 colours and in sizes 8-20. She calls it "cosy, comfy and timeless." Another bonus is that it's machine-washable too.
A timeless classic, this roll neck jumper is a quintessential wardrobe staple and comes in five colours. I chose this rich conker shade, one of this autumn's most popular colour trends, as a softer alternative to black. It comes in sizes XS-XL. I'm wearing a medium, and it fits snugly under a blazer or trench coat for added warmth.
Alongside their hugely popular bag designs, Uniqlo has an equally great reputation for affordable cashmere. Their relatively lightweight styles are great for layering over shirts or blouses. This versatile V-neck comes in ten colours, and in sizes XXS-XXL.
Everyday cashmere jumpers
"My favourite everyday cashmere jumper style has to be a round neck in a slightly oversized, boxy fit," says Antonia. "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." TV Stylist Gemma Shanley (one half of Instagram's mothershoppers) prefers a more relaxed fit that can be dressed up or down.
This striped jumper combines neutral colours with a pop of acid green. It's the perfect throw-on-and-go sweater to wear with your favourite jeans at the weekend. Half-tuck the hemline into your waistband to create shape. It's available in sizes 6-24 and made from responsibly-sourced fibres. It's machine-washable too, so perfect for everyday wear.
"I love the Hush Cora cashmere jumper," says stylist Gemma. "The relaxed fit isn't too long to tuck slightly, and the funnel neck feels very now. It's the perfect day-to-night knit: I'll wear it with jeans and loafers, but it would look great with sequins as we head towards Christmas." It's also available in chocolate brown.
Here's a classic crew neck with a twist. The subtle seam detailing at the shoulders gives it a more considered finish, and I love the flecks in the yarn that add more interest to the timeless grey hue. Available in sizes XS-XL, it will look great with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt.
Best Cashmere Cardigans
There's a reason 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 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 21 colours, and in sizes XS-XL.
This luxurious cardigan is made to last from carefully sourced Grade A cashmere fibres that are exceptionally fine. The simple classic shape will look as good over a silky dress as it will with tailored pieces. It's an investment that will earn its keep for years to come. Protect from moths by storing in an organic cotton storage bag, and dry-clean or hand wash.
Exceptionally soft and tactile, this cardigan is crafted from cashmere that has been brushed to give it a fluffy finish, and it really is like a hug! You'll want to wear it with smart tailored trousers for the office and your favourite PJs for chilling on the sofa with brushed cashmere socks and a cup of cocoa. It comes in sizes XS-XL and has pretty mother-of-pearl buttons.
Best luxury cashmere
If you're looking to invest in the best quality cashmere, these are the brands to have on your radar. These styles make the ultimate gifts for a special birthday or the perfect treat for yourself. Heritage brands like Brora are having a moment in the spotlight thanks to Claudia Winkleman and her Traitors wardrobe, but these looks aren't going to date and are designed to last.
This season, the high street is awash with Fair Isle knitwear, but here is the ultimate version, crafted in sumptuously soft Scottish cashmere. We are coveting this classic cardigan, which combines beautiful pastel shades. It will become a firm favourite that will work across the seasons and last for many years to come.
With extra-deep ribbed cuffs and a generous roll neck, this slouchy fit jumper feels super luxurious. It's available in 6 colours and up to size 3L. 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."
We are big fans of Amanda Wakeley's exclusive to John Lewis collection, and the autumn drop includes this beautifully slouchy boyfriend sweater. It's designed to be worn with the sleeves turned up to reveal the silk cuffs. I'll be wearing this with cream silk wide-leg trousers for an elegant dinner date.
Best patterned cashmere
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.
Made from fully traceable cashmere in sizes XS-XL, with a minimal rolled neckline and fluted cuffs, the Eldon jumper is a firm favourite in Jigsaw's new collection, this season returning in a Breton stripe. "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."
Proving that diamonds really are a girl's best friend, an Argyle sweater is at the top of every fashionista's wish list this winter. Claudia leaned into the look on a recent episode of The Traitors, but this pattern is more about tradition than trends. ME+EM have 3 Argyle knits in their latest collection. I've chosen this soft pink and camel colourway, as it's a more feminine take on traditional darker options and will flatter all skin tones.
Give dopamine dressing a go with this brushed cashmere spotty jumper that is sure to turn heads. It's a neatly cropped shape that will sit just below the waistline. Try it worn open over a plain dress and add a thin belt for waist definition. You can always rely on Boden, one of the best knitwear brands, for clever colour combinations.
Best cashmere for layering
Here are the clever cashmere pieces that can be worn alongside other heroes in your wardrobe to build up a stylish pulled-together look. Try popping a sleeveless tank or short-sleeved jumper over a silk shirt for a polished office outfit or swap a chunky sweater for something lighter-than-air to wear under a fitted blazer. 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 winter outfit.
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. The soft pink works well with navy, but it's also available in brown if you prefer a darker tone.
Opt for this classic short-sleeved knit for layering under fitted jackets. The crew neckline lays flat against the collarbone and is more wearable than a polo neck. It also comes in ivory (which I found to be slightly see-through) and a grape burgundy shade.
Made from the very lightest cashmere yarn, this oversized sweater has a low-cut V-neckline that is perfect for wearing over a lace-trimmed slip dress to make it more wearable and add warmth. Let the extra-long sleeves creep out from below the cuffs of your coat for a layered, laid-back look.
How to care for cashmere
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, made 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.
