If you’ve been around Dressed for My Day for a winter season, you know I love my cashmere. I find it to feel so soft and luxurious, and it looks sophisticated and pretty. I’m aware that some women can’t wear cashmere or maybe even wool because it irritates your skin. But for those of us who do wear cashmere I’m sharing reviews of half a dozen different brands of cashmere sweaters today. So read on if you’d like to know which cashmere sweaters are the best.
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Before we go further let me go ahead and share that all of the cashmere sweaters I’m sharing in today’s post are ones I would gladly wear and give as gifts. These are all good cashmere sweaters. And I won’t even bother to rank them or “pick a winner.”
But these cashmere sweaters do range in price from $50 to over $300. And the differences don’t stop there. So my goal is to help you know what you’re getting when you order any of these brands. I’ll be sharing my findings in the following:
- quality of cashmere (on a scale from 1-5: 1=poor, 2=fair, 3=good, 4=great, 5=superior)
- design & silhouette (on a scale from 1-5)
- finishing details (on a scale from 1-5)
- ethical sourcing (link to information or NA for no information available)
- price
Personally I prefer to look for cashmere that is ethically sourced. Cashmere wool, usually just called cashmere, is made from the fine hairs on the underbellies of cashmere, pashmina and a few other breeds of goats that live in very cold climates. Supposedly the best cashmere is harvested from the goats in Mongolia. The colder the temperatures, the stronger and longer the hairs are grown on these goats; thus, the better the cashmere.
But it does take 3-4 goats to produce enough of these fine fibers to create even one cashmere sweater, so you can imagine that this scarcity creates incentives for cutting corners.
So I like to look for transparency from brands that let me know that the cashmere they sell has been harvested humanely (preferably through combing the hair that the goats would shed anyway in the spring) and that they work work directly with the herders and harvesters to ensure good veterinarian practices.
And no, I don’t have a problem with the harvesting of cashmere as a rule. Hundreds of thousands of people, especially in Mongolia, earn their livelihood through this ancient industry. And transparency is increasing in the industry, propelling it toward more accountability. So I’ll share if a brand has that transparency and where you can learn more about how they source their cashmere.
One more quick note before I share the cashmere sweaters I’m comparing and their scorecards. MOST of these sweaters are marked down today. Yay! Let’s go!
Cashmere Sweater Scores
Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne is a California based lifestyle brand known for fashions and home goods featuring neutrals, attention to detail, high quality and minimalist designs. ALL of their selections are pricey, but they are also much loved. While they do introduce new styles each year, they also carry many of their most loved pieces year after year.
I probably should add at this point that I did not order the same style of sweater from every brand I’m featuring. Instead I ordered what they are generally known for, assuming that these signature pieces would be the best representations of the rest of the styles and their overall aesthetics and quality. Here I’m wearing the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman Sweater, one of their most popular styles and available in a “neutral rainbow” of soft shades.
The sweater is extremely soft and beautifully detailed. The construction is exquisite and the fit is modern and flattering. I did size up…sort of. Check their size guide. Because while I normally wear a medium, according to their size guide my measurements render me a large at Jenni Kayne. Then check the reviews for further size information. Jenni Kayne followers are avid reviewers and will let you know if you need to size up or not. So I’m wearing a large very comfortably here.
- quality of cashmere = 5
- design & silhouette = 5
- finishing details = 5
- ethical sourcing = info available HERE
- price = $395
Jenni Kayne has started their 25% off Black Friday Event with early access for VIP Rewards Members. And 25% off is about as good as it ever gets at Jenni Kayne. But everyone else can get 20% off now with code EARLY20. They expect some favorites to sell out before their Black Friday Event opens to everyone.
Nordstrom Signature
Nordstrom has a number of house brands, and I’ll be sharing their Nordstrom cashmere below. But the Nordstrom Signature brand is, as expected, their more elevated house brand. If I purchase a Nordstrom Signature cashmere sweater, I tend to buy it during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. They are indeed a very good quality…usually. They had a few disappointments in the NSale this year. But recently I purchased this pink one during a triple points day.
The pink Nordstrom Signature Cashmere Crewneck Sweater has a nice heft and a lovely, soft hand. I appreciate the texturing on this sweater and the design details. For instance, it’s a flattering cropped length, which works really well with modern rise lengths on jeans and pants.
It fits true to size; I’m wearing a medium. Right this minute, I’d say this Nordstrom Signature Cashmere Crewneck Sweater is my FAN FAVORITE. But that could change as we keep going! Unfortunately it is not currently on sale.
The Nordstrom Signature Sweater below was still available yesterday, but evidently it sold out as Nordstrom wound up their triple points event for Nordy club members. But I’m showing it just so you can see another example of a NS sweater.
That is actually one that I did buy in the NSale, in fact. It’s a thick, luxurious sweater. And overall, I’d say Nordstrom Signature cashmere sweaters are some of my favorites. You can find more Nordstrom Signature cashmere sweaters HERE.
- quality of cashmere: 5
- design & silhouette: 5
- finishing details: 5
- ethical sourcing: NA
- price: $199.00
Aqua Novelty Stitch Cashmere Sweater
I’d heard good things about Aqua cashmere sweaters for a few years and was curious to try them. The Aqua brand is unique to Bloomingdale’s. And I would put the two sweaters I got in this brand on par with the Nordstrom Signature sweaters. Sometimes I forget about Bloomingdale’s, but they have great brands and they do have some really good sales. In fact, right now they’ve begun a new promotion with $25 off every $100 you spend on items labeled “TAKE $25 OFF EVERY $100: DISCOUNT APPLIED IN BAG.” Loyalists get free shipping always, and everyone gets free holiday shipping through December 21.
I LOVE this Aqua Novelty Stitch Cashmere Sweater. The detailing is lovely, the cashmere is light and airy but still substantial and rich, this baby’s breath pink as well as the wheat color are soft and beautiful and the cropped fit works well for me. Now, if you have a long torso this particular Aqua Novelty Stitch Cashmere Sweater may be a little short for you. But otherwise, it’s a great length for creating beautiful proportions.
But I actually like the Aqua Cashmere V-Neck Sweater below even more. I’ll share my scorecard for Aqua cashmere after I show you this one.
Aqua Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
The river blue Aqua Cashmere V-Neck Sweater is a more traditional silhouette, but the exposed seam detail down the center of the front and back of the sweater make it feel very modern and on trend. This sweater also has a nice hand and the color is gorgeous.
In fact, let me pause here and say that color is one of the least expected but most prevalent differences you’ll notice between high quality cashmere sweaters and the lower priced ones. Beautiful color generally indicates two things. They’ve used higher quality cashmere from white or at least whiter goats to produce the yarn. And they’ve used a more refined process for dying the cashmere. So those two things factor into the higher price you’re paying.
So yes, I’m very impressed with the two Aqua cashmere sweaters I purchased and will continue to look to them for style I loves. Right now Aqua cashmere sweaters are marked down.
- quality of cashmere: 5
- design & silhouette: 5
- finishing details: 5
- ethical sourcing: NA
- price: $
198$138.60 (crewneck);$188$131.60 (v-neck)
Talbots Cashmere
I definitely wanted to include Talbots cashmere in this review because one, I own and wear a lot of it and two, I know many of you do, too. I haven’t been able to find information about how they source their cashmere and I find their efforts at transparency a little vague and unhelpful. That said, I do love the quality of their cashmere.
The only new Talbots cashmere sweater I own right now is this blue alpine Talbots Cashmere Crewneck Sweater. I like Talbots cashmere for a nice everyday look. It has a nice hand and features beautifully pigmented colors. And this year the Talbots Cashmere Crewneck Sweater has a new roll edge neckline that looks more modern and interesting.
My only real complaint about Talbots’ cashmere sweaters is that they tend to run long, like many of their tops. I know some women like the length, but it’s not great for creating good visual proportions. That said, you can generally save the day with a gentle partial tuck if you like.
I also like Talbots v-neck and turtleneck cashmere. And in recent years they’ve started featuring some pricier options in cowlnecks and other silhouettes. But my favorite silhouette is the Audrey, shown below.
I don’t know if it’s truly the case, but these sweaters feel a little denser to me. But more noticeably, the Audrey features a flattering wider crewneck and 3/4 length sleeves. I think I developed my love for the Talbots Audrey Cashmere Sweater when I lived in Arizona and this sweater seemed and felt more appropriate for the climate there. But that 3/4 length sleeve also exposes the wrist, which can be very flattering and provides you the opportunity to add a pretty bracelet with ease.
I don’t think the Talbots Audrey Cashmere Sweater I’m showing here is available in that color anymore. But they have many. And I do have this splendid floral one, which is marked down and another 50% off that.
- quality of cashmere: 4
- design & silhouette: 4
- finishing details: 4
- ethical sourcing: NA
- price: $179.00 (not on sale today, but frequently is)
C by Bloomingdale’s Cashmere
Also new to me, C by Bloomingdale’s Cashmere. And I’m quite impressed. Priced around the same price point as the Nordstrom Signature brand, I found the two sweaters that I tried to be very good quality. First up, the C by Bloomingdale’s Novelty Stitch Mock Neck Cashmere Sweater.
Granted this C by Bloomingdale’s Novelty Stitch Mock Neck Cashmere Sweater is probably a step above some of the others I ordered in more basic styles. But between the two sweaters I purchased I think it’s safe to say the quality runs really good in this brand. This ribbed texture sweater with front detailing fits really nicely true to size and has a beautiful, flattering silhouette and length.
This Novelty Stitch Mock Neck Cashmere Sweater is also available in the same marled teal as the V-Neck Cashmere Sweater I’m showing below. And both are currently marked down.
This C by Bloomingdale’s V-Neck Cashmere Sweater some nice detail work at the shoulder seams. And it comes in a lot of beautiful colors and neutrals. The cashmere feels substantial and very soft.
- quality of cashmere: 4
- design & silhouette: 4
- finishing details: 4
- ethical sourcing: available on item page such as here
- price: v-neck –
$188$112.80; mock neck –$218$152.60
J.Crew Cashmere classic-fit crewneck sweater
Another brand that many women love for cashmere is J.Crew. I think J.Crew loves J.Crew for cashmere, too. They rarely put it on sale. I mean really rarely. I do find their cashmere to be nice quality and the colors are always beautifully pigmented and rich.
That said, I’m not always thrilled with the silhouettes and detailing…or lack thereof. I generally only wear the Cashmere classic-fit crewneck sweater above under blazers or other jackets because I find it to look pretty boring.
Then again, I do enjoy the heather coral Johnny Collar cashmere sweater I showed toward the top of this post. And they often have cashmere in unusual colors you won’t find elsewhere.
- quality of cashmere: 4
- design & silhouette: 3
- finishing details: 3
- ethical sourcing: on item page such as here
Nordstrom Cashmere Essential V-Neck Sweater
Next up, Nordstrom brand cashmere. The Nordstrom brand is Nordstrom’s more accessibly priced store brand. I find the quality of most Nordstrom items to be very good. I have several of their Nordstrom Cashmere Essential V-Neck Sweaters that I’ve accumulated over the past few years, and they’re nice, especially for everyday wear.
You won’t generally find a lot of attention to detail in these Nordstrom Cashmere Essential V-Neck Sweaters, and they are definitely on the thinner side. And this is the price point at which you start seeing less richness in color, too.
- quality of cashmere: 3
- design & silhouette: 3
- finishing details: 3
- ethical sourcing: NA
- price:
$129$89.90
Nordstrom Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Of course Nordstrom also has other necklines available. I do have some of their crewnecks and turtlenecks. I’d say the quality is consistent across the board.
They’re also generally a little roomy, but I wear my true size medium in most. For a slimmer fit you might size down.
- quality of cashmere: 3
- design & silhouette: 3
- finishing details: 3
- ethical sourcing: NA
- price:
$129$89.90
Naadam The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater
Naadam is another brand I’d heard a lot about but I not yet tried. They are, in fact, primarily a cashmere brand. So unlike the other brands I’ve mentioned so far, they focus on cashmere. And they are known for their quality as well as their transparency and ethical standards.
For this comparison of cashmere sweaters I just purchased the Naadam The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater. I’m sure they have higher quality pieces which feature more detailing and perhaps even higher quality yarn. On their own softness scale, they give this Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater a rating of 4 out of 5. And they indicate it is meant to be seen as an “everyday” sweater.
I do indeed like the quality of the cashmere, especially for the price. And, unlike some of the other lower quality selections I’m sharing here, this Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater does at least feature a little bit of detailing around the shoulder seam. It fits true to size; I’m wearing a medium.
- quality of cashmere: 4 (based on the $75 essential)
- design & silhouette: 3 (based on the $75 essential)
- finishing details: 4 (based on the $75 essential)
- ethical sourcing: lots of info here and here
- price: $75 (but most sweaters are $135-$495)
Quince The $50 Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
As with Naadam, I only ordered the Quince The $50 Cashmere V-Neck Sweater from this brand. But unlike Naadam, Quince boasts lower prices across the board. Their highest priced cashmere sweater is just $139.99. Quince promises sustainability, quality and low prices. That’s quite the trifecta.
The Quince The $50 Cashmere V-Neck Sweater is a nice everyday cashmere sweater. And the quality is definitely nice enough to enjoy wearing and gifting. But there is a difference. The colors in these sweaters (from looking at the website and seeing other reviews) are not as nicely pigmented, which probably indicates they use good quality cashmere, but not the whitest.
Also, while the silhouette of the sweater is nice, it is completely void of any detailing. That said, I will definitely wear and enjoy this Quince The $50 Cashmere V-Neck Sweater. It does run true to size; I’m wearing a medium. But it is not as giving under the arms as others. So for a more relaxed fit you might try sizing up.
- quality of cashmere: 3
- design & silhouette: 3
- finishing details: 2
- ethical sourcing: https://rstyle.me/+0kotOS2sehGL1xRgrv2Twg
- price: $50
I do hope this was helpful to you. I can also recommend the cashmere at Everlane. I’ve had a couple of sweaters from there that were great quality. Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great day!
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Blessed for My Day
In the Bible we are given an example of an ideal woman in Proverbs 31. I’m not sure that the standards set here are attainable for most of us all the time. But they are a worthy goal. One of this woman’s qualities is that she is smart and savvy. She looks for a good deal, thinks through her investments and purchases, works hard to get what she values, and provides for others, too. It sounds to me like she has a budget and sticks with it.
Planning a wardrobe requires thought and discernment. It requires planning ahead. I think maybe people used to do better about that out of necessity. But in our affluence and in the overflow of supply, we have lost sight of how beneficial it can be to plan out our wardrobe purchases rather than just shopping for sport. Maybe we could think through this goal and see if we need to adjust our thinking and/or our habits a little.
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. ~ Proverbs 31:13-16
Thanks Kay for your recent blog about cashmere. I LOVE cashmere. In fact, I can’t wear lambswool–too itchy; so I stick to cashmere, merino or alpaca.
I highly recommend that you try cashmere from the uspure collection. In my opinion, they have great cashmere and even a repair service!!!
Thanks for all you do
Jacalyn
I have several cashmere sweaters that I absolutely love. My husband purchased them as Christmas gifts. They are soft and comfortable to wear. Loved your post and the suggestions made. I would like to have a couple more!
Excellent reviews and very helpful. I usually think Bloomies will be more expensive and am so glad you included their cashmere. Their sale prices are excellent and certainly compete with Nordie and others. I especially loved the blue one with the front and back seams and ordered it based on your review. Thank you!
Hi Kay,
Several months ago, you mentioned that Talbot’s had last year’s cashmere on a great sale, so I jumped on it. Purchased the Audrey in a beautiful blue. It’s great!
Very helpful post. Thank you, Kay. I invested in my first cashmere sweater, the Nordstrom Signature piece you purchased. I have been wearing it repeatedly.
Is it okay to gently use the battery operated sweater shaver that I use on my other sweaters to remove pills from cashmere or should I purchase a cashmere comb? I have used a sweater stone that I bought at Nordstrom on my other sweaters but prefer the battery-operated device.
Thank you also for BFMD. It is impactful.
Wonderful! You just need to use something gentle on the cashmere. I do find the electric device to be gentle enough and a cashmere comb is good too. But I just wouldn’t use the sweater stone on it.
Wonderful post! Love all of the research and work you put into this article. I love my cashmere sweaters and appreciate the comparisons and introduction to some new brands.
Great write-up. I’d also add Macy’s Charter Club. Similar to Quince and Nordstrom now $60. I won’t spend more than that. If I want detail and a denser material, I go with wool. I like my cashmere lightweight (I’m usually always warm) so it works out for me to buy the less expensive options.
Does anyone steam their cashmere? I can’t stand wearing them if they have any creases of any kind. I hope I’m not damaging them. I do it very briefly and try to not get too close with the steam…just enough to get any crease lines out.
Yes, I have had Charter Club in the past and I think your assessment is accurate – on par with Quince. I do steam mine if needed. I don’t think that should be a problem as long as you give it time to set and dry before putting it on.
Have you tried LilySilk cashmere? I had always stayed away from cashmere because I’m extremely allergic to wool. However, I decided to try cashmere after doing some reading, and the sweater (the only cashmere one I own) I purchased is from Lily Silk. I really enjoy it but wondering how you think it compares to some of the others you’ve reviewed?! Thanks for an informative blog post!
I Karen. I have indeed tried LilySilk cashmere. I like it okay, but I found it to be on the thinner side. That was a couple of years ago I think so I’m not sure if it is any different now or not. But I felt at the time that it was on the same level as the Quince but a little higher in price.