Cashmere Buying Guide

Yes. It might seem a somewhat simplistic answer, but a cashmere sweater is a worthy addition to any wardrobe.

Be under no illusions, the best cashmere sweaters can be expensive, but you should consider them an investment – the finest cashmere will feel incredible and if well-crafted, should fit and look great, and ultimately last a long time.

Good quality cashmere is rare. The best cashmere comes from goats that live in high-altitude landscapes, which tend not to be easily farmed or accessible. Only the undercoat of cashmere goats can be used, as this is made of ultra-fine hairs. Add the skill required in hand-combing or shearing goats in this remote location, and further experience in ensuring only the thinnest and longest hairs are tightly woven into the yarn – it becomes clear why cashmere can drive such a premium.

Cashmere is the finest, softest and warmest yarn. And yet, it’s incredibly durable and a cashmere sweater can last 10 years if you care for it properly.

It may seem like an exclusive winter garment, but cashmere has thermal properties that acts as a natural thermal regulator, helping to maintain body temperature, keeping you warm, but not making you hot. Hence, cashmere is a great year-round layering option.

The fine yarn makes it soft, incomparable to other wool. And the fineness produces a lightness to the fibre, which simply adds to the super-soft texture and feels incredible against the skin. No scratch, no itchiness.

If you wash and care for cashmere properly it will not shrink and will retain its shape better than wool. Pilling is inevitable, and the presence of these small bobbles does not indicate poor quality cashmere. All cashmere will pill, but pilling in good quality cashmere will reduce after a few washes too. The bobbles can be removed with a cashmere comb, or by hand.

As with any item of clothing, brand plays a role in pricing. Some brands use the finest yarn to produce their cashmere, and as such you will pay a premium for it. Some brands use the finest celebrities to endorse their cashmere, and as such you’ll pay a premium for it.

First and foremost, it comes down to the touch and feel. The finest cashmere is beyond compare. As we’ve already said, the fibres are ultra-fine and this makes for a super-soft delicate feel. If you brush high quality cashmere across a sensitive area of the body, such as the back of your wrist, it gently glides.

Explaining the difference between types of ply, or the grades of cashmere can help you understand the terminology, but for cashmere, touch is the sense we rely upon.

The longer the fibres, the better. The thinner the fibres, the better. Two-ply garments will be more durable than single-ply items. But, trying to determine these factors in a pre-made garment is almost impossible.

It often comes down to the craftsmanship. Look for tighter knits (there’ll more likely be softer and warmer), look for the details and finish, especially around the hem, cuffs and neck line.

And consider heritage too. Edinburgh Woollen Mill has been making cashmere jumpers for more years than we can remember. That’s a lot of jumpers, a lot of feedback, a lot of experience and we take pride in each and every cashmere sweater we make.

Our cashmere jumpers are 100% cashmere. The cashmere content should be displayed on the label of every garment. If anybody is hiding it, there’s a reason for that.

Take a look at our incredible range of 100% cashmere jumpers and cardigans, along with our super-soft cashmere scarves.