How Much Should You Pay For a Cashmere Sweater?

There’s something about cashmere that evokes warmth, luxury and style. It can also feel a little pricey, but it’s an investment worth making if you know what to look for.

Look for long, thin cashmere strands and a knit with a fine gauge. Stretch a sweater and see how well it holds its shape.

Size

Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter sweater or something to dress up jeans and flats, there are several size options to choose from. While most cashmere sweaters are available in standard and plus sizes, some designers offer custom options that fit like a glove. Regardless of the size, a high-quality cashmere sweater will last for years when properly cared for.

In order to assess the quality of a cashmere sweater, look for details such as fully fashioned marks and a smooth, silky feel. The gauge, or thickness of the yarn, should also be a consideration. A higher-gauge knit will be thicker than a thinner one and will stay in shape longer.

When purchasing a cashmere sweater, consider the color and the ply count as well. A single-ply yarn will pill more easily than a two-ply version, which involves twisting two single yarns together, explains Silberman. Likewise, a dyed yarn is likely to wear out faster than an un-dyed version.

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your clothing purchases, check out eco-friendly retailers such as Frances Austen. The brand’s cashmere is sourced from vendors Cashmere Sweater in Inner Mongolia who hand brush the goats that supply the fiber, and its garments are dyed using non-toxic dyes. Its products are ISO 14001 certified, a globally recognized sustainability standard. To further protect your investment, add a cedar square to your sweater drawer and ask your dry cleaner to store your sweaters flat (instead of hanging them).

Material

A quality cashmere sweater is a year-round wardrobe staple. But it’s important to know what you’re getting when you shop for one. The best ones are soft and comfortable with enough stretch to keep their shape. They also have a certain je ne sais quoi that elevates any look. In addition to the fiber type, you should also consider the yarn count, raw material grade and craftsmanship. These factors can affect the price of the sweater.

Unlike sheep’s wool, cashmere is the fluffy undercoat of goats and has been used for fabric, yarn, and textiles for centuries. It is lighter and more supple than wool, making it a luxury staple that will last for years to come. But the price tag can be intimidating for some shoppers. The good news is that there are brands that offer ethically made, high-quality cashmere sweaters at a more affordable price.

When shopping for a cashmere sweater, look for details Cashmere Sweater like the ply and the fiber type. A reputable brand will list these details on the label. A higher ply and fiber type generally means a thicker, tightly woven knit. You can also check the quality of a sweater by touching it. A quality cashmere should feel smooth and silky, but not too soft. In fact, if a sweater is too soft, it might have been over-washed, which will shorten its life.

Style

Cashmere sweaters can elevate any outfit, and this women’s V-neck sweater from Jennie Liu offers a versatile style that you’ll love to wear again and again. This sweater is made from a soft and luxuriously thick 2 ply cashmere jersey, and it’s available in several different colors. The fit of this sweater is loose and relaxed, so it’s easy to slip on and off as needed. It’s also the perfect piece to pack in your travel bag for chilly days abroad, as it will keep you warm without adding too much bulk to your suitcase.

While the price tag on this sweater may be a little high, it’s worth the investment in terms of quality. This sweater is knitted from high-quality cashmere that’s traceable to the source, and it comes in a wide range of sizes including regular XS-XL, petite XS-XL, tall XS-XL, and plus size 1X-3X. This sweater is also ethically produced, and it’s dyed with a water-based color that won’t deteriorate the fiber over time.

One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a cashmere sweater is that it will feel scratchy at first. This is normal, and the fibers will begin to softer over time. In addition to feeling soft, a good cashmere sweater will retain its shape and not pill or become thin at points of friction, such as under the arms and at the sides where you might rub it against clothing or a handbag.

Price

Cashmere is a special, high-end material, so it’s no surprise that it can be more expensive than other sweaters. But there are also some factors that can determine how much you should pay for yours.

For example, the price of a cashmere sweater can be affected by where the raw material came from, the reputation of the mill that spun it and whether or not a brand has sustainability practices in place. Many of these details are hidden from consumers but can make a huge difference in the quality and longevity of a cashmere sweater.

Another consideration is how a cashmere sweater feels to the touch. It should be soft but not overly so, as this can indicate that the wool was processed heavily to achieve a certain feel and could mean less longevity. Also, it is important to test how a sweater holds its shape when stretching gently on the back. If it loses its shape quickly, it is likely that the yarn has been over-washed to create a softness that Americans are used to.

Luckily, there are some brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency in their production process and can still make a high-quality sweater at an affordable price point. This sweater by Quince, for example, is a great value and is made from two-ply, Grade A Mongolian cashmere that’s both super light and warm. It is also woven using a technique called Intarsia, which allows for multiple colors to be woven together.