Best Cashmere Sweaters for Women: 8 Quality Options for Any Budget

When I was 14 years old, I received my first cashmere sweater for Christmas. It was a delicately slouchy, inky-blue cardigan with mother-of-pearl buttons. It was extremely soft, unlike the cotton and merino wool versions in my closet. It had a deep v-neck, and when I put it on, I felt immediately older, more sophisticated, and warm because even though it wasn’t thick, it kept me toasty. Bonus: it didn’t make me itch like the boiled wool sweater I also received that same holiday season.

Eventually, I grew out of the sweater but never found the right replacement. In fact, decades later, I’m still looking for another perfect twilight-blue cashmere cardigan, so I jumped at the chance to write this article.

Cashmere is a classic material for sweaters, and during the holiday season, it’s a gift that keeps on giving to those lucky enough to receive it.

Our top picks for the best cashmere sweaters for women

How I selected the best cashmere sweaters

I analyzed the materials, brands, and origin of the sweaters I chose, talked to experts, tried on some brands, consulted with cashmere-loving friends and colleagues, performed in-depth fact-checking, and scoured hundreds of reviews to select our top picks from various retailers.

What to consider when buying cashmere sweaters

Not all cashmere, like most materials, is created equal, although all cashmere comes from goats. These cashmere goats (not a breed, but a type of goat) provide the cashmere in sweaters, much like sheep provide wool. The best cashmere goats hail from Mongolia, but you can find cashmere goats worldwide.

However, the goat is just the starting point. A few aspects make a sweater like my beloved cardigan a long-lasting investment, and given that high-quality cashmere usually has a high price tag attached to it, you should consider a few things before you purchase one.

Materials

Look for 100% cashmere on the label if you shop for a purely cashmere sweater. Some garments are made with cashmere and other fibers, like wool or nylon. Always check the label before you purchase a “cashmere” sweater.

Source

While cashmere goats may be raised anywhere, cashmere goats from Mongolia are considered the best options for making cashmere garments. Mongolian cashmere goats are known for their long and fine fibers. There is nothing wrong with cashmere gathered outside of Mongolia, but the quality might not be the same in other locations.

Ply and Knit

When you see the word “two-ply” on a cashmere sweater tag, it stands for the number of threads twisted together. You may see a three-or even four-ply or above indicated, but it shows the strength of the treads. A higher ply will mean a heavy weight to your garment, but it doesn’t mean it is higher quality than a two-ply one. However, if your cashmere sweater is 1-ply, it may not have as much longevity as a higher-ply due to durability. Cashmere can be thin and prone to holes if it has a low ply.

The gauge of a knit garment, like a cashmere sweater, is the number of stitches per inch of fabric and can indicate how tightly the sweater is knit together.

Price

Less expensive cashmere sweaters may be mixed with other materials or have a one-ply or low gauge, making them slightly see-through and light and more prone to pilling. While they may cost less, these sweaters may not be as durable as a two-ply or higher sweater with a 12-gauge knit. A cashmere sweater won’t be cheap, but not all cashmere is unaffordable. How long it lasts will depend on the quality of the garment and how you care for it over time.

Best way to store cashmere sweaters

Moths love cashmere (I’ve personally found out the hard way), and it’s best always to keep your cashmere sweaters folded into garment bags and hung up in your closet. If you wear your sweaters on rotation, having them professionally cleaned, especially before storing them away for the summer season, is also important.

The best way to clean cashmere sweaters

You can wash them by hand and lay them flat to dry or take them to a professional dry cleaner, preferably an eco-friendly one with experience caring for cashmere.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much should I spend on a cashmere sweater?

You can spend under $100 for a quality cashmere sweater or over $1000 or more; it depends on what you can afford.

What is the highest quality cashmere?

Cashmere labeled Grade-A is considered the highest quality cashmere. Cashmere has three grades: A, B, and C, and the quality varies depending on the grade.

How can you spot good cashmere?

A quality cashmere sweater should feel soft and light to the touch. Try holding the cashmere sweater up to the light to see the long fibers in the sweater. You should see approximately 1-2 mm of fibers. Lightly run your hand over the sweater—if you get balls of fluff it may mean that the sweater is made from a low-grade cashmere.

Is it worth it to buy a cashmere sweater?

Absolutely. Cashmere has a higher insulation capacity than wool to help you stay warm and toasty rather than overheating. Plus, it is a naturally breathable fiber. You may be able to wear a light cashmere sweater, particularly a cardigan, year-round (depending on the temperature), which may not be the same as a wool one. Cashmere sweaters instantly elevate a look and are soft to the touch, and these days, it is possible to purchase a decent one for under $100. If you take care of them, cashmere sweaters are extremely durable, too. I own a few vintage cashmere sweaters from older family members that are decades and decades old; they hold up over time and can be lovely heirlooms if the cashmere is high-enough quality.