The Real Chic Life

There are few things that make me want to get dressed for fall quite like a beautiful knit sweater. Give me a pair of loafers, a great pair of jeans and a soft sweater in camel, navy, ivory or burgundy, and I am basically ready for the season. And lately as fall approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about cashmere. Cashmere has always had a reputation for being one of those “investment” fabrics. It’s soft, warm without feeling too heavy, luxurious, and undeniably beautiful. But for a while I completely avoided it. I like my knits to feel elevated but fairly low maintenance, and you can’t exactly toss a cashmere sweater into the washing machine with the rest of your clothes. Plus it comes with other baggage I’d grown tired of: the dreaded pilling problem and the price tag. But last year I lifted my self-imposed cashmere ban, and this year I’ve already seen some beautiful cashmere styles coming in with fall collections.

So is cashmere actually worth it?

I think it can be—but only if you approach it as a wardrobe investment rather than a luxury purchase.

In other words, I don’t think you need a closet full of cashmere. But I do think that adding a few really useful cashmere pieces to your wardrobe can be one of the smartest ways to make your fall and winter wardrobe feel more luxurious, polished and comfortable.

Here’s what I’ve learned about the pros and cons of cashmere, which pieces are actually worth buying, how to care for them, and some of the best places to find cashmere without a luxury price tag.

What Makes Cashmere Special?

Cashmere comes from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats rather than sheep. The fibers are exceptionally fine, which is what gives cashmere its softness. It’s also warm without requiring a lot of bulk. That’s one of the things I love most about it. You can have a relatively lightweight sweater that still feels cozy when the temperature drops.

And unlike some fabrics that feel luxurious but aren’t very practical, cashmere can actually be very versatile. A cashmere crewneck can work with jeans and loafers on a casual day, tucked into trousers for a more polished work look, or layered over a button-down. A cashmere cardigan can function as both a sweater and a lightweight jacket. A short-sleeve cashmere tee can bridge the gap between summer and fall. That versatility is important because versatility is what turns an expensive piece of clothing into a wardrobe investment.

And with proper care, a good cashmere sweater can absolutely be a long-term wardrobe piece. That doesn’t mean it will look brand new forever. Cashmere can pill, especially when it’s new, and eventually it may show signs of wear. But a well-made sweater that is properly cared for can remain a useful part of your wardrobe for many seasons.

The Cons of Cashmere

Of course, cashmere isn’t perfect. It can be expensive. You can find cashmere for surprisingly little these days, but truly luxurious cashmere can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to spend that much. There are now several brands offering 100% cashmere for well under $300, and some offer it for under $100.

Let’s talk about pilling because I’ve learned that this is one of the biggest misconceptions about cashmere. Pilling does not automatically mean you bought bad cashmere. Pills form when shorter fibers work their way to the surface and tangle together through friction. You’re more likely to notice them in places where the sweater rubs against another garment, a coat, a handbag or even your arms.

However, quality does matter. Higher-quality garments are generally less prone to pilling. But some of the newer affordable cashmere offerings are specifically designed to be more pill-resistant. The important thing is to accept that some maintenance is part of owning cashmere.

So…Is Cashmere Worth the Hassle?

For me, yes. But I wouldn’t recommend buying cashmere simply because it’s cashmere. The goal should be to build a small, hardworking collection of beautiful knitwear.

The Cashmere Pieces I’d Invest In First

If you’re starting from scratch, I’d start with the pieces that will give you the most outfits (click the photos to shop).

1. The Classic Crewneck

If you buy only one cashmere sweater, make it a classic crewneck. It works with jeans, trousers, skirts, and layered button-downs. It’s also easy to dress up or down. For maximum versatility, I’d choose a neutral such as:

• Ivory
• Camel
• Oatmeal
• Navy
• Heather gray
• Brown

You can keep it very simple, but a textured sweater like the fisherman crewneck above adds visual interest to simple outfits.

2. The Cardigan

A cashmere cardigan is one of my favorite investments because you can wear it as a sweater, over a camisole or tee, or as a lightweight layer. And if you like fitted tops, look for a cardigan that can be buttoned and worn on its own. That essentially gives you two garments in one.

3. The Short-Sleeve Cashmere Tee

This is the sleeper hit of the cashmere category. A short-sleeve cashmere sweater sounds like something you’d only wear during a very narrow window of the year, but I actually think it’s one of the most versatile pieces you can own.

Wear it with:

• Linen pants in late summer
• Jeans in early fall
• A blazer in the office
• A skirt for dinner
• Trousers and loafers for a polished everyday outfit
• A jacket or coat once the weather gets colder

It’s especially useful for people who live somewhere with a long transitional season.

4. The Turtleneck

A cashmere turtleneck is less versatile than a crewneck, but it’s fantastic if you actually wear turtlenecks. It works beautifully under blazers, jackets, sweater coats and coats and gives even simple outfits a very polished look. I’d choose a neutral before buying a statement color.

5. The Oversized Cardigan or Sweater

This is where I would be more selective. An oversized cashmere sweater can be incredibly cozy, but it isn’t necessarily as versatile as a more streamlined sweater. If your lifestyle involves a lot of casual days, though, one beautiful oversized cashmere cardigan can be a fantastic investment. Think of it as your “luxurious everyday sweater.”

The Best Cashmere Brands Under $300

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend $500+ to get into cashmere.

Here are some of the brands I’d look at first.

Quince

Quince is probably the easiest recommendation for someone who wants to build a cashmere wardrobe without spending a fortune. Its Mongolian cashmere collection includes classic crewnecks, tees, cardigans and other styles, with many pieces priced around $50–$150.

Its current classic crewneck is 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere and is priced at $50.

NAADAM

NAADAM is another brand worth looking at if you want cashmere under $300. Its signature cashmere sweater is often recommended by fashion insiders and it’s priced at $98.

I’d especially look at NAADAM if you want something that feels a little more special than an entry-level cashmere basic.

J.Crew

J.Crew has long been a reliable source for classic knitwear, and its cashmere collection is particularly good if you like classic style. Its cashmere sweaters and cardigans are accessible luxury basics, with many styles under $200.

The advantage of J.Crew is that you’re not just buying a material; you’re also getting the brand’s styling: classic, polished, slightly preppy and easy to incorporate into an existing wardrobe.

Everlane

Everlane is another good option if you prefer clean, understated silhouettes.

Its cashmere tends to fit nicely into a minimalist wardrobe: uncomplicated shapes, neutral colors and pieces that don’t feel overly trendy.

Naked Cashmere

Naked Cashmere is worth watching if you want something a little more luxurious but still want to stay around the $300 mark. Its prices vary significantly by piece, but many sweaters and accessories fall within or close to this range.

I wouldn’t necessarily choose it over Quince for building an entire cashmere wardrobe, but it can be a good place to look for a particularly beautiful piece.

How to Care for Your Cashmere

Here’s the part that can make the difference between a sweater you own for two years and one you own for ten.

Wash it gently

For knitted cashmere, cold water and a detergent formulated for wool, cashmere or other delicate fibers are a good starting point. Follow the individual garment’s care instructions because blends and special finishes can differ.

Don’t wring it

This is important. Don’t twist your cashmere sweater into a ball to get the water out. Instead, gently press out excess water and lay the sweater flat to dry.

Always dry it flat

Wet cashmere can stretch. Reshape the sweater while it’s damp and let it dry completely on a flat surface.

Don’t hang it

This is one of the easiest ways to ruin the shape of a knit. Fold your cashmere. Don’t put it on a hanger.

Remove pills instead of panicking

If your sweater develops pills, use a cashmere comb or appropriate sweater tool to gently remove them. Don’t aggressively pull pills off with your fingers. And remember: some pilling is normal, especially during the early wears of a sweater.

Store it properly

Fold it rather than hanging it, and consider a breathable or sealable storage bag along with appropriate moth protection if you’re putting cashmere away for the season.

Give it a break

You don’t have to wash cashmere after every wear. In fact, frequent washing isn’t ideal. Unless you’ve gotten sweaty or spilled something on it, airing it out between wears is often enough. And rotating your sweaters rather than wearing the same one every day will help all of them last longer.

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I’ve come to think that cashmere is less about luxury and more about quality of everyday life. If you wear sweaters frequently, there’s something wonderful about being able to reach into your closet on a chilly morning and pull out something soft, warm and beautiful. But I also don’t think you need to turn your wardrobe into a cashmere showroom. The point is to own fewer sweaters that you genuinely love wearing. And if you’re willing to give those sweaters a little extra care, I think cashmere absolutely earns its place in a well-built wardrobe.

What are your thoughts on cashmere? Do you have a sweater that you love? Let us know in the comments.

Xo, Courtney