19 Best Cashmere Jumpers 2025, Reviewed by Fashion Experts

How we tested cashmere sweaters:

GLAMOUR editors tested a wide variety of popular brands that are known for cashmere clothing. After narrowing down our list with tips from style experts and selections from our team of reviewers, we wore the cashmere sweaters over a span of weeks. We evaluated based on quality and feel, overall comfort level (if they were itchy or not), and how well they held up (especially after multiple washes). We also checked to see if the sweaters pilled over time and how our reviewers liked to style them.


Why is cashmere so expensive?

Let’s start with the basics. According to the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), cashmere is a type of wool with fine fibre that comes from the undercoat of a specific breed of goat that originates in Asia; most of the world’s highest-quality cashmere is sourced from Mongolia. Because of the climate the animals live in, their coats are dense enough to withstand cold temperatures, which translates to the warmth of the cashmere textiles. The longest and thinnest fibres produce the softest and most durable cashmere, which is considered grade A on the A to C scale that defines cashmere quality.

If this all sounds very time-consuming and complex, it is. “Sourcing cashmere comes with a cost, especially when it is ethically and sustainably produced,” Nona Ostrowsky of Nona The Label said.

On that note, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a nonprofit working with activists and lawyers to confront climate issues, explains that the current demand for virgin cashmere actually exceeds supply in a sustainable way. If sustainability is a concern, the CFDA recommends seeking out alternatives to virgin cashmere, such as cashmere blends, which are often mixed with recycled wool, merino wool, or alpaca for added warmth and durability. If you do want regular cashmere, you can look into whether it’s recycled, sustainably grazed and raised, and naturally coloured. Anything certified by The Good Cashmere Standard, as is the case at The White Company and Nona The Label, ticks those three boxes.


How to find good quality cashmere:

If all this talk about gauge and ply has your head spinning, no worries, we’ve got you.

First up, gauge — think of it as how tightly knit the sweater is. A higher gauge means more stitches per inch, which usually translates to a tighter, warmer, and more durable weave. In simple terms, a good gauge will keep you cozy and help your sweater hold its shape over time.

Next, there’s ply. Ply is all about how many threads are twisted together to make the yarn. A higher ply means more threads, which makes the yarn stronger and the sweater more durable. A two-ply cashmere sweater is already a solid choice, but you might find yourself drooling over four-ply or even higher if you’re looking for something extra luxurious.

So what’s the lowest ply or gauge you can get away with and still score a great sweater? Honestly, even a one-ply or a lower gauge can be super-soft and comfy if the quality of the cashmere is top-notch. Just remember, lower ply or gauge might feel lighter and less warm, so it’s all about what you’re after — light and breezy, or thick and toasty.

And while “Made in Italy” can sound pretty tempting, don’t let that be your only guide. High-quality cashmere comes from all over — China, South America, and even New York. Trust your instincts, feel the fabric, and don’t be afraid to ask questions when shopping. You’re looking for that balance of softness, strength, and warmth that’ll make your cashmere sweater worth every penny.


How to shop for a cashmere sweater:

According to fashion stylist Audree Kate López, it’s important to zoom in on three qualities for cashmere: feel, structure, and origin.

“The first thing you’ll want to look for is how it feels against your skin. A high-quality cashmere shouldn’t scratch your skin and should feel soft and comfortable.” Next is the structure, or how the sweater is tailored, which will definitely make a difference with fit. “Look at the silhouette of the sweater and make sure it will drape and fit your body nicely,” López says. A tighter knit will be better quality and have more durability to bounce back to its original shape as opposed to a looser or boxy-fitting sweater, which might give you a more relaxed style. Lastly, “look at the fuzz and see if the sweater is already pilling before wear — if it’s tightly woven and has minimal fuzz/pilling, your sweater will last longer and is higher quality,” she says.


Tips for styling your new cashmere sweater:

“There is no limitation to how a cashmere jumper can be styled,” Nona said. “The options are endless. However, my favourite way to style a cashmere jumper is on its own without a jacket or coat, making the jumper the centre of attention; with jeans to dress down or matching co-ord cashmere trousers, and some boots. Cashmere pieces are so beautiful on their own they don’t need much styling.”

Elsewhere, López loves pairing them with a lot of texture and layers. “Start with a white T-shirt under the sweater, stack some necklaces, and add additional texture through the outer layers like a leather jacket, a knit scarf, or a long coat. Think of the sweater as your base or foundation of the outfit — it’s a great starting point and then add from there,” she says. “It’s more of a basic piece to add to your capsule wardrobe as opposed to a statement piece.”

And here’s a little insider tip: Keep your cashmere fibres looking fresh and pill-free with a sweater comb or shaver. It’s the secret to keeping that investment piece looking like new, season after season.


This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.

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