Winter’s chill is here, and dressing for the season turns to layers.
You’ll need insulation when you’re outside in the elements but the ability to unwrap when you’re in an office warring over the thermostat or if you’re descending into the muggy conditions of the London Underground where refreshing breezes cannot reach.
Luckily, we’re not short of layers this season, be they flannel overshirts for rustic cottagecore or a bow-tied cardi thrown on top of a midi. An easy win, whether you’re in a suit or a dress is the all-purpose jumper.
The ultimate winter separate is a piece that can be worn right the way through to BST (and if you’re anything like us, you will do). But step away from the wool and - whisper it - acrylic because if you’re prepared to invest, cashmere can be the most sumptuous fibre to wrap yourself in.
Where does cashmere come from?
Hailing from central Asia, cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats that can be found grazing the lofty mountain ranges and plains of Iran, Iraq, Tibet, Mongolia and, of course, northern India's Kashmir region itself. It's softer and warmer than wool and if cared for properly, can become a heirloom piece to cloak lucky incoming generations. Its quality is graded on a scale with A being the most prized and naturally, the priciest. Heart willing but finances lacking? Blending cashmere fibres with premium wool can bring down the cost.
How can you tell if your cashmere is worth the hefty RRP? Give it a rub; if it's scratchy, it may not be the genuine article.
Cashmere defies trends. It's a timeless and valuable knit that will look equally as chic worn with grandma's pearls as it will under a boardroom suit or tucked into a holdall for a weekend minibreak. There is a cashmere jumper to suit everyone, but not every pocket - such fashion is an investment piece but well worth the cost-per-wear ratio.
How to care for cashmere
Keep yours lasting longer by examining the care label - yours may be dry-cleaned or handwash only. If it is a handwash prescription, use a mild detergent (or better still, a cashmere-friendly formula) and use cold or lukewarm water. Don't rub or wring it, as you could end up distorting the exquisite fabric. Once clean, gently squeeze out excess water and lay it flat to air dry, away from direct heat and sunlight. Running a sweater comb over cashmere can help reduce piling, and when you're not wearing it, fold it in a sealed bag to deter hungry moths.
Cashmere may be high maintenance, but once worn you’ll understand that warm, cosy softness is worth the trouble.
If you're ready to check out the pieces on offer, we've rounded up the nicest cashmere jumpers to buy right now.
Shop below
GOBI Organic Colour Cashmere Zipped High Neck Sweater
Proudly flying the flag for Mongolian cashmere is GOBI, named after the country's famous desert.
Here, cashmere goats sport fur in four colours: white, brown, dark grey and a curious grey-blue, offering a natural twist on the world-renowned fibre. Gathered by Mongolian herders and expertly crafted into covetable pieces by the country's design team, the range is full of pieces you'll want to wear all at once.
For us, this organic colour high neck sweater which comes with a zip in case you get too warm is a must-buy, as elegant as ski apparel layers as it will be under a cocoon coat.
Buy now £149.40, GOBI
Lisa Yang Natalia brushed-cashmere sweater
Haven't you got enough black jumpers? Breathe zingy freshness into your winter looks with Lisa Yang's beautiful brushed cashmere jumper offered in a sharp apple green. It's a relaxed fit with dropped shoulders that can be worn over a collared shirt or a vest - or casually draped around the shoulders.
And my goodness, the softness! Let's just say it's reflected in the price tag.
Buy now £715.00, Net-A-Porter
Victoria Beckham Ribbed stretch-cashmere sweater
The designer may be best known for form-fitting dresses and crisp tailoring, but this sweater is one of her favourite pieces too. With a collar and ribbed cuffs, the plush cashmere is woven with a little stretch to give the most flattering ticket. Best accessorised with a business class ticket; failing that, cream slacks and simple silver jewellery at the weekend.
Buy now £750.00, Net-A-Porter
Jigsaw Halo Cashmere Jumper
You too could look this pleased with your new cashmere purchase if you've chosen Jigsaw's sumptuous design. It comes in two colours - olive green or wintry blue - with the precious fibres made extra fluffy by using a special wash. Raglan sleeves keep your arms feeling free and breathable. Wear it with your favourite jeans and layers of jewellery.
Buy now £225.00, Jigsaw
Reformation Jadey Cashmere Oversized V-neck Sweater
The party doesn't start and stop with dresses over at Reformation, although I will admit they are often the main draw. In knitwear, the brand continues to show off its cult status with this oversized cashmere jumper. Made from 95 per cent recycled cashmere yarn and 5 per cent new cashmere, it's the ultimate slouchy jumper - so choose it for long-haul trips and loungey weekend outfits. There are nine colours to choose from but we like this red to match our Merlot.
Buy now £298.00, Reformation
M&S Pure Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper
For cashmere that's about half the price of competitors, beat a path to trusty Marks and Sparks. The long-established retailer may be offering increasingly chic, fashion-led collections but it still does the classics better than anyone else on the high street. This slightly oversized roll neck comes in nine colours of 100 per cent cashmere. A winter wardrobe staple you'll lean on all season - and many winter seasons to come.
We love the size range too: you can get it in 6 - 24.
Buy now £95.00, M&S
Uniqlo Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper
Okay, it's not just M&S owning the cashmere crown on the high street: Japanese brand Uniqlo comes in joint.
The label offers well-made and high-quality staples, from shirt dresses to suits and insulating outerwear, the warmth of which often defies the weight. It might be the cheapest place to pick up a 100 per cent cashmere jumper on our list with this soft crew neck coming in just shy of £80.
Uniqlo also boasts the biggest shade range; this jumper comes in no less than 24 colours, so you should be able to find one that sparks the most joy for you.
Buy now £79.90, Uniqlo
ME+EM Cashmere Pouf Sleeve Jumper
The softness of cashmere feels heightened thanks to the lovely lilac hue on ME+EM's jumper. The gentle puff shoulder and cutwork add to the delicate feel. If you're guilty of wearing all-black, the shade offers an easy way to inject colour into your look, and it comes in charcoal grey and intense red too.
Buy now £250.00, ME+EM
Boden Lydia Union Flag Cashmere Jumper
Looking for statement-making cashmere? Boden's got it in the bag with this Union Jack-inspired sweater, available in XS-XL. Make it preppy with loafers and white ankle socks.
Buy now £112.50, John Lewis
Chinti & Parker Black Wool-Cashmere Bow Breton Sweater
This timeless Breton stripe has been made Christmas-ready with the addition of a red bow on the left breast, and may very well be the only non-naff novelty sweater to wear this Yuletide. The jumper is made from a mix of 90 per cent wool and 10 per cent cashmere with sizes ranging from XS - 3XL.
Buy now £150.00, Chinti & Parker
