Forget the itchy, bulky sweaters you grew up with — modern cashmere is a whole different experience. It’s soft, warm and luxuriously lightweight, making it the ultimate cold‑weather staple. Honestly, our winter wardrobes would be all cashmere if it weren’t for one thing: those steep, triple‑digit price tags.
Fortunately, if you know where to look, it’s easy to find this popular fabric for a great price. Not only is cashmere a great option for staying cozy, but it’s also gentle on sensitive skin. And if you’re in need of a last-minute gift, cashmere makes a timeless choice to surprise anyone (wink, wink).
After spending a pretty penny on your new cashmere pieces, it’s also important to learn how to care for them properly. Luckily, Shop TODAY consulted with multiple stylists to get their best tips on caring for this soft textile, along with ways to extend its longevity. Spoiler alert: their insider advice actually works!
Below, we selected a few styles under $100, along with other swoon-worthy investment pieces our editors have personally tried and now love.
Keep reading to learn more about these expert care and styling tips for your new favorite cashmere sweaters.
Expert pick$75.20$188.00
Author pick$47.70$159.00
What is the best grade of cashmere?
Usually, the best way to tell the quality of cashmere is by touch. According to stylist expert Amanda Sanders, “Cashmere comes in grades A, B and C — A being the best and C being the worst. The grades measure the quality of the softness and micron width per cashmere hair.”
“Grade A is the finest. Grade B is intermediate, around 18/19 microns per hair. Grade C measures around 30 microns per hair. Ultimately, the way to tell is by the softness of the touch,” she adds.
How to care for cashmere sweaters
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with a cashmere sweater is to clean it in a washing machine. “Even the finest cashmere will pill or shed its fiber over time. Pilling occurs where there is friction with the cashmere, such as the arm or the shoulder where you might carry a handbag. Cashmere should only be hand-washed cold or dry clean,” says Sanders.
Though cashmere is more delicate than other fibers, you can extend the wear of your garment by using a gentle baby shampoo.
“After hand-washing your cashmere piece, make sure to lay the garment flat so that the fibers do not stretch,” adds Sanders. In addition, you can also freshen up the fabric after use in a plastic bag in your freezer.
“For all my cashmere, I get them dry cleaned to ensure they’re being cleaned the right way. For storing them I recommend folding them so the hanger doesn’t stretch them out,” says stylist and personal shopper Elisabeth Kassab.
If you need to hang your cashmere, Kassab suggests using a felt hanger to prevent creases. “Steaming is okay if it’s on the lowest setting and not too hot. Same with ironing,” she adds.
Expert-approved cashmere sweaters
Stylist Catherine Bibeau says cashmere is timeless and who are we to disagree? “The fitted look creates an elegant, sophisticated style, allowing you to dress it up or down for any occasion," she says.
"I can’t live without at least one amazing cashmere crewneck— it’s one of those pieces you reach for constantly and never feel dated," adds Kassab.
Another versatile pick that Bibeau and Sanders recommend is this elevated basic from Bloomingdale's. “This cashmere sweater is stunning and mixes well with a classic pair of Levi’s to give it a trendy, comfy look. The drop shoulders bring a careless vibe perfect for those cozy weekends,” says Bibeau.
NYC stylist Halle Klum highly recommends this pick by saying, “Let’s go back to the basics — the perfect black sweater.” Whether you’d want to dress it up with a black maxi skirt and trench coat or dress down with your favorite pair of jeans and a leather jacket, Klum says the possibilities are truly endless.
Continuing on the train of endless styling opportunities, Klum is a huge fan of winter whites and adores this cashmere, wool blend thick sweater from Aritzia. “Add a cozy plaid scarf and a knit beanie, and you’re ready for brunch with friends or a stroll through the holiday markets.”
“Cardigans are one of the most versatile pieces in anyone’s wardrobe as they were made for layering,” states Klum. “I love this cardigan from Madewell as the mint green feels refreshing and unexpected, making it an ideal choice to brighten up those gray winter days.” And better yet, this pick also happens to be on sale!
Editor-approved cashmere sweaters
For 70% off right now and available in 14 colors, adding this sweater to your cart is almost a no-brainer. With over 3,800 reviews, we think it’s safe to say that customers can’t get enough of this pick, and I [Espinal] agree. Charter Club is one of those high-quality brands I choose when it comes to cashmere, and this one is a similar iteration to the black turtle neck I wear on repeat during winter.
When you need to zhuzh up your work wardrobe, go for this classic fit from Uniqlo. The design comes in different hues and is a must-have sweater to keep you warm. No wonder our editors always opt for this brand when shopping for must-have basics — they offer traditional yet modern pieces for a capsule wardrobe. While it’s a bit roomy, this one offers a relaxed fit for a great layering system.
Production associate Audrey Ekman owns this cashmere piece and says, "For those winter days when my heart wants to throw on a sweatshirt, but my head knows I have to look a little more polished, this cardigan hits the spot. It's made from 100% cashmere, which feels so luxuriously soft to the touch and keeps me super warm and cozy." The design is available in a whopping 18 colors, from neutrals to stripes and pops of color. "In terms of styling, I like to layer mine over a plain white T-shirt or tie it over my shoulders atop a trench coat," adds Ekman.
Deputy managing editor Jess Bender opts for this sweater for its superior construction and flattering fit. "A cashmere sweater is one of those pieces of clothing that you'd rarely buy for yourself but makes for a special gift for that special person. This past Christmas, I got my mom this turtleneck with her name embroidered on it because she deserves the best for being the best. It was a no-brainer that she would love it — its hem hits perfectly at the top of her hips, the cuffing is elegant and classic, the softness is unbeatable and she's yet to report any pilling after a month of wear," she says.
L.L.Bean is a tried and trusted brand I respect for its high-quality pieces. This crew neck sweater, which comes in a dozen colors including a sable heather (a mix of colored fibers), boasts an impressive average rating from almost 4,000 reviews. It’s made of 100% cashmere from goats in Inner Mongolia where, supposedly, the best cashmere comes from.
Editor Vivien Moon and I have a soft Marine Layer piece, and it’s seriously one of the coziest sweaters I own. The colors pop, the fabric feels like a cloud and the fit is just right — flattering but never too tight.
"I had mine personalized (you can get patches on it or embroidery on a lot of spot), and I love how special it makes it for a gift. It also comes in a plethora of colors and sizes," shares Moon.
Frequently asked questions
It all depends on the quality of the cashmere and how well you store it. Sanders recommended storing your cashmere items in a storage bag made of natural materials, such as cotton or linen . "From my clients' experience, if cashmere is cleaned and stored properly, it can last four to five years," she summarizes.
"Besides the fact that wool comes from sheep and cashmere comes from goats, wool is usually thicker and less soft than cashmere. So, if you’re going for something to keep you warmer, I would opt for wool. If you want something cozy, I’d go for cashmere," says Kassab.
According to Kassab, you can style cashmere sweaters with other soft-looking materials like silk or satin skirts and trousers.
“For nighttime, I would do a sleeveless turtleneck with a midi skirt, knee-high boots and a leather jacket. For the daytime, I love trousers, a crewneck sweater and ballet flats. For work events – you can do a cashmere maxi dress with flat boots!”
"Yes — but only if you’re careful," says Sanders. She recommends using a gentle or wool/delicates cycle with cold water, a mild detergent made for wool/cashmere, and avoiding agitation. "Place the item in a mesh laundry bag to protect it, and never use hot water or regular cycles. After washing, lay flat to dry — never tumble dry," she adds.
As for Kassab, she prefers to hand-wash cashmere items when possible to keep the fibers looking fresh longer.
According to Kassab, less is more when it comes to cashmere. "Wash the cashmere every few wears (or at the end of the season) to help preserve the softness and shape," she says.
"Over-washing can cause fiber wear, so only clean when necessary," adds Sanders. It's recommended to spot-clean small areas between washes and only wash every three to five wears.
How we chose
Shop TODAY’s recommendations for the best cashmere pieces came from the advice and guidance of stylists and fashion professionals, as well as the opinions of team editors. While considering materials, quality and value, we selected the best cashmere sweaters for your style and preferences, keeping in mind editors’ recommendations.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Amanda Sanders is a fashion consultant and lifestyle concierge who has worked with many celebrities. Also, she works as a personal shopper in NYC.
- Elisabeth Kassab is a Michigan and NYC-based stylist and personal shopper specializing in street-style looks and wardrobe capsules.
- Halle Klum is a freelance stylist and photographer based in New York City. Her experience spans womenswear, menswear, children’s clothing and beauty campaigns.
- Catherine Bibeau is a fashion stylist with over a decade of experience in the industry. She has experience working for Buffalo Jeans, Ferragamo, her own label, Nacre Voyage and more.
