https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:49:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist/page/2#post-1861338 Fri, 17 Nov 2017 15:51:17 +0000 Glory 1861338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my opinion it does not exist. Even the smallest amount of wool is unbearable to me. We start off as friends but within 30 minutes or so we cannot part quickly enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist/page/2#post-1861327 Fri, 17 Nov 2017 15:13:18 +0000 Anonymous 1861327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't wear wool without wearing something underneath. It makes me itch so badly that I can't bear it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-1861153 Thu, 16 Nov 2017 18:05:45 +0000 Barbara Diane 1861153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It takes way less than 10 minutes for me to figure out if something is itchy. I had one pair of expensive non-itchy cashmere gloves that had absolutely no itch factor for me. And a coat from 30 years ago. I may try LE from the suggestions here. Other than that I have one topper that I seem to be able to wear if it doesn't touch my skin and I have layers underneath. And one EF sweater with the same requirements. That is all my cashmere or wool. I had a scarf I paid to have altered, and then when I put it on I itched. 5% wool, which I hadn't realized.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-1861145 Thu, 16 Nov 2017 17:34:01 +0000 BrieN 1861145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Thistle -<br />My answer is "no". So there is at least one person out there for whom there is no cashmere or wool soft enough to wear (or acrylic btw). It's a skin sensitivity thing. In my 20's I had one wool sweater that I would wear for a couple of hours and couldn't understand why I had to rip it off so quickly. Took me a while to piece it all together.&nbsp;<br />(by the way I've been this way for decades and have been gifted the most luxurious cashmere and it's still itchy). Even those softwool socks are torture.&nbsp; And it's really sad because the nicest looking sweaters and pants are wool or cashmere. I get so jealous of the choice of sophisticated colors you can buy in those materials.&nbsp; </p> <p>I read once that if you take a garment/or skein of yarn and wear it on your neck for 10 minutes you will be able to tell if it is going to itch you. No idea if this is true : )</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-1861099 Thu, 16 Nov 2017 15:01:44 +0000 Mia 1861099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sensitive to wool. My experience has been that it's hit or miss within brands. I have a Vince sweater that I wear next to my skin but others I have tried were a torment. Silk/wool blends sometimes work. Good luck searching and let us know if you find a brand that works. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-1861014 Thu, 16 Nov 2017 08:05:10 +0000 The Cat 1861014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If your skin is sensitive, you may find it helpful to:<br /> - wash new sweaters before wearing them<br /> - wear a cotton tee (short- or longsleeved) under your woolen sweaters<br /> - wear a small silk scarf next to your skin<br /> - wear your warmest sweaters on the coldest days only </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-1860857 Wed, 15 Nov 2017 19:54:57 +0000 AviaMariah 1860857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just received this cashmere sweater from Boden and it is very soft. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-1860819 Wed, 15 Nov 2017 17:32:28 +0000 rebekahphoto 1860819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a few pieces, but I also have to be careful as my skin is super sensitive. I have some Merino wool from Eileen Fisher that is very nice, also from a very soft merino sweater Pendleton<br />I have&nbsp; a cashmere sweater from lands end that is also super soft and has not pilled. LL bean has cashmere, I have not yet tried any but the reviews seem to be good </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-1860780 Wed, 15 Nov 2017 16:15:34 +0000 Author Linda 1860780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had excellent luck with LE cashmere. Thicker and softer than most department store lines and has lasted really well for me. Vince is also good. My best cashmere is my oldest, bought in 1985. A black cardigan (still wearing) and camel v-neck (also still wearing). Scottish (Jedd Forrest, are they even around anymore?) and thick. They don't pill. I have a couple LE sweater not far behind them, though.</p> <p>Good merino is tougher to find for me. I can count on Eileen Fisher for soft merino, though, and it's held up well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-1860777 Wed, 15 Nov 2017 15:35:32 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1860777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand where you're coming from.&nbsp; &nbsp;My relationship with wool is generally miserable, even the expensive, super-fine, baby merino fancy stuff.&nbsp; &nbsp;And inconsistent:&nbsp; &nbsp;an item that bothers me one day, is fine on another day - so I have a 'three strikes' policy with wool pieces.&nbsp; &nbsp;If it makes me itchy on more than two occasions, out the door it goes.&nbsp; &nbsp;70% of the time that I wear a wool sweater - even with something underneath - I get itchy on my back, chest/collarbone, and around my hairline.</p> <p>Cashmere does the same, to a lesser degree.&nbsp; &nbsp;I'd say about 40-50% of the time, cashmere makes me prickly or full-out itch.</p> <p>I researched cashmere online about a month ago - I have to re-find the article(s), but from what I read, the difference between itchy and non-itchy cashmere has to do with the fiber lengths used in the yarn.&nbsp; &nbsp;As I understand it, higher quality cashmere is less itchy, because the hair is longer, and stays woven into the yarn, instead of unravelling and poking into the skin (and pilling).&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I imagine this applies to wool as well. &nbsp;</p> <p>Loro Piana is supposed to have an excellent reputation for non-itchy, not-as-inclined-to-pill cashmere, but it's far beyond my price range.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>I realize this doesn't actually answer your question - but I feel like, if one could track down <u>who</u> a retailer sources their yarn/ knitted fabrics from, it might mean having a reliable supply of non-itchy cashmere?</p> <p>Overall, I've had the best success with vintage wool and cashmere, usually in the form of fully-lined, vintage coats and jackets.&nbsp; "Seasonless" wool business separates have been okay as well, so long as they are lined. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-1859390 Thu, 09 Nov 2017 12:27:31 +0000 dakotacheryl 1859390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>James Perse cashmere is also very good quality. I wait till there's a sale because it's expensive...but very soft. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-1859383 Thu, 09 Nov 2017 12:04:41 +0000 sassyrobin420 1859383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought the $80 cashmere cardigan at TJMaxx in black. I thought it was really thin &amp; cheap looking. I later bought a couple of Argile style cashmere from Lands End. They were 3x as much but really well made, way larger thread count &amp; really soft. I love loved them. Will probably order another this winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797495 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 18:04:20 +0000 Kim 797495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Ironkurton, I'll keep this in mind, I was hand washing them (and they seem to get softer when I wash them.) Nice if I can use my machines. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797467 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 16:48:29 +0000 Tina.b 797467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My go to cashmere is usually J Crew, Vince and Inhabit. I found that J Crew has really improved the quality of their cashmere in the last couple years. My pieces that are 3+ years old I was never very happy with, they were itchy and would pill easily. My newer sweaters however, feel great and look great. I wear the J Crew Isabel sweaters as lounge wear (cashmere sweatshirts, I'm obsessed with them), so they get tons of use and have really held up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797446 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 16:16:06 +0000 ironkurtin 797446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good cashmere should not be itchy, period. I like Inhabit and Vkoo, which I get on sale or on ebay. TSE is very soft and has less tailored shapes. Lord and Taylor and Neiman Marcus have very nice inhouse cashmere line as well.</p> <p>One thing to remember about cashmere is that it is machine-washable. Most wools aren't, but cashmere doesn't shrink. I was mine inside out in a pillowcase on a gentle setting. Then I hang to dry, placing the sleeves up by the neck to avoid shoulder bump. When dry, I run them through the drier on mild (inside out again) to fluff a wee if they got matted. Works a charm. If you have a top-loading washer, you can even use shampoo for a nice smell. Front-loaders, not so much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797425 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 15:39:19 +0000 Kim 797425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second the Lord and Taylor cashmere sweaters. Lightweight but very comfortable next to the skin. And I do not do ANY kid of itchy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797399 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 15:12:56 +0000 RunnerChick 797399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought cashmere from Un iQlo this year - and I love it. It's soft, not itchy, at a great price point, and comes in a variety of colors. I do layer underneath, either with a cami or a long sleeved layering tee (also from Uni Qlo), because I run cold. (And, yes, I love Uni Qlo - why do you ask? :)</p> <p><a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store/made-for-all/women-cashmere-v-neck-sweater/073797-66-005" rel="nofollow">http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store.....797-66-005</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797398 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 15:11:09 +0000 Anonymous 797398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have 2 Lord and Taylor cashmere sweaters, no itch. Other ones bought at discount give me hives without a blouse underneath </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797394 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 15:05:40 +0000 Diana 797394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Anna, Scottish cashmere is the best. Johnstons is a great brand. I also really like Kinross Cashmere. They are $$$$ though. Cheaper brands are hit or miss but you can find soft ones. Also, check places like tj maxx... Sometimes you can get great deals on cashmere.</p> <p>It is however possible that you are slightly allergic or sensitive to it though... Alpaca is soft as a dream but prickles my skin when I wear it next to the skin. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797374 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 14:49:44 +0000 Angie 797374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! Because I wear it.</p> <p>I have found some of J.Crew's merino and cashmere superb. I also do well at Karen Millen, Vallette at Nordies, sometimes Tory Burch, Vince, Theory and Rebecca Taylor. BR and AT are always worth a try. </p> <p>Only Mine at Nordies has been a great non-itchy wool line this season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797263 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 03:51:21 +0000 Jjsloane 797263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'm pretty sensitive to the itch and I have a really old (12 years) Banana Republic cashmere twinset that causes no itch, but could not tolerate any this year. I wear a thin shirt under THE Gap sweater but the Striped turtleneck (merino) from J Crew in Angies post <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2012/12/11/rugged-classics-for-a-walk-in-the-woods/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2012/12/.....the-woods/</a> is virtually itch free even for me.<br /> Bottom line - kiss all the frogs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797260 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 03:45:40 +0000 Suz 797260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating discussion - bumping in the hope that others will add some links! </p> <p>Love your sweater, Denise. </p> <p>I also have an older cashmere sweater that seems less pilly and softer (also thicker) than most I have seen in recent years. It is VERY warm, however. So I can really only wear it on the coldest days. </p> <p>People's skin does vary in sensitivity, I believe. I also think for me, at least, the outside temperature matters, and humidity levels. On very cold dry days I am not bothered. On damper warmer days I start to itch like mad even in sweaters that would not bother me in different temperatures. So I simply have to save my woolens and cashmere for days when it is truly cold. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797233 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 02:43:55 +0000 Traci 797233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently got this cashmere sweater from LE and it is by far the softest cashmere I've felt. I had read good reviews of their cashmere in the past, but had dismissed them because I've not had the best luck with LE quality on other things. I ended up getting this one in both colors. I'd like to try more styles, but I don't love the style or shape of the other cashmere sweaters they have.</p> <p><a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-long-sleeve-classic-cashmere-v-neck-cardigan~244026_48.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/pp/wom.....26_48.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797230 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 02:42:01 +0000 Isabel 797230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Has anyone tried JCrew's cashmere ? I have some of their merino wool sweaters from last year and I love them. I wonder what their Italian 100% cashmere is like. Boden had some great ones too. Years ago, I got all my cashmere from Bloomingdale's in house brand and August Silk. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797227 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 02:37:57 +0000 CocoLion 797227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just got this 100% Cashmere cardi from TJ Maxx (Anna don't look it is a waterfall style which you hate LOL!). It is very very soft, although not necessarily a thick cashmere. It was $80 and is quite a bit softer than some Macy's cashmere I got for $100. It is not as soft as a $300 cashmere sweater I got 6 years ago (it is thick too).</p> <p>I was so pleasantly surprised at how cozy and soft this was. I wear these like loungewear, just for knocking around in. It is from Cynthia Rowley which I believe contract manufactures directly for TJ Maxx. So Winners may have this same one (or maybe you're not from Canada, can't keep all of us sorted). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797224 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 02:31:08 +0000 Isabel 797224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Anna, it is hard to find. I can tell you that I don't find the price point the deciding factor, either. I don't know if it is how they treat it, but some woolens feel as if they have little nylon slivers in them. Others feel heavenly. I would recommend that wherever you buy it, that they have a good return policy so that you can try it. Yes, Scottish and Italian are suppose to be superb. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797216 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 02:09:31 +0000 annagybe 797216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's some on sale, but still not cheap</p> <p><a href="http://www.sierratradingpost.com/womens-sweatshirts-and-sweaters~d~273/" rel="nofollow">http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....ers~d~273/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797215 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 02:07:54 +0000 Thistle 797215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe this would be an item to try to thrift. I have read Scottish cashmere is the absolute best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797213 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 01:57:17 +0000 annagybe 797213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Extremely hard to find but Scottish cashmere is the da bomb! I inherited a 35 year old Scottish cashmere turtleneck, super soft and doesn't pill. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-and-merino-wool---do-non-itchy-versions-exist#post-797211 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 01:55:49 +0000 Thistle 797211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That would explain it. I checked Ann Taylor, Talbots, JCrew, BR, and the two department stores. Nothing I touched was all that soft. Maybe it is not just me. </p>