YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Is cashmere a necessity?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Is cashmere a necessity? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:01:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2349676 Sun, 14 Jan 2024 01:26:27 +0000 Anonymous 2349676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mohair and angora make me itch. I have cold winters so even those feel good on very frosty days. I am wearing wool again but stocking up on cotton sweaters which are new to me and feel right in spring in this climate. They probably would also be good for fall but I haven’t figured that out yet. In my old 4- season climate wool was getting too warm. Cotton sweaters were too warm. It is green all year in Kansas now. Bijou on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2348120 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 06:17:01 +0000 Bijou 2348120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My experience with cashmere has definitely been hit and miss, but the cashmere sweaters I now own (all by Boden) are excellent and were not more expensive than other knits. I find that I tend to overheat in poly knits, so I prefer to wear breathable merino, cashmere and cotton knits. Carla on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2348083 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 01:30:10 +0000 Carla 2348083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not a necessity, but sure is nice!  I like it as a percentage of a mixed fabric.  I’m absolutely head-over-heels in love with a bunch of 55% cotton/25% nylon/17% rayon/3% cashmere sweaters I’ve been wearing on repeat since I discovered them, and one of my favourite coats of all time was a wool/cashmere blend.   <div> </div><div>DH is a fan of cashmere - especially since discovering Lands’ End cashmere.  He’s found it long wearing and  warm.  I find it makes him delightfully huggable. I think I’m more of a merino wool girl, to tell the truth.  Thrifted and last year’s Uniqlo sweaters. </div> em on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2348080 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 01:09:15 +0000 em 2348080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love cashmere. I wash it in the washing machine (in a mesh bag) and lay it flat to dry. Never had a problem. I love it because it (like merino) is antimicrobial and can be worn multiple times without smelling. It is incredible at regulating body temperature, so it keeps me warm when I need it without me overheating when I don't. I can wear it as a shell under a blazer in all but in July and August. I find cotton doesn't keep me warm in the winter and retains moisture, so if I sweat, it lingers and then I get cold. Acrylic makes me overheat and then I sweat and again get cold. BLUF: for me it is a necessary material because it is just so darn functional.  EDIT: While my cashmere shells are not good in July and August, my cashmere cardigans are FANTASTIC for carrying around to combat the intense AC in the stores! I always travel with one. Carol on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2348071 Thu, 28 Dec 2023 22:58:32 +0000 Carol 2348071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I read about halfway through responses a  couple weeks ago, then got lost in the holidays. I will read the rest soon, and get back, even if in just one general comment. Thanks for your thoughts! Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2347659 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:38:25 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2347659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it's really choose-your-own-adventure, with a hefty nod to the climate you're living in.  I wear cashmere when I have the perfect alignment of cold day + a specific 'occasion', like going out to dinner, or visit friends, or see a performance.  Otherwise, I nearly always grab cotton, or merino wool on very cold days. I've had a number of cashmere sweaters over the years, but the two that have lasted are Lands End, and J Crew**.  I purchased both secondhand, and they have really held up so far.   In addition, I have a couple of sweaters that are merino wool/silk/other textiles, blended with cashmere, which makes it a little less delicate.   Banana Republic and Talbots, again, purchased secondhand, in impeccable condition. Because I shop secondhand, I don't know how any of these brands are doing now, if you were to shop new.   I would examine online reviews carefully.        **This is the only J Crew cashmere sweater I have encountered in the past decade, that didn't develop small holes or really bad pilling, within 4-5 wears and a couple of careful handwashes. Liz on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2347567 Sun, 17 Dec 2023 16:29:16 +0000 Liz 2347567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Definitely not a necessity and over-pushed by retailers. So much poor-quality cashmere out there, too. Even the good cashmere pills like crazy and is too hot for this menopausal hot-flash girl! Sorry to be grumpy! Zaeobi on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2347398 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:12:56 +0000 Zaeobi 2347398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm I've never actually owned any cashmere, so it's been helpful to read this thread! I'm in the same boat as you Carol - wondering whether I should bother 'investing' in cashmere when it's dryclean/ handwash only (thanks for the opinions pointing out how it could be useful for the cold & damp UK climate, but maybe less so for my currently hot & humid HK 'winter' lol). My skin is fairly sensitive, so I think I'll stick to cotton & merino wool (not all wool is non-itchy, but I've had the highest success rate with merino so far). Viscose blends can work but I find rayon to be naturally cooling (so not as great in a 'warm' jumper). Modal blends too. Lee on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2347396 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 05:57:26 +0000 Lee 2347396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear it but it’s not something I couldn’t easily live without. MsMaven on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2347391 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 02:28:22 +0000 MsMaven 2347391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachy--I'd forgotten about the store in San Francisco. Wasn't there one in Carmel as well? So many good places gone now. Sad. Jonesy on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2347373 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 23:21:43 +0000 Jonesy 2347373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No, I wouldn't categorize it as a necessity :). But it's soft, warm, and cuddly, if you live in a cold climate and can tolerate it. I have one thick basketweave cashmere sweater that is gorgeous, but I find it kind of hot, so I don't wear it too much. rachylou on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2347318 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:41:46 +0000 rachylou 2347318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Now that the Scottish store in SF is gone, I’ve given up on cashmere. That was quality cashmere. bj1111 on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity/page/2#post-2347097 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 01:30:23 +0000 bj1111 2347097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not a necessity. Wool is itchy in general for me so I have to wear a turtle neck. Cashmere next to skin is so comfy for me. Best buys these year were a cashmere sweatshirt and joggers. I wore those practically everyday during a month of travel and are now my preferred flight uniform. Ginger on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346947 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:55:28 +0000 Ginger 2346947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I echo Suz on this point in particular: "In my current more temperate climate, I still wear cashmere but it can itch if I don't layer underneath and/or of the weather is damp or not cold enough. The minute the weather gets dryer and colder -- no itch." I have found this with wool and merino as well. When I'm really cold, there's no itch. But if I start getting too warm, itch. (Plus, Eucalan. It's specifically formulated to help soften wool and other animal fibers.) On the topic of animal fibers, there can be a real difference in function. Cotton is a cold fiber. When it gets wet, it doesn't dry super fast and feels cold. Acrylic and polyester as well. But wool does not feel cold to the touch when it gets wet. Furthermore, the fibers swell and become more dense, making the garment actually warmer if anything. I found the truth of this myself some winters ago. At work I wore tall leather boots, with tights and socks both for warmth and fit. Even with an under-desk heater though my toes would be cold. One day I got home and felt my sock, and it was wet with sweat and cold. I switched to Smartwool socks and there was no more problem. As far as cashmere in particular goes, YMMV. It can be very soft. I got a Neiman Marcus long-sleeve cashmere tee at an estate sale that is thin and so, so soft. I had a cashmere sweater from Kohl's that I gave away eventually since it was a little small and not a good color for me. Cashmere is not a necessity for me, but it's nice to have. Most sweaters, cotton and acrylic and poly blends though they may be, work fine for what I need. I had an acrylic chenille sweater once that I was either hot or cold in, so I gave it away; but that's my worst experience with acrylic. If it's going to be extra cold and I want real warmth, then I'll reach for a wool cardigan or merino sweater. Wool is a lovely fiber TBH. But I would never call any of these a necessity. Style Fan on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346870 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 23:43:22 +0000 Style Fan 2346870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No item is a necessity for everyone.  We all live in different climates and have different styles.  Our way of life is so varied that no one piece of clothing works for everyone. I live in a four-season climate like Irina's and run cold.  I love cashmere and some types of wool for winter.  Cotton sweaters are not warm enough for me.  Mohair and alpaca are too itchy.   I have cashmere sweaters that are almost 20 years old and still going strong.  Everlane cashmere has worked well for me. Olive Green on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346868 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 23:10:48 +0000 Olive Green 2346868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I recall reading about the Mongolian herders only wearing the cashmere next to their skin, and they much preferred cashmere clothing to all other wools. It kept them properly warm and did not chafe, unlike, say, merino. Kind of charmed by the luxe practicality of the shepherds. I prefer the washable merino sport wools for winter wear.  I do think a hefty wool sweater is a staple in most style tribes.  Jaime on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346801 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 04:07:51 +0000 Jaime 2346801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not a necessity, but I will never say no to a second hand cashmere sweater in good condition that has survived to the thrift store. I do find some, but not all, cashmere itchy - there are vast quality differences for sure. BrieN on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346799 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 02:13:21 +0000 BrieN 2346799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can't wear cashmere but I linger longingly at the photos of those beautiful sweaters - the fabrications tend to be more sophisticated and the colors have more depth than the manmade fibers I have to wear.  Cee on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346792 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 01:24:22 +0000 Cee 2346792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've worn cashmere for ages and have never had an issue with itching. Just depends on the individual, I guess.  Ket on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346781 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 23:02:16 +0000 Ket 2346781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like cashmere but it has drawbacks as others have mentioned. I don’t see it as a necessity unless living in a lot of cold, damp weather where you need it. And even then, I actually think alpaca is a great alternative. (So is yak though that can be pricey too.) But that’s me speaking as a hand knitter. alpaca doesn’t seem to be mainstream retail. Angie on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346760 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 16:11:49 +0000 Angie 2346760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I run cold, have cold wet grey Winters, and cold Springs. I'm also outside a lot! Not much driving. On foot mostly, braving the elements. Cashmere is a must-for-me! I have a fair bit of cashmere. It keeps me very warm, so I'm nodding along with Irina. Carol, cashmere is absolutely NOT a necessity! Nodding along with Suz. I have clients who are allergic to any type of wool or cashmere. They welcome the manmade fibres, and blends for that reason. Cotton knitwear too, of course. They wear thermals underneath to stay warm.  Anonymous on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346747 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:53:13 +0000 Anonymous 2346747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me a cashmere sweater is a necessity…, for travel. It is light weight to pack and I have always worn one, even in summer in Europe. It layers well with other pieces and under a coat. I usually take black. I clean my own with Dryell in the dryer once a year. Like wool, it does not retain odors. Janet on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346746 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:20:53 +0000 Janet 2346746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The idea of such a specific fabrication as a necessity is a bit odd to me. Someone in Florida likely does not need cashmere. I have a few cashmere items — my most worn are my hats (a sort of floppy beanie-beret hybrid) and scarves (lightweight cashmere blends are good for a bit of warmth without being too heavy). But I have a couple of hoodies and a couple of sweaters too. Quality is not a given with cashmere these days —I just returned a sweater to Nordstrom that was the most beautiful shade of cobalt blue, but felt just vaguely itchy enough with 5-10 minute wear that I knew it would bother me if worn all day. And I’ve seen some cashmere that pills awfully after a single wear. So I buy knitwear in a variety of fabrications and don’t rule out a material if it feels good and seems to have some quality to it. Sometimes a cool pattern or trendy style will attract me, and I have a lower threshold for what I will spend on a more distinctive or trendy and less durable sweater, compared to a solid color classic crew neck or V-neck. I like merino as an alternative to cashmere. Star (Lise) on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346742 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 08:52:58 +0000 Star (Lise) 2346742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I got my first cashmere blend turtleneck a year or two ago.  It was on deep discount.  I love it.  It is very soft on my skin and works in a variety of temperatures.  I use a laundry bag in the washing machine and it is fine.  However I don't believe there are items that are essential for everyone.  It depends on one's own preferences and climate if it is essential.   Suz on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346739 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 06:08:31 +0000 Suz 2346739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Necessity? No one item is a necessity for each person. Well, except some kind of underwear, I guess.  As you've already heard -- much will depend on climate and skin sensitivity/ allergies.  I used to live in a cold 4 season climate like Irina's. I wore cashmere (both second hand and yes, J. Crew, bought new, and Boden) from October through April. In different weights, layered or not. I never had a problem with itching.  In my current more temperate climate, I still wear cashmere but it can itch if I don't layer underneath and/or of the weather is damp or not cold enough. The minute the weather gets dryer and colder -- no itch.  Several of these items in Finds are a decade or more old. I always wash them in the machine on delicate. They do great that way. Cheaper cashmere can pill badly but the only sweater here that does pill a lot is the grey duster. And partly it pills because of straps on bags and seatbelts -- friction. I tend to wear merino more in my current climate. In different weights, it can be worn all year here. I cant wear acrylic -- I perspire in it and it itches me. I do like cotton sweaters if they are high quality but they tend to be heavier and bulkier, as Irina mentioned. For me, they are more for spring/ summer. Not warm enough for winter.  Sloper on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346738 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 03:46:50 +0000 Sloper 2346738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m personally not into somewhat snug fitting, solid color sweaters for my own self, so, I don’t think J Crew cashmere sweaters are a necessity.  The style is fine, just doesn’t work for me. <div> Style of sweater aside, I don’t look for any material specifically, other than avoiding cotton.  Not a fan of droopy stretchy cotton sweaters. I actually have a Yak sweater that is a bit itchy but I fell for the style.  And no pills!  One cashmere cardigan that is super nice (Brooks Bros) - a miracle of softness.  One cashmere cardigan that pilled so horribly the first time I wore it, I donated it (J Crew 2010 actually).</div> Sal on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346731 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 01:15:16 +0000 Sal 2346731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t own any - wool is much more prevalent especially now merino. You can buy cashmere but it’s very very pricey. I mostly choose wool for warmth- occasionally some sort of fleece for casual wear. phoebe on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346725 Fri, 08 Dec 2023 23:51:36 +0000 phoebe 2346725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Echoing Irina, except that by April it is starting to be too warm to wear in my climate Anonymous on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346721 Fri, 08 Dec 2023 23:42:16 +0000 Anonymous 2346721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Allergic- so nope! They look nice, but not worth the itch, so I stick to cotton. I don't layer under my pullover sweaters, so they have to be comfortable. Normally I just wear long sleeve t's or thin turtlenecks in winter though. Jenni NZ on "Is cashmere a necessity?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-cashmere-a-necessity#post-2346719 Fri, 08 Dec 2023 23:33:27 +0000 Jenni NZ 2346719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well I am 62 years old and have never had one so for me definitely not a necessity! However I come from a sheep farming country where wool has always been what you buy for warmth. I have lots of merino and other wool knitwear so that is the necessity for me. Of course cashmere can be bought here but I have never looked for it. I imagine it’s more expensive than wool.