https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:05:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere/page/2#post-1444866 Fri, 20 Feb 2015 15:21:49 +0000 Style Fan 1444866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I have a Magaschoni cashmere sweater not True Character.&nbsp; Only one is True Character.&nbsp; I am in Florida that is why I forgot this.&nbsp; Both are great but I love, love the Magaschoni hoodie.&nbsp; Wish I had it right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere/page/2#post-1444859 Fri, 20 Feb 2015 15:04:02 +0000 Minnie 1444859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Magaschoni cashmere is the best I own. I have a couple of their sweaters that are years old, have been worn over and over, have no pilling, hold their shape&nbsp;and still look beautiful.<br />The absolute worst performers for me have been sweaters by Pure Collection:<br />Wear twice and throw away. Horrible quality, extreme pilliing and fuzzing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere/page/2#post-1444820 Fri, 20 Feb 2015 13:39:58 +0000 chadya 1444820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think in general the quality of cashmere has declined unless you are buying in the $$$$+ area.<br />Chinese mills have pushed for the quick production and I don't think the goats are very happy. just MO</p> <p>Use Eucalan to wash your sweaters, it does not need rinsing so its&nbsp; very easy to do.<br />&nbsp;OnIy COLD water and hand wash cycle, !! <br />I&nbsp; put mine in a mesh bag and use the machine. Then air dry.&nbsp; <br />You can get Eucalan at a yarn shop if there is one near you </p> <p><a href="http://old.eucalan.com/" rel="nofollow">http://old.eucalan.com/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere/page/2#post-1444244 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 01:48:26 +0000 Grey Rainbow 1444244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eric Bompard is my go-to. Not as inexpensive as some, but worth the cost for colors, and longevity. When they have their sales, the prices drop below Vince and EF. Sign up online to get not he mailing list; annual winter sale just ended 2/17 (began 1/2). I've ordered from France with no problems: no duties, no customs delays, and quicker shipping than Nordstrom's recent pace. Around Thanksgiving annually they offer a sale with free international shipping. </p> <p>Vince, great style but look shoddy after a year. Pilling and an overall worn look. Even Twice wouldn't take the last two.</p> <p>EF, I have two cashmere cardigans that are wearing well, in two different weights. Pricey, better value on sale. </p> <p>I machine wish all cashmere on hand wash setting, as EB advises. Makes the knit even softer over time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere/page/2#post-1444201 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:22:15 +0000 jackiec 1444201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great thread, I'm coming back to read it more closely. I've discovered that I'm very much a cashmere sweater girl too, after never ever ever owning cashmere in my life. I could live in jeans and cashmere forever. I have a couple of Vince cashmere sweaters that have held up pretty well over the past year. I also have a Rino Rossi one that I picked up at Winners a couple of years ago, and I absolutely love it. It's worn really well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere/page/2#post-1444195 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:07:53 +0000 lamireille 1444195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought I read that repeated dry cleaning makes cashmere scratchy--anybody with experience with that? I always wash my cashmere by hand, with shampoo (it's hair, after all) or even (believe it or not) in the washing machine, inside one of those bags meant for washing delicates. Caveat--although I've never had a problem putting it in the washing machine (it gets a little softer from the felting), I would only do that with my thrift store/eBay finds. I would NOT recommend that anybody do this with a favorite sweater. I've even put too-big cashmere sweaters in the dryer and they come out a little bit smaller but softer and thicker&nbsp;than before. (For those who like their cashmere to stay smooth and/or thin, don't do this, obviously. I like it with a little loft.) After that, I hand or machine wash but air dry.&nbsp;<br />It's not unusual at all for cashmere sweaters to show up at my local Goodwill (in fact, the one I wore yesterday came from there--Kirkland brand, and gorgeously soft after a washer/dryer treatment). A thrift store find would probably be the best way to experiment with the washer and dryer; again, I've never had bad luck with washing cashmere that way, but I'd feel terrible if anybody else did.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere/page/2#post-1444129 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 21:52:55 +0000 Thistle 1444129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't know that about the white fibers, Tulle, I will certainly keep that in mind!!</p> <p>As for those who find cashmere itchy, frankly, I was in that boat until I "splurged" for a cashmere sweater from Talbots.&nbsp; Better cashmere is not itchy, and I have hyper sensative skin that won't tolerate much other than cotton and silk. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere/page/2#post-1444085 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:52:10 +0000 catseye 1444085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uniqlo cashmere are pretty good at a lower price point. I like them better than Jcrew for example.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere/page/2#post-1444057 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 18:27:40 +0000 tulle 1444057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I do love cashmere sweaters, and live in them from October to May.&nbsp; Here's my experience:&nbsp; &nbsp; J. Crew sweaters come in interesting colors and styles, but the quality of their cashmere has declined sharply in the last 5 years, and all of my recent purchases have pilled badly right from the start.&nbsp; Land's End used to have amazing cashmere, but their product, too, has declined. If you can afford cashmere from any of the great Scottish firms, you won't regret it; unfortunately, their styles are not always up to date.&nbsp; I had a pleasant surprise this Winter when I ordered a (very affordable) sweater from Zara--thick, soft, a gorgeous pale shade, and not pilling so far.&nbsp; If you have narrow hips, try the Men's sweater department of any department store for classic v-necks--great quality and colors.&nbsp; Macy's store brand Charter House has nice mid-range cashmere for everyday which goes on sale at Winter's end for ridiculously low prices. If you don't mind hunting, try thrift shops, where a high-end cashmere sweater can sell for $5-$20; a small mothhole can be easily dealt with by taking small stitches (no knots) from the back of the fabric with regular thread to match.&nbsp; I've rescued many beautiful sweaters this way, including vintage ones from Scotland--definitely worth saving. Finally, here's a secret:&nbsp; white or pale shades of cashmere yarns are made from the softer, whiter belly fleece, dark &amp; black ones generally from the coarser fibers, so light colored&nbsp;sweaters are usually softer and loftier than dark ones.&nbsp; Yum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere/page/2#post-1444045 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 18:01:16 +0000 kkards 1444045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>late to this post, but i wanted to add everlane to this list. great price/ value. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere/page/2#post-1444043 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 18:00:25 +0000 Style Fan 1444043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the information.&nbsp; I have 3 cashmere sweaters.&nbsp; I bought 2 over 10 years ago and 1 about 8 years ago.&nbsp; The 2 oldest are True Character and have not piled and do not have holes.&nbsp; The cashmere is thick and soft.&nbsp; They have held up great.&nbsp; The other one I bought in England and is Pringles of Scotland.&nbsp; It also is like new.&nbsp; No holes or piling.&nbsp; The first 2 were very expensive but obviously worth it.&nbsp; The Pringles one was not as expensive but still spendy and worth it.</p> <p>I would like another one but I don't know what brand.&nbsp; I may try Nordstrom.</p> <p></p> <p>Thanks again.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443977 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 15:34:46 +0000 retailgirl 1443977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To Ann in New England: I know it's better to wash your cashmere but I'm kind of lazy and it's easier to dry clean. But I've heard of Eucalan, a knitter friend told me about it. I only dry clean sweaters that get layered over shirts once a season, and tnecks and shells after several wears. But maybe I'll try to wash some before I put them away for the summer. ( whenever that may be!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443819 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 03:51:30 +0000 ma342 1443819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My best recent cashmere purchases have been Johnston's of Elgin. Made in Scotland and insanely expensive at retail, but previous season's colors/styles are available for massive discounts at Sierra Trading Post (sign up for their emails to get additional coupons). Traditional styling (shorter, more fitted). Less soft than other cashmere sweaters at first, but soften up more and more with each wash. They have not pilled at all yet. </p> <p>I have a Pure Collection sweater, which was softer to start out, but also pilled badly within a couple wearings. I keep using a sweater shaver on it, which makes it wearable, but it's a real pain to have to do it after every wearing. Also, it's stretched out a bit with wear--this is after just a year.</p> <p>The Lands End sweater I got as a gift 8-9 years ago was amazing--thick, never pilled, and just got softer with age. It's too small for me now, but I keep it to wear around the house (and because if I ever lose 20 lbs, I would be sad if I'd tossed it!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443812 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 03:38:08 +0000 Anonymous 1443812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had good luck with a 360 Cashmere brand pullover. Halogen has been mixed. A couple of long cardigans from about 3 years ago have not pilled. A couple of newer pullovers pill more but not so badly that a sweater shaver can't keep up with it. My worst piller is an EF cardigan . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443810 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 03:31:48 +0000 Roxanna 1443810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle , you read my mind! I own lots of cashmere and was going to post a similar thread. I find J crew cashmere to be thin and pull easily , but the J Crew collection items are usually better. Also, Club Monaco usually puts out one or two double thick cashmere sweaters a year that are good quality and don't pill a lot. Also vintage is great for finding good quality cashmere, but not always stylish. I'm interested in trying the Brora and Bompard labels mentioned here... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443802 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 03:19:23 +0000 Jaime 1443802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is not so helpful shopping wise, but I have found vintage Ballantyne cashmere shockingly good. Also Stefan Green. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443772 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 02:00:11 +0000 Aquamarine 1443772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no cashmere but I have lots of wool and alpaca. I appreciate this information...thanks for sharing everyone. It's been a brutally cold winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443769 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 01:43:24 +0000 Glory 1443769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Thistle for the summary. I do not have any cashmere because I just cannot bear the itch.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443766 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 01:39:45 +0000 Echo 1443766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, I feel like the only person with this issue, but my only cashmere sweater (and my cashmere gloves) got holes. Apparently I need to invest in either mothballs or vacuum bags to pack things in over the summer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443762 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 01:28:46 +0000 Ann in New England 1443762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@retailgirl, I hand wash (or machine wash on a "hand-wash setting) my cashmere. You can get no-rinse wool wash from any yarn store (or online). Eucalan is my favorite. It saves so much money, and is better for your sweaters. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443761 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 01:27:53 +0000 Thistle 1443761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally considering this in Ocean or Mermaid (they male colors are a lot different than what I would expect. Must be because the brand is European?)</p> <p><a href="http://www.brorausa.com/Product/Product.aspx?WebShopCodeStr=S5&amp;WebSegmentCodeStr=S1&amp;WebCategoryCodeStr=C5&amp;StyleCodeStr=MQJ09" rel="nofollow">http://www.brorausa.com/Produc.....eStr=MQJ09</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443758 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 01:24:40 +0000 Thistle 1443758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not, but those are two more places I should try&nbsp; :)</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443757 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 01:23:42 +0000 K.M. 1443757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for this post. I don't have anything cashmere other than a pair of Garnet Hill socks (and they are itchy--but warm).<br />I always look at cashmere in the catalogs and wonder if it's worth the investment. From the discussion here, it clearly is! <br />Has anyone tried cashmere from Boden or Garnet Hill? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443755 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 01:18:30 +0000 retailgirl 1443755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have some Brooks Brothers cashmere that is wonderful; soft and just the right weight. I have Lauren Ralph Lauren cashmeres that are 10 plus years old that are great, too. I'm sure I've spent more on dry cleaning than the original cost of the sweater! ( I don' t see them on the website anymore.) I have some Charter Club that are just OK. I'm a Talbots shopper but I don't have any Talbots cashmere. I agree with Thistle, there is nothing like cashmere for cozy warmth. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443742 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 01:02:45 +0000 Jjsloane 1443742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The best I have are very old (hence the fact they are still good) and from Banana Republic via a consignment store and Lands End (before Sears bought them). I agree Halogen is a nightmare. I have one from Uniqlo that is a dream and another not so much. They were very inexpensive.&nbsp;I have a theory sweater from consignment that is a pilling disaster.&nbsp;&nbsp;I don't have any jcrew cashmere but have tons of their merino and find them to fit my bust quite nicely. Lord &amp; Taylor's seems nice, but I have not given it the time test. I'm always curious about Pure collection, but have not ordered from them either.&nbsp;<br />I kind of think it may be a hit or miss situation&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443728 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 00:34:48 +0000 Thistle 1443728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hadn't thought about men's. There stuff seems better made in general as they consider the decade old shirt finally broken in! (Maybe that is just my DH). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443692 Tue, 17 Feb 2015 22:28:04 +0000 judy 1443692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a cashmere fan too...and also have been very disappointed in recent years with the quality...both high and low prices. &nbsp;I have a sister who swears by only Scottish cashmere and she scouts the men's departments at TJ Maxx to find it! &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443690 Tue, 17 Feb 2015 22:22:07 +0000 Ann in New England 1443690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've got a luscious Nordstrom Collection cashmere sweater waiting to be returned. It's too big, and I have decided not to size down and instead put the money toward spring clothes.&nbsp;<br />I have a bunch of Charter Club cashmere from Macy's. I went a little crazy two Christmases ago, and bought 5 or 6 v-necks. 3 of them have since gotten holes, all in the same place -- right in the front stomach area. I think they may be moth holes, since I had them folded on a shelf in my cedar closet (that evidently needs the cedar refreshed). They do pill, and after two winters are looking a bit ragged.<br />The good news is that I demoted the holey sweaters to pajamas and I now sleep in cashmere. Tops, anyway. I will continue until the holes get to be too bad.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443682 Tue, 17 Feb 2015 22:04:38 +0000 AM 1443682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Many thanks for this post. I love cashmere and any tips on quality are much appreciated. I purchased a few this year but didn't wear enough to give feedback. I seemed to have gone for the large wooly sweaters this winter. But again, thanks for this post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-about-cashmere#post-1443680 Tue, 17 Feb 2015 21:57:38 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1443680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I&nbsp;picked up a Gap cashmere sweater a month or so back - it was on sale and I had a reward so I thought I'd try it.&nbsp; I'm impressed by the weight and softness and it feels wonderful on. I&nbsp;haven't worn it yet, because it was 60 degrees for a while here in Denver, but it's on deck to wear this week, so I'll be able to see&nbsp;if it wears well soon.&nbsp; </p>