https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:33:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere/page/2#post-1155103 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 18:09:03 +0000 christieanne 1155103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a few older cashmere sweaters that have held up beautifully - Michael Kors (bought from Jeremy's for a steal) and Land's End. If only the LE weren't styled so traditional they make a great durable product. <br />It's the thinner, fuzzier weave that seems not to last. Very disappointing as even "cheap" cashmere isn't really cheap. If it is a one or two season item, yo might as well buy a blend of something else at a lower price. Great brands should think more about quality if they want consumer loyalty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere/page/2#post-1155083 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 17:36:31 +0000 Janet 1155083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My recently-bought JCrew cashmere hoodie is pilling a bit, and so is the Lord &amp; Taylor one. It's not horrible, because I have worn them fairly frequently, but it's annoying. I've just ordered a new sweater shaver since my old one bit the dust a year ago. I find I'm wearing my sweaters more this year than last, so I think I'm noticing the pilling more.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere/page/2#post-1155081 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 17:33:47 +0000 Vicki 1155081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I'm so glad you brought this up, because I want to find a nice navy blue cashmere sweater and I thought about Equipment (thanks, Rae!)&nbsp;and would be interested in hearing what other lines are worth a look, long-lasting and hold up well.</p> <p>There's always combing with a Dritz sweater comb, but what an annoyingly bum deal to have to do this with something so new.</p> <p>Happily surprised to see you, Jonesy! </p> <p>IK, your list is outstanding and thank you for sharing it. &nbsp;I've also read that TSE is a nice brand.</p> <p>I just went over and saw&nbsp;Deb's thread which has so many good cashmere links.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere/page/2#post-1155076 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 17:25:25 +0000 MsMary 1155076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, the girls over at Corporette rave about Everlane for all kinds of knitwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1155073 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 17:22:33 +0000 ironkurtin 1155073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You don't need to sacrifice snuggle! Pillage for vintage! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1155033 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 16:23:09 +0000 catgirl 1155033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the commiseration and suggestions, ladies.&nbsp; I do have a sweater shaver that will be put to use, but the tunic is so thin it won't take long to shave right through it.&nbsp; :(&nbsp; </p> <p>I do like merino but I don't find it quite as snuggly and cozy, probably the same reason it pills less.&nbsp; Sigh.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1155020 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 15:52:35 +0000 Diana 1155020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, one more note. &nbsp;<i>Cashmere is not a crisp knit, nor should it be.</i> &nbsp;A little fuzzing/halo is normal, even on a good sweater, and it's what makes it soft. &nbsp;But it shouldn't form ugly, wormy pills. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1155016 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 15:48:57 +0000 Diana 1155016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Boo to cheap cashmere. I must say that I've looked around (not very hard) at this year's cashmere offerings and been disappointed even with the quality on the rack. &nbsp;I don't think the current trend towards feather weight and other thin cashmere sweaters is a good idea. &nbsp;Cashmere is by nature a weak fiber (compared to other wools) which is what makes it soft. &nbsp;I think a lot of manufacturers are making super thin, loosely knit&nbsp;ones nowadays to save on fiber costs, but it also means they are super prone to holes. &nbsp;ETA: If you hold it up and can see through it, put it back on the rack! &nbsp;</p> <p>Merino is weak too but it's cheaper so generally merino sweaters are more tightly knit and thicker, which adds strength.</p> <p>If you want a stronger but still thin and soft sweater&nbsp;I recommend cashmere/silk or merino/silk blend. &nbsp;(Not very common these days though.)</p> <p>Oh, and Una, as a last ditch effort: try shaving your pills with an actual razor (like for shaving your legs). &nbsp;Sometimes that can get pills off that nothing else can. &nbsp;A bit scary though to take a razor to your sweater! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154912 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 09:16:53 +0000 Ingunn 1154912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My navy Eric Bombard sweater is 70% cashmere, 30% silk and holds up well. DH's 100% cashmere from EB is also a good qality and has held up fine through a lot of wear over the past year. I wouldn't hesitate to get another one from that brand. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154905 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 08:39:12 +0000 Ornella 1154905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been an educational thread PLUS I almost fainted - Jonesy is back! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154900 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 07:44:16 +0000 rae 1154900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everlane, really? I'm intrigued and impressed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154886 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 07:10:49 +0000 deb 1154886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did you see my research <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cashmere-problems" rel="nofollow">pos</a>t? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154861 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 05:44:41 +0000 ironkurtin 1154861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cashmere brands that I recommend:<br /> Inhabit<br /> Malo<br /> TSE, TSE Say, TSE Surface<br /> Lutz and Patmos (now defunct but can be found via resale)<br /> Katayone Adeli (ditto, be warned runs very small)<br /> Everlane<br /> Christopher Fisher<br /> Vintage: anything with Hawick or Hawicko in the name, Dalton, Pringle, Lyle &amp; Scott, Altmann, Lord and Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel, Barneys</p> <p>I find JCrew, Vince, Autumn Cashmere, Qi, and others to be of spotty quality. Feel them first - do they feel substantial? Then do the rub test. Take the hem and rub briskly for 15-30 seconds. If you raise any fibers, pass.</p> <p>I'll jump back in if I remember others. I really love cashmere. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154853 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 05:19:56 +0000 Adelfa 1154853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have cashmere that is 30 years old with no pills. So it's not the fiber itself. I have a new sweater that's Aqua that's not pilling. At the same price point ($200), the sweater I got DD for Christmas 2012 from AT has pilled horribly. Price doesn't correlate with pills. It seems like cashmere is a risk. Buy from a place where you can return it if it does.</p> <p>I hate all this because I love cashmere! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154846 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 05:08:35 +0000 Suz 1154846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, my really "pilly" sweater is a blend. And it was cheap. So I am not surprised and will live with it. But I have a better sweater that I got at Winner's!&nbsp;</p> <p>My best cashmere has come from my husband. Old -- really old --&nbsp;&nbsp;turtleneck sweaters of his, bought in England in the 70s! --&nbsp;&nbsp;that I still wear. The only problem is that they are <b>SO</b> heavy and warm, I really only wear them for skating.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154782 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 03:13:38 +0000 Thistle 1154782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear ya! I had hoped the cashmere I bought would last much longer and better than it has. *sigh*</p> <p>If I could find cashmere that reliably didn't pull and look ratty, I would pay more for it. But so far, I have not necessarily been able to equate price with quality. But then, I have not ventured into the $500+ cashmere either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154773 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 03:06:57 +0000 rae 1154773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Feedback says Equipment cashmere holds up better than other brands of similar price point. Other than that, Scottish or Mongolian is the way to go... and if it is in any way edgy or cool in style, expect it to be $$$$$. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154767 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 03:01:44 +0000 April 1154767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Isle of Skye website (Scottish cashmere)&nbsp;says this: &nbsp;"<span>The short fibers of lower quality cashmere create the "pills" that are a telltale sign of lower cost, poor quality cashmere sweaters."</p> <p>All well and good, but it must be said that&nbsp;their truly fine cashmere isn't particularly stylish...</p> <p></span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154751 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 02:34:25 +0000 catgirl 1154751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine is 100% but none of it is that old school quality cashmere from back when I couldn't afford it.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154747 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 02:26:36 +0000 Gigi 1154747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have any cashmere, except for a sweater skirt that has only 5% cashmere. I had wanted to get some but will now think twice. For those of you who posted here about problems with pilling, was your cashmere a blend? Or was it 100% cashmere? I'm wondering about Jonesy's comment regarding pilling being increased in a blend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154737 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 02:10:44 +0000 Caro in Oz 1154737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.emzegsteppe.com/cashmere-faq.html">http://www.emzegsteppe.com/cashmere-faq.html</a></p> <p>This may help. My old cashmere is still great but I've not had much luck with anything made in China, even if it is Italian yarn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154691 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:47:50 +0000 ironkurtin 1154691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Vince cashmere is crap.&nbsp; Especially for that price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154681 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:39:43 +0000 catgirl 1154681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri, my Joie sweaters are holding up really well so far.&nbsp; I just got them dry cleaned and am going to pick them up - will reinspect.&nbsp; Sorry yours is not holding up!&nbsp; I'm finding darker colors to hold up better, weirdly.&nbsp; GRRR.&nbsp; My Vince sweaters are pilling like mad though!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154679 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:37:00 +0000 ironkurtin 1154679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very good cashmere does not pill like that.&nbsp; Very good cashmere is also hard to find and expensive.</p> <p>Sorry, Una. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154678 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:35:30 +0000 Peri 1154678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I'm actually grieving a little over my Joie sweater. It is looking fuzzing, mostly down the left side...and I haven't even worn it driving or anything where I could blame the seatbelt. I've worn it probably 6 times, and it was so NOT cheap. That sweater is the most expensive single item I've ever bought. It isn't horrible, and I love it so I will continue to wear, but I was hoping for better wear.</p> <p>On the flip side, my Nordstrom collection cashmere, which was about half the price...something like $130...is not showing wear nearly as much, and I have worn it just as often.</p> <p>So who knows? It seems random. But has your Joie shown fuzzing? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154674 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:27:08 +0000 catgirl 1154674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aw, Suz - I feel your pain!&nbsp; And your joy at seeing JONESY on the forum!&nbsp; We miss you, Jonesy!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154673 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:26:38 +0000 Joyce B 1154673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it's from Nordstroms you can probably return it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154672 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:23:51 +0000 Suz 1154672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy!!!! &lt;faints with fuchsia crash helmet in pleasure....&gt;</p> <p>Una, I am so with you.&nbsp;</p> <p>One of my Halogen sweaters (the dot one) is the same. The first one I bought had a big hole so I exchanged it -- that should have taught me -- it pills like mad. Angie has the same sweater, as does Sveta, but I am not sure if it has pilled as badly for them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154668 Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:16:40 +0000 Jonesy 1154668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I read this article maybe 2 months ago (can't find it now, of course) written by this expert on natural fibers, yarns, knitting, etc. She said that cashmere is oftentimes prone to pilling, especially if it's blended with other softer fibers, and recommends merino wool instead if you want durability, softness, and warmth. I have a few merino sweaters that are maybe 15 years old and don't have any pilling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-done-with-cheap-cashmere#post-1154661 Fri, 31 Jan 2014 23:46:13 +0000 annagybe 1154661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no, it was an old one, cheapie from sample sale site. But it was less than two, perhaps only even one year old.<br /> I plan to buy a new Black Goat 4-ply hoodie in grey, next time I'm in Vancouver or Whistler. </p>