https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:26:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062456 Fri, 25 Oct 2013 01:34:25 +0000 Angie 1062456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a huge fan of 100% cashmere, and have lots of it.&nbsp;I have fussy skin and it does not itch at all. Unfortunately, I do break the bank purchasing it - but have found it worth every penny.&nbsp;I also take my cashmere&nbsp;to the cleaners and really look after my stuff so that it all stays looking pristine and polished for a long time. (I am anal about how I look after our clothes).&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062211 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 21:11:14 +0000 DeclawedJaguar 1062211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pastrygirl, I wonder if you are sensitive to lanolin. I am, and even the softest wool makes my skin itchy and red. I also do have to take showers after a haircut, because one stray hair on my skin&nbsp;will drive me mad. I still do wear wool sweaters though, because living in a cold climate, nothing keeps me as warm as wool. Layering under&nbsp;seems like a small compromise to stay toasty.</p> <p>Thank you for asking this question, Diane.&nbsp;I haven't had any good cashmere in my life yet, but certainly hope to one day, and this thread has been very informative.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062186 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 20:30:33 +0000 pastrygirl 1062186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm surprised by anyone saying it's not itchy at all. It is just as itchy to me as any other wool/animal hair/etc. I can't wear cashmere, even with a layer underneath.</p> <p>(But I also feel like I'm on fire after a hair cut, even if it's just one tiny hair bit caught in my shirt. I have to shower right away! And I can't wear padded/foam-y bras to get hair cuts. DISASTER. Can never wear it again until I get every last hair out of the padding.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062179 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 20:26:47 +0000 catgirl 1062179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am on a cashmere binge this winter! Well just one sweater bought so far but am on the lookout for a hoodie and just ordered a poncho. </p> <p>For my climate I find cashmere to be incredibly warm for the weight, which means less bulk. Also it breathes well. Merino has a more dry feel to me which is okay but not as luxurious against the skin when you are cold! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062110 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 18:41:43 +0000 Anonymous 1062110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, you are making me think about a blend I think Diana mentioned it too. I do get the dreaded hot moments! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062106 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 18:39:20 +0000 cciele 1062106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find merino to be more itchy than cashmere. Cashmere is quite soft and warm for its weight. It does come at a price, but I've also had experience with pilling in expensive pieces (Inhabit sweaters, I'm looking at you).</p> <p>I'd look into silk or cotton cashmere blends. Luxury and warmth at a lower price point! I rarely wear 100% cashmere because it is too hot for me.</p> <p>Good luck in your search! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062090 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 18:23:23 +0000 Anonymous 1062090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry, cross posted Gaylene and Tracey. Many thanks! </p> <p>ETA, thank you for all the great links Gaylene you are a star!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062089 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 18:22:40 +0000 Anonymous 1062089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Firstly let me say, apologies for not chiming in for hours. I came back from the hairdressers starving, so had an early evening meal :)<br />Thank you so much everyone for the fabulous facts and advice. <br />I've read all the replies thoroughly and will probably have to re-read too! Lots of good info. I must say cashmere does sound lovely and I feel better armed to find the right piece. At this point I'm not sure how much I can justify on spending on a lovely sweater. I always like good quality and It sounds like it comes at a price. Living in the UK I can try some of the British companies Diana mentioned and also MrsMoo (I think you're in the UK too?) mentioned Woolovers who I've heard of.<br />Thanks to IK who suggested a good way of 'testing' the yarn and to tammyw who mentioned the sweatercomb because I need one of those now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062085 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 18:19:09 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1062085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nothing to add for advice but do want to say that i got my first cashmere last year and would love another! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062080 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 18:09:19 +0000 Gaylene 1062080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love wearing both merino wool and cashmere, but I do think it's important to know a bit about each product if you want to get your money's worth.</p> <p>Lisa (<i>Privilege</i>) has posted some good background information about cashmere and given a good description of the difference between a Lands End cashmere sweater and a Brora (my personal favourite) sweater. Her opinions are just that--opinions-and others may disagree with her assessments, but her posts are worth reading for the information she provides:<br /><a href="http://amidprivilege.com/2009/12/how-to-find-choose-buy-and-understand-cashmere-sweaters-goats-are-involved-2/" rel="nofollow">http://amidprivilege.com/2009/.....oats-are-i</a><br /><a href="http://amidprivilege.com/2012/01/great-2012-cashmere-comparison/" rel="nofollow">http://amidprivilege.com/2012/.....omparison/</a><br /><a href="http://amidprivilege.com/2012/09/cashmere-sweaters-buttonfront-shirts/" rel="nofollow">http://amidprivilege.com/2012/.....nt-shirts/</a><br /><em><br /></em>The website<em> Intelligent Life (</em>a lifestyle and culture magazine from <em>The Economist</em>) also had a good article on the differences between various price points of cashmere:<em><br /><a href="http://moreintelligentlife.com/content/intelligent-life/sceptical-shopper-cashmere" rel="nofollow">http://moreintelligentlife.com.....r-cashmere</a></p> <p></em>Merino wool is also a lovely product that is also found at different price points and quality levels.&nbsp; Again, I'd shop around and try on different manufacturers instead of automatically assuming that a merino wool sweater would be too scratchy to wear next to your skin. I find my&nbsp; J Crew <i>Tippi</i> merino wool sweaters are as soft and comfortable as my cashmere sweaters.</p> <p>I'll second the advice to home launder cashmere and merino wool sweaters. In my opinion, it keeps the sweaters softer while dry cleaning tends to make the sweaters scratchier over time. I also like wearing a clean sweater, especially if it's next to my skin, so I generally wash my sweaters after 4-6 wearings.</p> <p>I do differ, though, on the advice that a higher ply in cashmere sweater means a better sweater. Several of my cashmere sweaters are 2-ply Brora ones that are a fine, but tight knit. They wear like iron without pilling. On the other hand, I've seen inexpensive sweaters that claim to be 6-ply but were knit so loosely that I doubt they'd last a season. A thick, soft hand isn't a good way to judge quality. The heavy-ply/loose knit is often the reason behind the excessive pilling, fuzziness, and stretching that Marmee describes. Maybe OK for a bathrobe, but probably not a very elegant look on the street. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062072 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:57:30 +0000 Thistle 1062072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can wear 100% cashmere without itch. I cannot wear wool without a layer between me and the wool.</p> <p>I just recently discovered I could wear cashmere as I always thought it was the same as wool. And now, I am smitten. *sigh* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062071 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:56:42 +0000 Greyscale 1062071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glory, it really varies from person to person. I think that some people's skin actually reacts to wool/cashmere - it's not just the physical sensation. I might be wrong about that, though.</p> <p>Some things that affect the itchiness are how smooth the threads are (long fibers make smoother threads that have fewer poky bits), how well the wool/cashmere was washed during processing (often before spinning the yarn), and I'm sure other things. So, cashmere isn't always itch-free even for me. I have a Gap cashmere sweater (obviously on the low price end) that is fine for me but many people would consider too itchy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062069 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:52:13 +0000 Glory 1062069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cashmere is not itchy??? I have shied away from it for fear of the itch. I am so sensitive to it. Is that all cashmere? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062035 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:11:30 +0000 Mrs Moo 1062035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Diane,</p> <p>I've used this site before:</p> <p><a href="http://www.woolovers.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.woolovers.com/</a></p> <p>and will echo the above comments about there being many different levels of cashmere quality. I've found blends from M&amp;S and supposedly 'designer' ones from tkmaxx to be pretty poor quality actually and not last at all before going thin and bobbly. </p> <p>Feels delightful though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1062014 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:45:10 +0000 Greyscale 1062014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm also on Team Merino. Cashmere is wonderful, but I run hot and cashmere is too warm for the climate here.&nbsp;I have a cashmere tank top that I love, but for most things I prefer merino. One key thing is that I don't mind wool against my skin. I know that itchiness is a huge reason why most people prefer cashmere.</p> <p>Interesting advice here about washing vs drycleaning. I gave up on drycleaning sweaters&nbsp;because of cost and effort, but I didn't realize there were some actual reasons not to do it! I do find that sweaters look different after washing in water, even carefully, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1061996 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:30:38 +0000 unfrumped 1061996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do like cashmere thought I've probably not searched out the highest quality.</p> <p>As sort of a tangent, and maybe should be a different thread, I like merino a lot&nbsp;and think perhaps I should focus more on that and not get too drawn into the yearly&nbsp; &nbsp;cashmere rapture. Meaning, I can wear wool for 3 seasons and merino is a bit less "I'm a fuzzy winter sweater," which sometimes I like, and also can have a nice bit of drape/fluidity even when not oversized. They each have a role in my wardrobe, but the hype is always toward cashmere. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1061981 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:12:34 +0000 tammyw 1061981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree about sometimes the most expensive cashmere pilling. I've had expensive sweaters from Eileen Fisher pill. So disappointing!</p> <p>I've yet to find a sweater shaver that had good recommendations. I think I need to look again. </p> <p></p> <p>ETA: Just did a quick search and it seems most places recommend using "The Sweater Comb" instead of a shaver.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1061968 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:58:31 +0000 ATLynn 1061968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have little to add to the great advice that you've gotten above.&nbsp; But I did want to chime in and say that that one of my favorite winter indulgences is demoting pilly cashmere sweaters to loungewear or sleepwear. So soft, so warm, so cozy.&nbsp; &nbsp; It makes me feel extravagent, even if I'm wearing 3 year old $40 cashmere purchased at TJ Maxx. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1061940 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:39:00 +0000 Marmee 1061940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that Diana's advice is excellent. &nbsp;I will add that I've purchased some less expensive cashmere pieces that have unexpectedly lasted without pilling, as well as some really expensive cashmere pieces that pill. &nbsp;I have a very expensive (purchased on sale though) cardigan that is thick, but&nbsp;the yarn is kind of knit loosely, and it started pilling immediately. &nbsp;When I finally got around to return it to the fancy schmancy boutique where I purchased it, they offered a 20% discount (which I thought was fabulous, given my delinquency!), and the advice that I should buy a sweater shaver. &nbsp;I still haven't purchased the shaver, and wear the sweater like a short bathrobe now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1061936 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:35:29 +0000 ironkurtin 1061936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love cashmere but I do not buy cheap cashmere ever. &nbsp;It pills far too much. &nbsp;Brands I find are generally high quality:<br />- Inhabit<br />- TSE (and TSeSurface, TseSay, etc.)<br />- Neiman Marcus and Henri Bendel&nbsp;house brands<br />- Cristopher Fischer<br />- Calypso<br />- Malo<br />Many of these can be found used in thrift stores or eBay without spending a lot.</p> <p>I use the hand test to see if cashmere is worth it. &nbsp;Take the hem or other usually hidden area and rub it briskly between your fingers. &nbsp;If it feels slimy, or if it pills right away, pass.</p> <p>And I second never dry cleaning cashmere. &nbsp;I wash mine on gentle and cold, inside out inside pillowcases, with shampoo in the washing machine, and shape and hang to dry. Then 15 minutes on a fluff cycle. &nbsp;Works great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1061926 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:29:28 +0000 Diana 1061926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cashmere is delightful, soft and not itchy at all.&nbsp; That said, there's a huge range in quality and price.</p> <p>The best cashmere is Scottish, but it also costs an arm and a leg.&nbsp; Brands like Johnston's, Pringle, Kinross, etc.&nbsp; It's really luxurious, soft, and more durable.&nbsp; Cheaper cashmere these days is from China usually (although actually I think most of the fiber comes from China and Mongolia anyway, but the Scottish cashmere in still spun and knit in Scotland, and I think they may get the higher quality fiber from China).&nbsp; I have a Kinross sweater that is old and still going strong, and it feels softer, warmer, and more luxurious than my $60 Uniqlo or even my $250 Autumn Cashmere.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />In general, the more plies the better and more expensive it will be.&nbsp; It will also be warmer and thicker.&nbsp; Plies refers to the number of individual threads that are twisted together to form the yarn.&nbsp; I find that the cheaper ones are generally 2-ply, which is quite weak and prone to pilling.&nbsp; 4-ply is decent, and 8-ply is really nice.&nbsp; </p> <p>Regarding washing, I am a big proponent of NEVER dry cleaning cashmere (unless it's a woven, like a coat or something).&nbsp; Or merino for that matter.&nbsp; Basically, dry cleaning chemicals weaken wool fibers, and short staple fibers like cashmere and merino (essentially the softer ones) are the weakest to start with, plus I just don't like dry cleaning chemicals in general.&nbsp; You do better hand washing (or, if you have a nice washing machine, use the hand wash cycle) without agitation, and then blocking flat to dry.&nbsp; Definitely wash them regularly (especially right before storage) as moths prefer dirty wool.&nbsp; </p> <p>If you want to go for a blend, I would recommend silk-cashmere.&nbsp; In fact I think it's preferable to 100% cashmere if you want something very fine gauge and thin, as the silk is stronger.&nbsp; It has a nice sheen too.&nbsp; I'd go for at least 20% cashmere to get the softness; 50% is really nice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1061868 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 14:19:54 +0000 Day Vies 1061868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not itchy <i><b>at all</b></i>. Look for 4 ply -- expensive but worth it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1061867 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 14:19:36 +0000 rute 1061867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer 100% cashemere. It's not itchy at all.<br />Yes, there are cheap&nbsp;and not so cheap cashemere pieces.<br />advantages:<br />warm<br />not itchy<br />it lasts</p> <p>disadvantages:<br />price</p> <p>Mine are from Massimo Dutti:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.massimodutti.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/duttipt/pt/30220002/756505/2645101/CAMISOLA%2BCOMPRIDA%2BCAXEMIRA%2B100%25">http://www.massimodutti.com/we.....A%2B100%25</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tell-me-about-cashmere#post-1061804 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 12:45:47 +0000 Anonymous 1061804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, a fair few ladies on here mention cashmere in their wardrobes and I have never owned a cashmere&nbsp;knit... However I may like to change that state of affairs and Christmas is a-coming So what should I look for... like, thickness? gauge? Should I go for blends? How do you clean it? Does it shrink? Is it itchy?&nbsp;Do I need to spend more for quality?&nbsp;<br />TIA, ladies!<br /> Sorry to post and run. Got some work to carry on with and&nbsp; then a hair cut. Back to this thread in a while... </p>