The quest for the perfect sweater becomes paramount as the temperature drops and winter’s chill sets in. While it’s tempting to reach for sub-par warmth in your closet, discerning gentlemen know that a premium, best men’s cashmere sweater is the ultimate cold-weather companion.
Cashmere, renowned for its luxurious softness and exceptional insulation, has long been associated with high-end fashion and hefty price tags. However, this perception is increasingly outdated. Today, a range of retailers offer quality cashmere pieces at more accessible price points, making this once-exclusive fabric a realistic option for many.
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From timeless crew necks to sophisticated v-necks and versatile cardigans, the world of men’s cashmere sweaters is diverse and stylish. This guide will explore the best options available, considering factors such as quality, price, and style to help you find the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe.
- Best overall:
- Best crew neck:
- Best affordable:
- Best splurge:
- Best cashmere blend:
- Best half-zip:
- Best pullover:
- Best polo:
- Best V-neck:
- Best turtleneck:
Whether you’re looking to invest in a premium piece or seeking a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, our carefully curated selection has something for every taste and budget. So, let’s delve into the world of men’s cashmere and discover the sweaters that will keep you warm, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish all season long.
Don’t forget to check out our FAQs on all things cashmere for men!
Best Men’s Cashmere Sweaters
Best Overall:
Pros:
- Exceptional quality
- 200-year heritage
- Sustainable practices
Cons:
- You get what you pay for (which is a lot)
Johnstons of Elgin, a renowned Scottish manufacturer, crafts this crew neck jumper from premium-grade cashmere. The sweater features a classic design with exceptional softness and warmth, thanks to the brand’s 200-year heritage in working with fine fibers. Johnstons of Elgin is known for its sustainable practices and direct sourcing from Mongolia, ensuring top-quality cashmere in every garment.
Size range: S-XL | Colors: 9 | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Source: Scotland
Best Crew Neck:
Pros:
- Durable
- Good value for money
- Classic design
Cons:
- Prioritizes longevity over ultimate softness
Lands’ End offers a fine gauge cashmere sweater that combines luxury with durability. The sweater is made from long-staple Inner Mongolian cashmere, known for its softness and resilience. With its classic crew neck design and attention to detail in construction, this sweater provides excellent value for its quality.
Size range: S-XXL | Colors: 9 | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Source: Mongolia
Best Affordable:
Pros:
- Direct sourcing of Grade-A Mongolian cashmere
- Affordable luxury due to direct-to-consumer model
Cons:
- Uses shorter fibers to keep costs down
Quince delivers an affordable luxury with their Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater. The brand sources Grade-A cashmere directly from Mongolia, creating a soft and durable product. This sweater offers the quality of much more expensive brands at a fraction of the price, thanks to Quince’s direct-to-consumer model.
Size range: S-XXL | Colors: 10 | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Source: Inner Mongolia
Best Splurge:
Pros:
- Incredibly soft
- Exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail
Cons:
- Delicate nature may require more careful maintenance
The Row’s Benji Cashmere Sweater exemplifies luxury in its purest form. Crafted from the finest grade cashmere one can get, this sweater boasts exceptional softness and a refined appearance. The Row is known for its meticulous attention to detail and superior craftsmanship, making this sweater a worthwhile investment for those seeking the ultimate in cashmere quality.
Size range: S-XXL | Colors: 4 | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Source: Made in Italy
Best Cashmere Blend:
Pros:
- Blend improves durability and reduces pilling
- More affordable than pure cashmere options
Cons:
- Lower cashmere content means less warmth and softness
Nordstrom’s Cotton & Cashmere Crewneck Sweater gives the perfect balance of comfort and affordability. The blend of cotton and cashmere provides the softness of cashmere with the durability and easy care of cotton. This sweater is an excellent option for those looking to experience the luxurious material without the high maintenance or cost.
Size range: S-XXL | Colors: 8 | Materials: Cotton and Cashmere blend | Source: Not specified
Best Half-Zip:
Pros:
- Uses high-quality cashmere for a luxury department store brand
- Versatile half-zip design for temperature regulation
Cons:
- Zipper design may affect the drape and feel of the cashmere
The Men’s Store at Bloomingdale’s offers a luxurious cashmere half-zip sweater that combines style with functionality. Made from high-quality cashmere, the men’s cashmere pullover sweater features a versatile half-zip design that allows for easy temperature regulation. The brand is known for its commitment to quality and timeless style in its cashmere offerings.
Size range: S-XXL | Colors: 19 | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Source: Not specified
Best Pullover:
Pros:
- Sustainable and ethical sourcing directly from Mongolian herders
- Commitment to high-quality, soft cashmere
Cons:
- May have variations in texture due to minimal processing
Naadam’s Original Cashmere Sweater is crafted from sustainably sourced Mongolian cashmere. The brand works directly with herders to ensure ethical practices and high-quality fibers. This pullover features a classic design with superior softness and durability, showcasing Naadam’s commitment to sustainable luxury.
Size range: XXS-XXL | Colors: 22 | Materials: 100% Grade A Cashmere | Source: Mongolia
Best Polo:
Pros:
- Uses two-ply pure cashmere for enhanced durability
- Italian craftsmanship
Cons:
- Polo style may require denser knit, potentially reducing softness
Luca Faloni’s Polo Sweater combines Italian craftsmanship with premium cashmere. Made from two-ply pure cashmere sourced from Inner Mongolia, this polo offers exceptional softness and durability. The brand is known for its attention to detail and timeless designs, making this polo a luxurious addition to any wardrobe.
Size range: XS-3XL | Colors: 10 | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Source: Made in Northern Italy
Best Men’s Cashmere V-neck Sweater:
Pros:
- 100% pure Mongolian cashmere
- Ethically sourced fibers
Cons:
- Uses a mix of fiber grades to maintain affordability
State Cashmere’s Essential V-Neck Sweater is made from 100% pure Mongolian cashmere. The brand focuses on ethical sourcing and sustainable production methods. This V-neck sweater offers a classic silhouette with the exceptional softness and warmth characteristic of high-quality cashmere.
Size range: XS-XXL | Colors: 10 | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Source: Inner Mongolia
Best Men’s Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater:
Pros:
- Uses premium Italian cashmere
- Modern take on a classic design
Cons:
- Turtleneck style requires a thicker yarn, affecting drape and softness
Todd Snyder’s Nomad Cashmere Turtleneck is crafted from premium Italian cashmere. The brand is known for its modern spins on classic looks, and this turtleneck is no exception. Featuring a luxuriously soft texture and excellent warmth retention, it exemplifies Todd Snyder’s commitment to quality and style.
Size range: XS-XXL | Colors: 5 | Materials: 55% Recycled Cashmere, 42% Cashmere, 3% Wool | Source: Italy
Best Men’s Cashmere Cardigan Sweater:
Pros:
- Sustainably sourced from Inner Mongolia
- Versatile cardigan style
Cons:
- Uses shorter fibers in some areas for structure (and affordability)
J.Crew’s Cashmere V-neck Cardigan is made from sustainably sourced cashmere from Inner Mongolia. The brand emphasizes responsible production and long-lasting quality in its cashmere offerings. This cardigan features a classic design with the softness and warmth that J.Crew’s cashmere is known for.
Size range: XS-XL | Colors: Navy | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Source: Inner Mongolia
Best Cable Knit:
Pros:
- Uses high-quality, long-staple cashmere
- Iconic cable-knit design
Cons:
- Cable knit pattern may reduce the natural drape of cashmere
Polo Ralph Lauren’s Iconic Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater combines classic American style with luxury fibers. Crafted from premium cashmere, this sweater features the brand’s signature cable-knit pattern. Ralph Lauren is renowned for its attention to detail and timeless designs in its cashmere offerings.
Size range: XXS-5XL | Colors: 18 | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Source: Italy
Best Hoodie:
Pros:
- Sustainable use of recycled cashmere fibers
- Unique casual luxury offering
Cons:
- Recycled fibers may not be as soft or uniform as virgin cashmere
James Perse’s Recycled Cashmere Jacket offers a modern, sustainable take on luxury knitwear. Made from recycled cashmere fibers, this hoodie combines eco-consciousness with comfort. The brand is known for its minimalist designs and commitment to sustainability in its cashmere products.
Size range: XS-XXL | Colors: 2 | Materials: Recycled Cashmere | Source: Not specified
Best Designer:
Pros:
- Uses some of the finest and rarest cashmere fibers available
- Unparalleled expertise in cashmere production
Cons:
- Extremely high-quality fibers require extra care in washing and storage
Loro Piana’s Cashmere Sweater represents the pinnacle of luxury knitwear. The brand is renowned for sourcing the finest and rarest cashmere fibers in the world. This sweater showcases Loro Piana’s unparalleled expertise in cashmere production, offering exceptional softness, warmth, and durability.
Size range: IT 36-48 | Colors: 2 | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Source: Italy
Best Brushed Cashmere:
Pros:
- Enhanced softness from brushing technique
- Relaxed fit for comfort
Cons:
- Brushing may weaken fibers, potentially reducing longevity
Banana Republic’s Relaxed Brushed Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater offers a uniquely soft texture. The brushing process increases the natural softness of the cashmere fibers, creating a luxuriously plush feel. This sweater combines comfort with Banana Republic’s commitment to quality and modern style.
Size range: S-XL | Colors: Brown | Materials: 100% Sustainable Cashmere | Source: Not specified
Best Lightweight:
Pros:
- Uses fine Mongolian cashmere for lightness
- Affordable luxury option
Cons:
- Lightweight construction may use shorter fibers or looser knit, affecting longevity
Uniqlo’s Cashmere Sweater offers affordable luxury in a lightweight package. Made from fine Mongolian cashmere, this sweater provides warmth without bulk. Uniqlo is known for its focus on quality basics, and this cashmere sweater exemplifies its commitment to accessible luxury.
Size range: XS-3XL | Colors: 15 | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Source: Not specified
FAQs
What should you look out for when shopping for cashmere?
“When I shop for cashmere, I look for timeless styles and focus on quality, softness, and durability because buying cashmere is like making an investment,” said costume designer and celebrity stylist, .
According to Ashley Full, co-founder of , “Shoppers need to look into where the cashmere was sourced and how long the fibers are. The longer the fiber, the higher the quality of the sweater and the smaller the likelihood that it will experience pilling. Don’t be fooled by brands that lead with ‘cashmere’ as this could mean a blend with merino. Know what you’re paying for.”
Why is some cashmere cheap while others are expensive?
When shopping for cashmere, it’s important to know that the longer the fibers are the finer the fabric will be, which is just one reason why you do get what you pay for. “Some cashmere is cheap because it may be made with lower-quality fibers and less sustainability, while expensive cashmere often uses finer, more sustainable materials,” Dingler said.
“This all comes down to the fibers and craftsmanship,” Full stated. “Mongolians are superior in how they care for their goats, meaning higher quality fibers that are more valuable. Combine the fine fibers with the artisanal craftsmanship and it makes a difference in price. It’s not to say that a less expensive one is bad, necessarily, but the longevity of the garment will be affected. Sometimes investing in a quality piece that lasts longer actually brings the cost per wear down, making it a more fiscally responsible purchase.”
Is a cashmere sweater worth it?
A high-quality cashmere sweater is often considered worth the investment due to its exceptional softness, warmth, and durability. Cashmere provides excellent insulation while remaining lightweight, making it ideal for layering during cold weather. Quality cashmere sweaters can last many years, becoming softer with age if properly maintained. While the initial cost may be higher than other materials, the longevity and comfort it offers often justify the price. However, it’s crucial to invest in quality cashmere, as cheaper options may easily pill or quickly lose shape.
Who makes the best cashmere?
Several brands are renowned for producing high-quality cashmere. Some top contenders include , , and . Scottish manufacturers, like Johnstons of Elgin, are particularly esteemed for their impeccable cashmere quality. Brands that source directly from Mongolia, such as , are also highly regarded for their premium, ethically sourced cashmere.
Is cashmere sustainable?
Cashmere’s sustainability is a complex issue. On the positive side, cashmere is a natural, renewable fiber that biodegrades at the end of its lifecycle. High-quality cashmere garments can last for many years, reducing the need for frequent replacements. However, the increasing demand for cashmere has led to overgrazing in some regions, particularly , causing land degradation and environmental concerns. Some brands, like Naadam, are addressing these issues by implementing more sustainable practices, such as working directly with herders to ensure fair wages and promoting responsible land management.
What is cashmere grade?
Cashmere is graded based on the quality of its fibers, with grades typically ranging from A to C. Grade A cashmere is the highest quality, featuring the finest and longest fibers with a diameter as low as 14 microns and lengths up to 36 mm. Grade B cashmere has fibers with an average diameter of about 19 microns, while Grade C, the lowest quality, has thicker fibers with a diameter of around 30 microns. Higher grades generally result in softer, more durable, and less prone to pilling garments.
What do I need to know about cashmere fiber quality?
When assessing cashmere fiber quality, several factors are important to consider. Fiber length and fineness are crucial, with longer and finer fibers (typically 14-19 microns in diameter) indicating higher quality. The origin of the cashmere can also impact quality, with regions like Mongolia, China, and Iran known for producing fine fibers. High-quality cashmere should feel incredibly soft to the touch without any scratchy or “soapy” texture, which could indicate the use of chemical softeners. The cashmere’s ability to retain its shape after stretching is another indicator of quality.
How should I wash my cashmere sweaters?
To wash cashmere sweaters, it’s best to hand wash them in cold water using a gentle detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of detergent. Submerge the sweater and gently agitate the water without rubbing or twisting the fabric. After a few minutes, rinse the sweater thoroughly in cold water until all detergent is removed. Avoid wringing out the sweater; instead, press it gently between two towels to remove excess moisture and lay to dry, shaping the sweater on a flat surface.
cashmere detergents
How do I store my cashmere sweaters?
When storing cashmere sweaters, fold them neatly rather than hanging them to prevent stretching. Place them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It’s advisable to use breathable storage bags or cotton pillowcases to protect them from dust and moths. Adding cedar blocks or lavender sachets can help deter pests while imparting a pleasant scent. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew or damage over time.
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