A Note on Style

LET’S TALK CASHMERE

LET’S TALK CASHMERE

Yesterday’s post sparked a discussion on the quality of cashmere in today’s knitwear. The question arose as to why yarns seem to pill more frequently in sweaters purchased over the last several years even in some of the higher end brands. Is it origin of yarn, length of fiber or something else that is contributing to the problem? I stand with many readers who have older sweaters that have help up beautifully while newer ones start pilling almost immediately.

I turned to Linda Wright of Crimson Cashmere, who I consider a trustworthy and knowledgable source, and read the notes on her site about cashmere. Linda answers the most common questions she receives including the best source (Scotland) and proper care (wash frequently, but not in cold water). You can read all of her answers in depth here.

Finding a really good cashmere sweater is a bit of trial and error, so I’m turning the topic to readers for discussion. Where do you buy quality cashmere lately? Any tips on care?

Photo: Mikael Jansson

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Moira

    So helpful, thank you, Karima. Good to know I should be washing and in warm water. Love Linda W!

    I am on day 2 of Prolon so thank you for introducing to me. Love your blog.

    • Karima

      I’ve been washing in cold water too. I had no idea.

      Just finished ProLon last week. It’s such a good way to kick off the new year. I feel great!

  2. Elizabeth Velasquez

    I have a few sweaters from Linda’s shop that have not pilled. The Row or Celine are my go to for quality cashmeres. Have always wanted to buy Elgin of Scotland, but perhaps one day day when I visit Scotland. I’ve been washing in cold water too! There’s a dry cleaners where I live that will hand wash cashmere sweaters, but have yet to try them out. I always wear a light cotton shirt underneath all my cashmere sweaters so I wash them very infrequently.

  3. Madeleine

    I’m glad to hear that the decline in quality isn’t in my imagination. And, I’m glad to learn that washing in warm water is the way to go. I haven’t had luck with cashmere for several years. They all seem to pill on the first wear. Jil Sander was the best! Even Theory and Vince held up until recently. Glad to have the Celine recommendation. Loro Piano, though pricey, has consistently performed well. I’d love to hear of other brands that readers have had success with.

  4. jane

    My Vince cashmere sweaters are the worst – lots of pilling. Price doesn’t seem to be an indicator of quality as far as pilling is concerned! I have some cashmere from Nili Lotan, who is a very favourite designer of mine for pants, tops and jackets, but her cashmere also pills and is pricey. So do my Co sweaters which were also expensive.

    I have had good luck with Theory cashmere, much to my surprise. The ones that have also worn well for me are from Organic by John Patrick – they are about $500 and 1 am on my third year and they are holding up well.

  5. karen

    I too, have noticed my cashmere piling. It’s frustrating because while I am not purchasing the highest end such as Loro Piana, a Vince cashmere at $345 shouldn’t pill. Frustrating!

    • Jen

      Thanks so much for all the information.
      So appreciated.
      I absolutely love Ralph Lauren cashmere, particularly Collection, but Polo is also good and at a cheaper price for more fashion forward pieces.
      Some of them I’ve had for 10 years and they still look impeccable and timeless.

      • Karima

        I need to circle back to Ralph Lauren. Thanks for the reminder.

  6. Elena Croddy

    Hewico cashmere worked well for me. Interesting designs as well. It is a Scottish brand.

    • Karima

      Thank you for the introduction to Hawico. Looks like a lovely collection.

  7. Lisa Mac

    Thank you for extending this discussion, Karima. I’m switching to warm water right away! I appreciated that cashmere had become an “affordable luxury” available to more people, but it’s clear it’s a trade-off with quality. Good reason to think of these purchases as investments and buy less, buy better for true value.

    • Karima

      I have two sweaters in the wash now. First time in warm water!

  8. Kim

    Karima, I love Linda Wright and who better to ask about cashmere. I also appreciate your readers tips on brands. I’m a fan of White and Warren. Eager to hear how your sweaters trip through the washer went.

    • Karima

      So far, so good on the warm water wash.

      I’m appreciating everyone’s tips on brands too. Deciding which one I will try next.

SHOP THIS WEEK’S FAVORITES

Subscribe and get new posts from A NOTE ON STYLE delivered to your inbox!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow A NOTE ON STYLE on Instagram

By visiting A Note on Style you are consenting to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. Content may contain affiliate links, whereby at no additional cost to you, we may receive commissions if a purchase is made through them.

Scroll Up