A good cashmere sweater comes down to five things: what the yarn is made of, how it is spun, how finely it is knitted, how it fits and how you look after it. This guide explains each one, and how they apply to the knitwear we make to order.
Pure cashmere or a blend?
The label is the first thing to check. “100% cashmere” means the yarn is made only of cashmere fibre; a blend mixes cashmere with wool or another fibre, which changes the feel, the warmth and the price.
- 100% cashmere — our softest yarn, with premium warmth. Available in 78 colours, in a plain or cable knit.
- 80% cashmere / 20% wool — combines outstanding durability with signature luxury comfort. 26 colours.
- 100% extra fine merino wool — a performance wool for year-round layering. 75 colours.
- 90% Tencel / 10% mulberry silk — breathable, fluid and lightweight, ideal for spring and summer. 15 colours.
If you want the classic pure cashmere sweater, choose 100% cashmere. If you prefer a little more resilience for everyday wear, the cashmere–wool blend is a practical alternative.
What 2-ply and 4-ply cashmere mean
“Ply” describes how many strands of fibre are twisted together to make one yarn. A 2-ply yarn has two strands; a 4-ply yarn has four. More plies make a thicker, heavier yarn, so a 4-ply sweater is usually denser and warmer than a 2-ply one in the same knit. Ply on its own does not tell you about fibre quality — a well-made 2-ply sweater can be finer and softer than a thick one made from shorter fibres — so read it together with the fibre content and the gauge.
Gauge: fine or chunky knit
Gauge (gg) is the number of needles per inch. A higher number gives a finer, lighter, smoother knit; a lower number gives a chunkier, heavier, cosier one. Our 100% cashmere styles are knitted at 12 gauge, and our merino and Tencel–silk styles at 16 gauge, a finer and lighter knit. In the configurator you can choose 3, 7, 12 or 16 gauge.
Plain knit or cable knit
A plain knit gives a smooth, flat surface that sits neatly under a jacket. A cable knit adds a raised, textured pattern and a little more visual weight. Both are available in 100% cashmere across our styles.
Fibre quality, softness and pilling
Longer, finer fibres make a softer yarn that holds its shape and pills less. A little pilling is normal for natural fibres in the first few wears; remove it gently with a cashmere comb or fabric shaver. Smooth fibres such as Tencel and silk pill very little.
Fit and size
A cashmere sweater that fits well looks better and is more comfortable to wear. Our sizes run from XS to 5XL, and because every piece is made to order you can adjust body length, sleeve length, chest and other measurements — see our guide to tall, big and plus size cashmere sweaters.
How to care for cashmere
- Hand wash cold with a mild cashmere or wool detergent, or use a wool/delicate machine cycle inside a mesh bag — or use a dry cleaner.
- Never wring; gently press out excess water.
- Reshape while damp and dry flat, away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Do not iron directly; steam lightly or press under a cloth on a low wool setting.
- Store folded, not hung, with a cedar block or lavender to deter moths.
Frequently asked questions
Is 100% cashmere better than a cashmere blend?
100% cashmere is the softest and warmest option. A blend such as our 80% cashmere / 20% wool adds durability for everyday wear. Which is better depends on how you will wear it — for pure softness choose 100% cashmere, for extra resilience choose the blend.
What does 2-ply cashmere mean?
“2-ply” means two strands of fibre are twisted together to make each yarn. More plies give a thicker, heavier yarn. Ply alone does not measure quality, so look at it together with the fibre content and the knitting gauge.
Why does my cashmere sweater pill?
A little pilling is normal for natural fibres in the first few wears, especially where the sweater rubs. Remove pills gently with a cashmere comb or fabric shaver. Yarns made from longer fibres pill less over time.
How do I wash a cashmere sweater?
Hand wash in cold water with a mild cashmere or wool detergent, or use a wool or delicate cycle inside a mesh bag. Never wring it; press out the water, reshape it and dry it flat away from heat and sunlight.