How to Care for Cashmere + The Best Places to Shop for Quality Sweaters

Nothing says cozy fall style quite like cashmere! 🍁 As we transition into cooler weather, it’s the perfect time to add a few beautiful cashmere pieces to your wardrobe. Whether you love a classic crewneck, a chic cardigan, or even a lightweight short-sleeve style, there’s something for everyone—and at every price point.

MY OUTFIT ABOVE: Talbots Straight Ankle Cuff Jeans – Downing Wash | Quince Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in “Forest Green” | Sam Edelman Leopard Mary Janes | Bow Necklace | Chain Name Pendant Necklace (Mine has my 2 grandchildren’s names as the pendants!) | Earrings

If you’ve avoided cashmere in the past because you weren’t sure how to care for it, I’ve got great news—it’s much easier than you think! Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know about how to care for cashmere, along with my favorite trusted sources for high-quality, affordable cashmere.

As always, click the pink text links or any image for more information.
Also, everything fits TTS, unless I tell you otherwise!

Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater (comes in multiple colors, click HERE)|

Why Cashmere is Perfect for Fall

Early fall weather can be unpredictable. Some days are cool and crisp, while others still feel a little warm. That’s where cashmere shines!

This lightweight yet ultra-warm fabric is ideal for layering under jackets or wearing on its own with jeans, skirts, or trousers. Plus, it instantly elevates your everyday outfits—making you look effortlessly polished while feeling oh-so-cozy.

Cashmere sweaters now come in every color imaginable, from soft neutrals like camel and cream to rich fall hues like leafy green, burgundy, cobalt blue, and chocolate. There are even gorgeous embroidered, argyle, floral and print styles out there! Whether your style is classic or bold, there’s a color and cut perfect for you.

What Exactly is Cashmere?

Cashmere is a type of wool produced exclusively by Kashmir goats. It’s softer and finer than sheep’s wool because it comes from the undercoat of the goat. (Suzy made a rhyme! 😄) These goats, native to Mongolia, Tibet, Northern India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Southwest China, produce only four ounces of this wool each year. That means that it takes two goats to produce a single two-ply sweater!

Why is Cashmere so Expensive?

In a nutshell, it’s the quality and rarity of the fiber. Despite a lighter weight, clothes made from cashmere are up to eight times warmer than clothes made from sheep’s wool. Also, cashmere is significantly softer to the touch, making it more comfortable to wear.

How Can You Discern the Quality of Cashmere?

While there are different degrees of quality in the yarns, you should know that more expensive cashmere does not necessarily mean better quality. The reason? Recently, the demand for cashmere has grown, but supply has increased along with it. With more retailers purchasing more product, bulk savings are passed along to the consumer.

When it comes to cashmere, always look for 2-ply or higher. Be aware that all cashmere “pills,” (that’s those little balls that pop up on your sweaters — especially at friction points like under the arms). To combat the pilling, you can either use a sweater comb or (my fave!) a battery-operated fabric shaver.

How to Care for Cashmere

Experts say that the first thing you should know about caring for cashmere is this: because of its breathable nature, cashmere can be aired out and reworn six or more times between washes.

$50 Cashmere Crewneck Sweater ( Comes in multiple colors, click HERE!) | Cashmere Cardigan Sweater

How to Care for Cashmere: Refreshing

If needed, you can use sweater spray to keep your cashmere fresh.

How to Care for Cashmere: Washing

Cashmere is fragile when wet, so be careful! It may also shrink a little, so you may have to gently stretch it when it’s wet. There are two methods for washing cashmere.

Hand Wash

Wash by hand with cold water, with a mild detergent.

Machine Wash

I always wash my cashmere in the machine, and honestly,  I think it comes out even softer after it’s washed!

Here’s how to do it.

• Place in a sweater bag.
• Use a mild detergent.
• Wash on the gentle/delicate cycle.
• Avoid fabric softener, which can coat the fibers.
• Stretch gently if needed, never wring or twist.
• Hang on an inflatable hanger (I love these and own about 10!) or lay flat to dry on a clean towel, reshape it carefully, and let it air dry.

Heat is cashmere’s worst enemy, so avoid the dryer at all costs if you want your sweater to keep its softness and shape for years to come.

How to Store Cashmere

When you’re not wearing cashmere (or any kind of wool), it’s important to store it correctly! Moths are attracted to the oils and dirt that can accumulate on the fabric, so be sure to clean your cashmere before storing it for the summer. They’re also attracted to moisture, so you’ll want to avoid storing your cashmere in damp areas or areas with high humidity.

Here are a few other ways to keep moths at bay:

1. Store your cashmere in a plastic bag designed for moth protection.
2. Use cedar balls or sachets to repel moths. (Cedar contains natural oils that repel moths and other insects.)
3. If you do find moths in your cashmere, place the item in a sealed plastic bag and freeze it for a few days. This will kill any eggs or larvae that may be present.

Lands’ End Cashmere Crewneck Sweater | Cashmere Burberry Scarf | Tory Burch Pavé Stud Earrings

The Best Time to Buy Cashmere

The best time to invest in cashmere is right now at the very start of fall. Stores are freshly stocked with beautiful new-season styles, and all those gorgeous colors and classic cuts are ready for the taking. The most popular shades tend to sell out quickly, so shopping early gives you the best selection. Many brands also run special early fall promotions, making it a wonderful time to pick up a piece you’ll wear and love all season long. Also, it may seem early, but the holidays are right around the corner, so think gifting!

You can find cashmere in virtually any type of clothing! From affordable crewneck sweaters ($50!), cardigans, and dusters to straight-leg pants, joggers, and hoodies! You can also find cashmere tees, dresses, ponchos, and more.

My Favorite Sources for Quality Cashmere

I absolutely adore cashmere and wear a lot of it! In fact, I have THIS $50 crewneck sweater in multiple colors! It’s from Quince, which is one of my favorite brands for affordable, quality Mongolian cashmere. Click through below to check out some of my other favorite cashmere shops!

• Quince – Known for their $50 Mongolian cashmere crewneck and $50 V-necks. (But all of their cashmere is affordable and great.)
• J.Crew – They carry a lot of cashmere, and I especially like their cashmere tees. They’re perfect for fall or if you’re the gal who gets too warm in long sleeve cashmere sweaters! How pretty is this brushed cashmere floral print tee?!
• Lands’ End – Their quality is fabulous, and they carry everything in both regular and plus sizes. They always have some kind of sale going on! If you’re looking for a cashmere sweater that’s not a solid color, this is the spot I recommend. (Case in point, THIS striped sweater ). Also, if you like the preppy look, check out their cashmere johnny collar sweater! Love your leggings? Check out THESE cashmere tunic sweaters to layer on top.
• L.L. Bean – I love their cashmere, and especially the Fair Isle sweaters they’re known for! They carry everything in petite, regular, and plus sizes. They offer everyday discounts for medical professionals, military members, teachers, and college students. Also, you can buy with confidence because of the amazing L.L. Bean 100% satisfaction one-year guarantee.
• Banana Republic – I love shopping for cashmere at Banana Republic because their pieces are classic, beautifully made, and they carry such a great variety of style. Check out their cashmere turtlenecks, vests, polos, and even henleys!

Do you like cashmere as much as I do? Do you have any care tips for your cashmere? If so, please share them with our little community in the comments! You can take another look at all of these styles in the boutique below. If you see a style you like, click through to check prices, sales, etc.

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