The buying guide: Best cashmere sweaters for cold days and winter holidays

Once I bought my first cashmere sweater years ago, I’ve never looked back. I still remember the feeling — that buttery-soft texture that felt like a warm hug on a chilly May morning in Rome, and how effortlessly it elevated even a pair of jeans.

The joy of owning one goes beyond a luxury purchase; it’s about comfort that endures, quality that lasts, and style that never fades. 

That basic chocolate-brown sweater has become my go-to for years, with many subsequent cashmere buys for my cold-weather trips. The great thing about this natural material is its lightness, which means it is so easy to pack into luggage, not to mention throwing it on for a rainy day in the office.

Whether it’s time to refresh your wardrobe or begin indulging in cashmere, here’s some advice on navigating your shopping with clarity and confidence.

What makes cashmere so special?

Cashmere comes from the fine undercoat of goats raised in cold climates, mainly in Mongolia, China, and parts of Nepal. Unlike ordinary wool, each fibre is incredibly fine, giving it that signature softness and insulating warmth without bulk. When woven into fabric, the result is thinner and lighter than other kinds of knits, like wool and cotton. 

Why is cashmere expensive?

The price of cashmere reflects both nature’s scarcity and the labour-intensive process behind it. Each cashmere goat yields only about 150g of fine underdown per year — barely enough for a single scarf. Collecting this fibre is done by hand, combing the goats during their spring moulting season to preserve the delicate strands. 

The raw fibres are then cleaned, sorted, spun, dyed, and knitted with meticulous care, often involving multiple skilled artisans. Add to that the strict quality grading based on fibre length and thickness, and you begin to see why cashmere commands a premium. Its rarity, craftsmanship, and exceptional performance make it a lifelong investment in warmth and comfort. Those on a budget could also choose a cashmere blend to take full advantage of its prized features.

How to care for cashmere

A gentle hand and mindful maintenance are required to preserve cashmere’s softness and shape. Always wash the item in cold or lukewarm water using a mild detergent formulated for wool, and never wring or twist the fabric.

Instead, press out excess water gently and lay the garment flat on a towel to dry, reshaping it as needed. Avoid hanging, as it can stretch the delicate fibres. 

To prevent pilling, give your sweater a rest between wears and store it folded in a breathable cotton bag with a cedar block or lavender sachet to ward off moths. Stick to the label instructions, and with proper care, a cashmere piece can retain its luxurious feel and structure for many years. 

Ways to wear a cashmere sweater

In fact, a cashmere sweater is so versatile that it can go places with you, even in balmy Singapore. Stuff one into your bag when you’re expecting the temperature to drop, and in a slightly chilly environment, just drape it over your shoulders or use it as a neck-warmer (yes, it is thin and light enough for that without looking ridiculous).

It is also the best companion, over a basic top, for long flights. For cold climates, a cashmere sweater is a must-have for wearing it on its own or with a jacket or coat.

Remember to choose a looser fit for layering, and a more fitting one if you expect to wear it as a single piece. Cardigan styles, which are typically made light and thin for year-round wearability (open-front or buttoned), tend to be cashmere and cotton or silk blends. For designs that require some structure and thickness, wool could be incorporated. 

From blends to pure cashmere, from affordable to indulgent, here are our top recommendations for both men and women.

Men’s affordable must-have: Cashmere Boutique 100% Pure Cashmere Crewneck Sweater Men

Price: $180.57

Crafted with 100 per cent, three-ply A-grade cashmere and presented in understated solid tones like charcoal, oatmeal and midnight navy, this Cashmere Boutique men’s sweater delivers elegant simplicity without frills — making it a truly versatile and enduring wardrobe staple.

Its clean classic crew-neck fit pairs seamlessly with tailored trousers for dinner out or with jeans for a polished weekend look. 

Women’s affordable must-have: NAADAM Womens The Original Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

Price: $127.31

The NAADAM The Original Cashmere Crewneck Sweater is available in a wide array of hues — from classic navy and oatmeal to firecracker red and sage — to match any personality.

Made of 100 per cent sustainably sourced cashmere from Mongolian herders, it brings premium softness without the ultra-steep luxury markup, making it a savvy and ethical investment for anyone looking to upgrade their core knitwear.

This piece nails the sweet spot of being elevated enough for smart-casual dos yet relaxed enough for everyday wear.

Men’s patterned basic: Rag & Bone downing degrade cashmere sweater

Price: $206

Rendered in a subtle degrade (gradient) effect that transitions from deep to muted tones, this crew-neck from Rag & Bone blends 90 per cent wool and 10 per cent cashmere for mid-weight warmth and maximum New York City style.

The ribbed trims, regular fit, and luxurious fibre mix give it a refinement that elevates it far above a basic knit. With the cashmere touch delivering softness and the wool base adding structure and durability, it strikes a fine balance between luxury and practicality. Two colour options, in grey-green or navy, are available.

Women’s patterned basic: Missoni crochet-knit cashmere sweater

Price: $413

Made of 100 per cent cashmere and made in Italy, this V-neck from Missoni features a distinctive crochet-knit texture with a subtle rendering of the house’s famous zig-zag motif, elevated by ribbed trims for a clean finish.

This blue and black option effortlessly bridges bold design and refined wearability, as well as cashmere’s signature softness and the respected knitting expertise of the luxury Italian fashion house. Basic, but not that basic, if you know what I mean.

Men’s cardigan: Sacai cotton cashmere knit cardigan

Price: $1,190

From trending Tokyo-based independent fashion brand Sacai comes this khaki cardigan blending 85 per cent cotton with 15 per cent cashmere in a relaxed silhouette that boasts clever design details.

The V-neck double collar seems to be inspired by the neckline of a kimono; the front pockets are a useful feature; and the ribbed trimming and tapered cut evokes polished Japanese street style. Smart casual at its best, and you’d certainly fit right in with the Shinjuku crowd.

Women’s cardigan: Lee Mathews cotton cashmere cardigan

Price: $600

With an asymmetrical pattern in versatile neutral tones of black, grey, and white, this cardigan in 92 per cent cotton and 8 per cent cashmere is both versatile and fashionable.

Various details point to its designer pedigree (from Sydney, Australia): ribbed neck, cuffs, and hem; contrast tipping at the sleeve ends; and rolled seams. Interesting enough to be dressy for play, but not too loud for the office.

Men’s sporty polo: Extreme Cashmere N°223 Be For polo top

Price: $906

Crafted entirely in 100 per cent cashmere with a fine nine-gauge knit, this elevated polo sweater features a clean collar, a half-button placket, and ribbed trims at the cuffs and hem. While it won’t make you look out of place for a drafty round of golf at a country club or walk through alpine forests, its cardinal red and refined styling takes you right into the city.

Perfect for men who favour practical wardrobe options yet are looking for something different from their dozens of polo tops in neutral colours. It also offers layering potential under a blazer.

Women’s cosy turtleneck: Faliero Sarti abstract-pattern print wool-blend jumper

Price: $271

Ladies keen on winter retreats will no doubt have plenty of mock and turtleneck sweaters, but who says it has to be boring? This ribbed knit piece from Faliero Sarti, which is an esteemed Tuscan accessories brand renowned for its luxury scarves, features an understated abstract print that ups the style factor even if you’re the minimalist type.

Needless to say, it boasts the best of Italian tailoring, as seen from its luscious roll neck and straight hem.

Men’s best splurge: Bottega Veneta light fine cashmere hooded jumper

Price: $2,610

If this sweater isn’t the perfect combination of luxury and functionality, we don’t know what is. Made of 100 per cent fine and lightweight cashmere, this pullover features a hood that either fits over the head snugly or collapses into a high turtleneck.

While the relaxed fit with ribbed trims gives it a casual-cool vibe, the milk chocolate hue, fabric smoothness, and barely-there BV front embroidery scream stealth wealth — with a boat-load of taste.

Women’s best splurge: Khaite Marc intarsia cashmere-blend cardigan

Price: $3,397

Don’t let the term “cashmere-blend” fool you, for this sumptuous cardigan features approximately 96 per cent cashmere with a mere 4 per cent elastane to improve flexibility, resilience, and shape retention.

A work of art, its crisp ivory base is knitted with an interpretation of the traditional Scottish Fair Isle pattern, featuring small dots, flowers, and hearts in black and green. Its luxe factor, enhanced with decorative gold-tone buttons, strike the perfect balance with its relaxed cut and easy elegance. It certainly puts the “cash” into cashmere.

This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.