There are many things in life that aren’t worth the hype—that new coffee shop that opened in your neighborhood, designer dog breeds—but cashmere is not one of them. In fact, I’d argue that cashmere isn’t celebrated enough as a fabric for just about any occasion. Fortunately, it has become my life’s mission to change this.
Part of the reason for the general population’s ambivalence towards cashmere comes from the preconception that it is expensive and delicate. Of course, like with most things, it can be. But the persistence of this notion has led many would-be customers to simply ignore cashmere in favor of heartier fabrics like wool, or inexpensive fabrics like cotton. But if you want to throw on the coziest beanie or keep your feet warm without the added bulk of a heavier fabric, I can’t stress this enough: opt for cashmere.
Why Cashmere?
You could say I’m a bit of a sycophant when it comes to picking good quality fabrics. This is due to my philosophy to buy less and buy better. But that, of course, begs the question: why is cashmere better? It comes down to two main reasons: it’s warm and it’s lightweight.
Cashmere comes from a subspecies of goats that originated in Mongolia and the Himalayas. Due to the harsh winter conditions in these particular regions, these goats developed an insulating coat that helped protect them from the elements. Luckily for us, these fibers are lightweight while being able to be knitted into a tighter weave, meaning you can stay warm without extra bulk.
In fact, cashmere’s weight-to-warmth ratio is about eight times that of comparable wool—and much greater than cotton. This is due to the naturally thinner fiber that still retains heat from the hollow core within the fiber. The warmth from your body gets trapped in the fiber for longer, allowing for more insulation than less heat-retaining fabrics.
Lastly, it’s the lightness of cashmere which makes it well-suited to a variety of products—not just sweaters. Cashmere can be incredibly versatile due to the fact that it drapes easily. Because it isn’t thick, it won’t fight against the structure of a garment, like gloves or a beanie, and can mold more easily to the intended design.
Are Cashmere Blends Just as Good?
The short answer to this question is yes. Looking at a tag, you may see something like “80 percent merino wool, 20 percent cashmere” and think that you’re getting ripped off, or that it isn’t worth the price if you’re not getting 100 percent. For the vast majority of cashmere blends, there’s a reason for it. And the reason is simple: blended fabrics are usually a bit sturdier and can stand up to more wear.
A lightweight fiber is a double-edged sword. Sure, it’s going to be thinner and softer. But it’s also going to be prone to snagging, sagging, and harder to launder. By fortifying cashmere with more durable fabric, you can get the best qualities of cashmere without some of its negative traits.
Photo by Maison Cashmere
How to Wash Cashmere
If you’re investing in a cashmere piece, you’ll want to make sure you’re keeping it maintained. It’s not recommended to toss it in with your load of dirty clothes and dry on the permanent press setting. In fact, unless otherwise stated on the care instructions tag, your best bet is washing by hand.
In my experience, the easiest way to wash by hand is to use your bathtub. You’ll first fill the tub about a quarter of the way with lukewarm – just a hair above room temperature – water (extremely hot or cold water will result in damage to the fibers). Next, swish in a couple drizzles of laundry detergent and roll your garments in your hands underwater. Let the garments soak in the tub for 10-15 minutes. While they’re soaking, lay out a few towels on the ground. When the time has elapsed, gently wring your garments out so they’re not soaking wet and lay flat on the towels. Now, roll the garment in the towel and keep pressing as you roll to release any excess moisture. The final step is to lay your cashmere garments flat—do not hang on a drying rack and the cashmere fibers are very thin when wet and gravity will stretch them out as they dry.
Cashmere Accessories That Make Perfect Gifts
If I’ve convinced you that cashmere is the way to go for the winter, then you may want to pass this gospel along to a few of your friends and family this holiday. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, these cashmere accessories will keep you cozy all season long.
Photo by Quince
Quince Cashmere Baseball Cap
Quince is one of the best brands out there making affordable cashmere accessories, breaking the stereotype that luxury has to be expensive. What’s more, they offer stripped-down basics that fit that “Old Money” aesthetic. This cashmere baseball cap, similar to Kendall Roy’s favorite from HBO’s Succession strikes the perfect balance between discretion and functionality.
Photo by Mack Weldon
Mack Weldon Tech Cashmere Gloves
Due to the constant tug and pull on a pair of gloves, having an extra bit of support keeps the cashmere fibers from getting stretched out. Mack Weldon’s tech gloves are fortified with merino wool and nylon, giving you extra insulation without losing their shape.
GOBI Cashmere Rib Knit Bed Socks
Coming in an array of colors, these unisex socks are one thing I’ve been adding to people’s Christmas stockings for years now. These super-soft “bed socks” are designed for all-day lounging around the house, and will keep your little piggies warm while still feeling like you’re indulging in something special for yourself.
Photo by Eton
Eton Cashmere Tie
Leaning into the luxury aspects of cashmere, a tie from British shirtmakers Eton may be just the ticket to elevate anyone’s winter wardrobe. Coming in both grey and blue, this tie has just enough texture to stand out against a suit without veering into the ostentatious. Who else could you trust to marry the coziness of cashmere with understated tailoring as seamlessly as the English?
Photo by Everlane
Everlane Cashmere Ribbed Beanie
A cashmere beanie needs to be on everyone’s list. I have trouble finding the perfect beanie and what I love about cashmere is the delicate fibers begin to form and stretch around my head after a few outings, making it cozier with every wear. Everlane’s beanie is a great option for those who are looking for a neutral tone that never goes out of style—without breaking the bank.
Photo by Brave Pudding
Brave Pudding Hampton Strolls Sock Shoes
Combining the comfort of a good pair of socks with a rubber sole for outdoor wear, these sock shoes from Brave Pudding are a bit of a contradiction that just works. Instead of gifting the same old boring pair of slippers, elevate the experience with these calf-high socks that provide all-day comfort with a little something extra.
