Today, I want to share five compelling reasons to wear cashmere, along with expert style tips, care advice, and guidance on choosing sustainably sourced pieces.
Some fabrics whisper elegance, and cashmere is one of them. Long before “quiet luxury” became a trend, French women were wearing cashmere sweaters as part of their winter uniform — effortless, sensual, and subtly chic. A cashmere knit isn’t simply warm or soft; it’s a piece that elevates your wardrobe season after season, becoming the kind of item you rely on without thinking.
But in a world of fast fashion and constant trends, cashmere also offers something deeper: longevity, sustainability, and emotional comfort. When you choose a high-quality cashmere sweater, you’re choosing fewer, better pieces — an investment in your wardrobe and in the planet.
A cashmere sweater (or cardigan) is both cozy and comfy, as well as a symbol of effortless chic You will often see it featured in capsule wardrobe guides as it’s a timeless, completely versatile, always elegant addition to any wardrobe. Whether you’re building a capsule wardrobe, refreshing your winter staples, or simply craving softness during the colder months, cashmere is always the right choice
Understanding what makes cashmere special
Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats — an incredibly fine, downy fibre that grows beneath their coarser outer hair. Because each goat produces a limited amount of this precious underfleece each year, the fibres remain rare, sought-after, and naturally luxurious.
But what makes cashmere truly exceptional is the combination of qualities you don’t usually find in one garment: warmth without bulk, softness without weight, durability with care, and a remarkable elasticity that holds its shape for years.
Before we move into the five reasons to wear cashmere, it’s worth understanding some basics—because buying good cashmere is an investment, and knowing what to look for helps you buy pieces that will last.
How to choose high-quality cashmere
- Look for long fibres (they pill far less).
- Two-ply yarn is more durable and holds its shape better.
- Look for cashmere from brands that are transparent about sourcing
- Avoid overly cheap cashmere — it often means over-combed goats or weak fibres.
- Recycled cashmere is a wonderful sustainable option.
Pro Tip: When shopping for cashmere, gently stretch the knit. High-quality cashmere springs back; lower-quality cashmere stays slightly stretched.
Five reasons to wear cashmere this Winter
Cashmere is Timeless
“All a woman needs to be chic is a raincoat, two suits, a pair of trousers and a cashmere sweater” Hubert de Givenchy
Hubert de Givenchy’s quote says it all! A simple cashmere sweater (or cardigan) never goes out of style and can be worn for many years! Although, cashmere is more expensive than other sweaters, it will truly stand the test of time, so your cost/ wear will be lower. When investing in cashmere, choose classic designs and colours to maximise the amount of wear you will get from it.
A simple crewneck in camel, navy, black, cream, or soft grey will serve you for years — perhaps decades — without ever feeling dated. Unlike trend-driven knits, cashmere sweaters work with everything from tailored trousers to slip skirts, denim, or a silk midi.
A good cashmere sweater becomes a signature piece, one you reach for instinctively every winter.
Pro Tip: Choose neutral, classic colours for your first cashmere investment. They age beautifully and integrate effortlessly into a chic, minimalist winter wardrobe.
Cashmere is Comfortable and Luxurious
Cashmere is the perfect solution for effortlessly upping both your look and your mood ! For many, cashmere is synonymous with luxury and wealth, and as soon as you slip on a cashmere sweater, cardigan, jogging pants or even a scarf, you will feel instantly elegant and refined.
The fibres are naturally smooth and extremely fine, making cashmere ideal for anyone who dislikes the itchiness of wool. Even on stressful days, cashmere has a calming, cocooning quality — soft, warm, and indulgent without being flashy.
From lounge pants to turtlenecks, scarves to cardigans, cashmere pieces bring luxury into your everyday life.
Pro Tip: If your sweater feels slightly itchy, it’s usually a sign of short fibres or a wool blend. Opt for grade A fibres for maximum softness.
Cashmere Wool is the best for keeping you warm
Cashmere wool comes with air pockets and its insulation capacity is between 3 to 8 times higher than wool which makes it perfect for maintaining body temperature. It keeps you warm when it’s freezing cold outside, while still being a lightweight sweater.
It feels so soft and comfortable next to your skin, but it is also perfect for layering and makes sure you stay both warm and stylish in the cold winter months.
It’s the perfect cover up when its getting chilly but you don’t want to wear a bulky coat, and if it gets too hot, you can just fold it up and put it in your bag (and it wont even wrinkle).
On colder evenings, a cashmere turtleneck layered under a wool coat offers elegance without the heaviness of chunky knits.
Cashmere sweaters and cardigans are also a great choice for traveling – especially flights — because they regulate temperature, fold beautifully into a carry-on without creasing and they keep you warm when the plane air-conditioning kicks in!
Pro Tip: For maximum warmth, choose tightly knitted two-ply cashmere. It traps heat more efficiently and looks more structured and polished.
Cashmere is natural, breathable, and a more sustainable choice
Cashmere is a natural fibre — breathable, biodegradable, and non-synthetic. When sourced responsibly, it offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to acrylic or polyester knits, which shed microplastics and age quickly.
Today’s most reputable cashmere producers follow ethical herding practices that prevent land degradation and protect grazing regions. Many also use sustainable dye processes and water-saving methods.
Although, natural fibre clothing may be more expensive up front, it is a better investment in the long term as it keeps its form, colour and style better than synthetic fabrics. It’s also a better option for the environment and the lack of ‘nasty’ chemicals must be better for our health!
Pro Tip: If sustainability is your priority, look for certifications (like GCS) and consider recycled cashmere — it has a gorgeous texture and a significantly lower environmental footprint.
Cashmere is hypoallergenic
For delicate or sensitive skin, cashmere is wonderfully soft and as it doesn’t contain any allergens it won’t cause any skin irritations or redness.
This is why cashmere pieces often become favourites for women who struggle with eczema, skin sensitivities, or irritation from synthetic fabrics. It’s one of the few winter fibres that feels indulgent and soothing at the same time.
Pro Tip: If you have extremely sensitive skin, try wearing a cashmere-silk blend for even more softness and smoothness.
How to style cashmere — the French way
Because of its simplicity and clean lines, a cashmere knit lends itself naturally to French-chic styling. Here are some ways to wear it beautifully:
The Parisian look : Pair a beige or camel cashmere crewneck with denim jeans, loafers, and a classic trench coat.
The winter capsule wardrobe : Tuck a black cashmere turtleneck into tailored trousers, add ankle boots, and finish with a wool coat.
Casual weekend elegance : Wear an oversize grey cashmere sweater with jeans and a longline coat.
Evening minimalism : A fine-knit cashmere top with a satin skirt and soft gold jewellery makes effortless evening wear.
Pro Tip: Choose the neckline based on your face shape: V-necks elongate, crewnecks soften, and turtlenecks add instant sophistication.
How to care for cashmere so it lasts for years
Since cashmere is made of delicate fibres it’s important to take proper care of it to ensure that it will last you for years.
- Hand-wash in cool water with baby shampoo or a gentle wool detergent.
- Never EVER wring it out : press excess water between towels.
- Always dry flat. Hanging will stretch the fibres.
- Store folded, not on hangers
- Use a cashmere comb to gently remove pills (this is natural).
- Keep pieces in breathable cotton bags during summer to protect from moths.
While some cashmere pieces say they are machine washable, hand washing is always gentler and preserves the fibres better.
Pro Tip: Pilling is not a sign of poor quality — even the finest cashmere pills slightly. Remove pills occasionally to keep your knit looking pristine.
Final Thoughts : Cashmere is more than a luxury — it’s a long-term love affair
Cashmere remains one of the most timeless, sustainable, and mood-boosting pieces you can own. It embodies everything we appreciate about French style: simplicity, quality, longevity, and quiet confidence.
Whether you choose a classic crewneck, a luxurious turtleneck, or a versatile cardigan, a good cashmere sweater becomes part of your personal uniform — a wardrobe anchor you can depend on year after year.
And once you experience the softness and warmth of true quality cashmere, it’s hard to go back.
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