The Globe and Mail
Now that we’re deep into winter, you may be thinking about splurging on a cashmere sweater. A type of wool, cashmere is soft, lightweight and naturally insulating – meaning that garments made with the yarn can keep you warm without adding bulk.
But it’s also a rare fibre, so a high-quality, 100-per-cent cashmere knit will be an investment buy.
“They only get cashmere from the goats one time a year in the spring,” says Joy Walker, a professor at George Brown College who teaches fabric science. She said the amount of cashmere produced per goat is limited, and a lot of fibre is needed to create a sweater, cardigan or even a scarf. Lower-priced cashmere options do exist, but they may be thinner and – because they are made with shorter, lower-quality fibres – more prone to stretching out and having pilling issues, says Walker.
A great cashmere sweater, when it’s well-taken care of, can be worn for decades. “The longest, finest fibres are the most rare. And when they’re spun with intention and they’re knit in the correct way, you get a sweater that not only feels luxurious, but it will truly last,” says Bari Shore, vice-president of product at knitwear label White & Warren.
When you’re shopping in person, you’ll also want to note both the hand-feel and density of the sweater. “A two-ply cashmere will have more density to it, so it’ll just have more substantial depth when you touch it,” says Shore. Compared with a single-ply style, it “is going to be more stable and it’s going to last longer.”
Walker suggests running your hand across the fabric to see if any lint balls form, and stretching the garment lightly from the sides to see how well it springs back into shape – an easy way to check for stability.
Another thing to look for are any fashioning details or decorative marks around the armhole, notes Shore. “There’s something called linking, which is how the seams are connected,” she says. “A better sweater will be hand-linked versus cut and sewn. With the latter, you may see stitching or serging done with thread at the seams.”
Six buys to try
100-per-cent cashmere options you’ll want to wear every day this winter.
In the men’s section
COS chunky cashmere jumper
Available in five timeless colours, this cozy knit is made with Good Cashmere Standard yarn, which signifies that the producers and farms involved follow certain sustainability and animal welfare criteria.
Buying options
$390, buy at cos.com
Reigning Champ Cove cashmere hoodie
Designed in Vancouver and made in China, this cashmere hoodie makes for a luxe everyday staple. Rib detailing at the side, collar, cuffs and hem adds detail and durability.
Buying options
$375, buy at reigningchamp.com
$117 from Harry Rosen
Polo Ralph Lauren Iconic cable-knit cashmere sweater
A cable-knit crewneck is a preppy style essential, and if you don’t already have one in your wardrobe, this might be the season to introduce one into the rotation. This unisex Polo Ralph Lauren sweater is made with Italian, 100-per-cent cashmere yarn.
Buying options
$648, buy at holtrenfrew.com
$452 from Harry Rosen
In the women’s section
Tilley cashmere sweater
This crewneck sweater by Toronto-based Tilley is made with specialty Italian yarns that have been treated to be both water-repellent and stain-resistant. Plus, it’s offered in nine colours.
Buying options
$295, buy at tilley.com
White & Warren argyle crew
Argyle patterns are back in fashion this season. Wear this Mongolian cashmere crewneck open, or tucked into a pair of leather or plaid trousers for a runway-inspired look.
Buying options
$698, buy at malaboutique.com
$545 from White & Warren
Aritzia Bare cashmere polo
Looking for a lightweight option that’s ideal for layering? Made in part with recycled cashmere, this knit is fully fashioned, a technique that provides flatter seams and can mean a better fit.
Buying options
$178, buy at aritzia.com
