Cashmere Sweaters for Women: How to Choose and Care

A good cashmere sweater is the one piece of knitwear worth paying properly for, because the right one gets softer every winter for a decade. This guide explains how to judge cashmere before you buy, which shapes to own, and how to look after it, with the cashmere and cashmere-blend jumpers from ME+EM at Coveti, such as the brushed Ultimate Boyfriend Jumper in Dark Chocolate Brown ($620). Browse every style in our women’s sweaters edit.

In the UK the same garment is a cashmere jumper; in the US it is a cashmere sweater. We use both words here, and they mean the same thing.

How to judge cashmere quality

Price alone tells you little. Look for these signs instead.

• Composition. 100% cashmere is the warmest and softest. A blend with merino wool is lighter, more hard-wearing and often better as a base layer. A blend with silk adds drape and a faint sheen.
• Knit density. Hold the knit up to the light. A dense knit with little light coming through will hold its shape; a loose, see-through knit will stretch and pill faster.
• Finish. Brushed cashmere has a fluffy, cloud-like surface. Plain-knit cashmere is smoother and sharper. Both are correct; choose by the look you want.
• Trims. Ribbed cuffs, hem and neckline that spring back when stretched are a sign of a well-made jumper.
• Sourcing. ME+EM describes its cashmere as responsibly sourced, and the brand publishes composition on every product page, which we repeat on Coveti.

The five cashmere shapes worth owning

The ME+EM cashmere jumpers, piece by piece

The relaxed V-neck. The Ultimate Boyfriend Jumper in Dark Chocolate Brown ($620) is 100% brushed cashmere with a clean V-neck, a slightly dropped shoulder and a longline body. It is also in Charcoal Melange ($620). For a lighter version, the Ultimate Boyfriend Jumper in Black ($530) is a merino and cashmere blend (90% merino, 10% cashmere).

The high crew neck. The High Neck Straight Jumper in Cocoa Brown ($430) is merino, cashmere and silk (54/23/23) in a straight fit with a rolled crew neck. It also comes in Barolo Red ($430) and Hazelnut Melange ($430). It is the neatest shape under a blazer.

The high neck relaxed. The High Neck Relaxed Jumper in Rich Olive Green ($530) is 100% cashmere with rolled edges and a dropped shoulder for a slouchy line. It is also in Mid Grey Melange ($530).

The cropped crew. The Relaxed Crop Jumper in Cream ($530) is 100% cashmere in a cream speckle with ribbed trims and a cropped body that sits at the waistband of high-rise trousers. There is a Navy version ($530).

The pattern knit. The Argyle Relaxed Jumper in Bright Navy/Merlot Red ($660) is brushed cashmere in a classic argyle, also in Pecan Brown Melange/Charcoal ($660). Our guide to Fair Isle and argyle sweaters goes deeper on pattern knits.

The base layer. The Barely There Top in Black ($280) is a slim crew in merino and cashmere designed to sit under knitted vests and tees. It is the piece that makes the rest of your knitwear work harder.

How to style a cashmere sweater

With tailoring. A high crew neck in a dark shade under a pinstripe blazer, with a matching trouser, is the smartest winter office look there is.

With a shirt. Wear a poplin shirt under a V-neck and let the collar sit outside. We explain the details in how to layer a shirt under a jumper.

With a lace cami. A cream lace cami under a chocolate V-neck adds a soft edge for dinner.

With a skirt. A cropped crew over a satin midi skirt balances heavy and fluid textures.

Under a coat. A relaxed jumper under a long wool coat is the base of most winter outfits. See our guide to wool coats for women.

How to care for cashmere

Wear a cashmere jumper two to three times between washes and let it rest a day between wears so the fibres recover. Hand-wash in cool water with a wool detergent, then roll it in a towel to remove water; never wring it. Dry flat, away from radiators. Pilling is normal on new cashmere; remove the bobbles with a cashmere comb once the first few wears are done. Fold, never hang, and store with cedar over the summer.

Frequently asked questions

Is 100% cashmere better than a cashmere blend?

Not always. Pure cashmere is warmer and softer. A merino and cashmere blend is lighter, more durable and better as a fine layer under shirts and tailoring. Choose pure cashmere for a statement jumper and a blend for everyday layering.

Why does my new cashmere jumper pill?

Short loose fibres work to the surface in the first weeks of wear, especially where the arms rub the body. It is normal and slows down after the first few washes. Remove pills with a cashmere comb, never by pulling.

How many cashmere jumpers do I need?

Three cover most wardrobes: a V-neck in a dark neutral, a high crew in a colour you love, and a fine base layer. Add a pattern knit once the basics are in place.

Are ME+EM cashmere jumpers good quality?

ME+EM publishes full composition and uses responsibly sourced cashmere, with brushed and plain-knit finishes. We cover the wider question in our guide to whether ME+EM is good quality.

What size cashmere jumper should I buy?

Buy your usual size in a relaxed shape for a slouchy fit. In a straight shape that you plan to layer under a jacket, stay true to size; sizing down can make the knit pull across the shoulders.

Can you wash cashmere in a machine?

Some machines have a wool cycle that is safe at 30 degrees in a mesh bag, but hand-washing is gentler. Always follow the care label and dry the jumper flat.