Is Alanui Worth It? An Honest Look at Quality and Price

Alanui is worth it if you want a piece of Italian knitwear that works as outerwear and lasts for years. The price pays for Italian manufacturing, hours of double jacquard knitting and generous amounts of cashmere and virgin wool. It is less good value if you want a plain everyday jumper. Here is what you get from Alanui, piece by piece, and where the cardigans earn their keep.

Key facts

• You pay for Italian manufacturing, cashmere and hours of double jacquard knitting
• A Bandana Jacquard cardigan takes four and a half hours to knit and six to assemble
• Best value: the Icon cardigan worn as outerwear
• Less suited to anyone who wants a plain everyday jumper

Why is Alanui so expensive?

Three reasons. First, the yarn: the signature cardigans are often 100% cashmere, and an oversized cardigan uses far more of it than a fitted jumper. Second, the knitting: double jacquard builds the motif into both faces of the cloth and takes hours on the machine. Alanui lists the time on its garments, for example four and a half hours of knitting and six hours of assembly for a Bandana Jacquard cardigan. Third, it is made in Italy, in small runs, with hand-finished fringing and in some pieces hand embroidery.

How good is the quality?

The jacquard is dense and even, the reverse is neat, and the fringe is knotted into the edge instead of being sewn on. Cashmere pieces are soft but substantial. Virgin wool pieces are crisper and hold their shape like a coat. As with any long-fibre knit, expect a little pilling at the elbows and under the arms in the first season, which a cashmere comb lifts. Our Alanui care guide covers it.

Where the value is

• The Icon cardigan. It replaces a coat for much of the year, so the cost per wear is lower than it looks. Try the Bandana Jacquard Cardigan in Black Multicolour.
• The cardi-bomber. The same jacquard in a shorter cut, easier to wear daily: the Bandana Jacquard Cardi-Bomber in Canvas Multicolour.
• The jumpers. The Sweet Winter Sweater in Onda Multicolour brings the jacquard to a regular sweater.
• Alanui Finest. Pared-back cashmere essentials like the Finest Sweater in Black for quieter wardrobes.

When Alanui is not the right buy

If you want a fine, plain cashmere jumper to layer under tailoring, a specialist such as N.Peal gives more choice of weights and colours. If you want quiet Italian luxury with no motif at all, Brunello Cucinelli is the reference. Alanui is for people who want the knit to be the statement. Compare them in brands like Alanui.

Does Alanui hold its value?

The classic bandana and Icon jacquard cardigans are well known and keep their appeal from season to season, because the shape barely changes. Limited pieces such as the Looney Tunes and Giorgio Armani capsules are made in smaller runs. Buy for love and wear, not resale.

Alanui at a glance

Frequently asked questions

Is Alanui worth the money?

For a cardigan that doubles as outerwear and lasts for years, yes. You pay for Italian manufacturing, cashmere and virgin wool, and hours of double jacquard knitting.

Why are Alanui cardigans so expensive?

They use a lot of cashmere and virgin wool, the motif is knitted in double jacquard, and every piece is made in Italy with hand-finished fringing.

Does Alanui pill?

Like all long-fibre cashmere and wool, it can pill a little at friction points in the first season. A cashmere comb removes it and the surface settles.

Is Alanui good quality?

Yes. The jacquard is dense and neat on both faces, the fringing is knotted into the edge and the garments are made in Italy.

What is the best Alanui piece to start with?

The Bandana Jacquard Cardigan is the classic first buy. The cardi-bomber is the most wearable, and the Sweet Winter jumpers are the entry point.

Read next: The Alanui cardigan guide, Brands like Alanui, Where to buy Alanui.

By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 20 October 2026.