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Cashmere, it reigns supreme in the land of softness and is oh so luxurious. It’s very lightweight and warm without the added bulk. Depending on your climate, you can wear it all year long and it’s perfect on its own or layered.
News flash, it does not have to break the bank though! Cashmere is often thought of as a very expensive item and a higher price tag does not always equal better quality.
There are many retailers out there selling beautiful and thoughtfully made cashmere, but two I want to introduce you to today are J.Crew and Everlane.
Sweater.| Jeans (similar) | Sneakers (similar) | Sunglasses
J.Crew
I love J.Crew for their bright rainbow selection of colors and multiple classic styles that are flattering on everyone. J.Crew is also part of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA), a non-profit organization focused on sustainable standards for cashmere production. You can find out more about SFA here.
J.Crew’s crewneck sweater is under $100 and most styles are under $200. They often have great sales throughout the year though and often, so it is worth waiting for this opportunity if you are thinking about ordering one. Not to worry, I will keep you up to date when the sales occur. Be sure to sign up for my email newsletter and follow me on Instagram and the LIKEtoKNOW.it
platforms for the scoop.
Everlane
Everlane has gorgeous neutral colors that are ideal basics in everyone’s wardrobe. Everlane uses Grade-A cashmere, which actually gets softer with wear and also pills less. Their crewneck is $100 and beautiful.
Why can Everlane sell a Grade-A cashmere sweater to you for $100 when a competitor might sell it for more than twice as much or more? Among quality and working with ethical factories, Everlane also values transparency and doesn’t markup their products in the same way other retailers might. When you are looking at a product on Everlane’s site, scroll to the bottom to see the transparency pricing. The crewneck sweater costs $46.21 to make and Everlane sells it for $100 compared to $225 from a traditional retailer. Everlane had a huge sale this fall on their cashmere and it was worth the wait. If it pops again, I’ll let you know immediately because it is worth it!
I found that the cashmere items from both brands fit true to size but if you prefer a slightly looser fit, you may opt to go one size up. If you are in the petite size category, know that the J.Crew cashmere dress does not come in a petite length and may be too long. It’s not a dress that can be altered or that you can take to the tailor for a quick hem. The length on the dress from shoulder to the bottom hem is 37 inches for a size small as an FYI.
Sweater | Jeans (similar) | Sneakers (similar) | Sunglasses
What You Need to Know
What else should you know about cashmere both when purchasing and when you get home?
- Check for the label that says 100% cashmere. There are very specific standards around using the ability to mark that on products. Read your labels, not everything is as it seems. Note that Everlane clearly marks 100% cashmere in the body and a slight blend in the trim of their sweaters, perfect!
- The labels may say dry clean only or hand wash. When it comes to cashmere, I would say skip the dry clean on this one and hand wash only. If you are tight with your dry cleaner and know they are experts in handling cashmere, then you do you girl. But I like to handle my cashmere myself via hand wash in a basin with gentle detergent and then lay flat to dry on a towel. Never wring out cashmere, it can stretch the fibers.
- Opt to fold your cashmere pieces over hanging them. Similar to wringing out the fabric to remove excess water after washing, hanging cashmere will also stretch it out.
- During the off season, store cashmere in canvas bags (as opposed to plastic bags). Worried about moths? Add a natural repellant of cedar chips. Just place them in a bag or sachet first so they don’t snag your beautiful sweater.
Sweater | Blazer | Jeans (similar) | Sneakers (similar) | Sunglasses
Cashmere is great dressed up or dressed down, is one of my favorites, and will be in your closet for the long haul when well cared for because it’s durable and never goes out of style.
Pair it with your favorite joggers for a cozy weekend day, with jeans, or to the office with your favorite skirt or pants. The lightweight material makes it easy to layer underneath a blazer or jacket.
Treat yourself to the soft luxury that is cashmere and rest easy that you are doing so with ethics and sustainability in mind.
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