They’re so soft, you’ll want to hug yourself
Over the past couple of years I have developed quite the crush on cashmere. The allure of the ‘investment piece‘ gets me every time and they really are so snuggly. Like teddy bear snuggly. In fact if I had a penny for every time someone hugged me and told me how soft my jumper was, I’d be able to buy a jumper with 10% cashmere content. That makes me sound like I hug random people all the time, but let me assure you it’s just those ‘Hello!‘ welcome hugs. I’m a hugger.
I’m now at the point where the majority of my jumpers are cashmere, because once you reach that 100% level, it’s hard (and seriously itchy) to go back. My only tips? Be careful with washing. I put mine into the machine with cashmere-specific wash but only ever do so on the cold hand-wash setting. Never tumble-dry them (unless you want to watch your money roll down the drain). Don’t wear them when you go to get a medical-grade pedicure because you will almost pass out through they heat they generate and the gross-ness of the whole experience. And finally – buy them now! I’ve found a load on sale as they are now considered ‘End of Season’ stock. Lovely. So here’s my edit of the cream of the cashmere crop…
THE CLASSIC JUMPER
You can’t go wrong with a cashmere jumper in a classic colour and in a classic cut. You’ll be wearing them until they have holes in them and even then all the cool kids would think that was trendy. Personally I’m a fan of a crew neck like the Equipment Sloane Cashmere Jumpers, although & Other Stories do a fab dupe in a load of colours. I’ve got both and find that they both wash well with minimal piling and shape-mutating. You can’t go wrong with a V-neck too. I love the Equipment Asher Oversized Jumper I’m wearing in this post, but Uniqlo and M&S have some great options. In fact whilst we’re on the topic of Uniqlo I’d say that them, along with & Other Stories do some of the best knitwear available on the high-street full stop.
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THE PATTERNED JUMPER
This is the category where I’ve been trying to expand my cashmere stash. Because the stuff is so bloomin’ expensive, it’s a riskier purchase to make, but there are some patterns that are timeless – take the good ol’ stripe. I’m absolutely LOVING this ASOS White Breton Stripe Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper that I picked up in last week’s haul video. It’s just the right amount of boyfriend-baggy, whilst still being fitted, has washed up well and I know it’s something that I’ll still want to wear in a couple of years time. Although if you wanted a slightly funkier take there’s always this M&S Pure Cashmere Striped Jumper. The biggest steal I’ve found in this category though is the Michael Kors Collection Studded Cashmere Sweater, which is still eye wateringly expensive, even at 60% off, but does look really darn cool.
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THE OTHER GOODS
Why stop at a classic jumper, eh? The rest of your body needs warming too. Because jumpers are the classic cashmere purchase, there are some real finds to be had in this category in the current seasonal reductions. Do you remember the ASOS White Cashmere Knitted Joggers and Johnstons of Elgin Blue Cashmere Ankle Socks I picked up last year? Yep, they’re both in the sale. I don’t think you can go wrong with gloves either and these Johnstons of Elgin Black Cashmere Gloves are a classic – I’ve just popped some in my basket. One area that I have yet to explore are coats and outerwear – can you even imagine? I can feel the heat even just thinking about it. Although this Jaeger Wool & Cashmere Coat is calling my name…
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Photos by Lauren Shipley
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