Five Cashmere Jumpers Worth the Money

Cashmere is one of those materials where the label tells you very little. Two jumpers can both say “100% cashmere” and feel entirely different after a month, because the fibre length, the thickness of the yarn and the knit all vary.

The best way to judge is to hold the jumper up to the light. If you can see through it, it is thin and will pill. A good one feels dense but soft, and springs back when you squeeze it. Look at the neckline and cuffs, which should lie flat and feel firm.

What to spend. Our rule is that anything under about £100 is a compromise, but a good compromise can still last several winters. The sweet spot, for us, was in the middle: strong enough to keep its shape and affordable enough to wear every week.

How to care for it. Wash by hand in cool water, roll it in a towel and dry it flat. Do not hang it. Store it folded, with a cedar block in the drawer.