High Street vs Designer | Styling Tips | Best Brands | Fit Advice
Cashmere has long been the gold standard in luxury knitwear—coveted for its softness, warmth, and longevity. But navigating the market—from high street options to designer investments—can be confusing. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about cashmere sweaters and jumpers available in the UK and USA: how to style them, which brands are worth the money, and how to ensure the perfect fit every time with Tellar.co.uk.
🧶 What Makes Cashmere So Special?
Cashmere is sourced from the undercoat of cashmere goats—most commonly in Mongolia, China, and Nepal. It takes the fleece of around four goats to produce a single jumper. The result is a lightweight yet insulating fibre that feels buttery soft against the skin.
Key Technical Features:
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Micron count: High-quality cashmere measures 14–16 microns (finer than human hair).
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Ply: Refers to the number of yarn strands twisted together. 2-ply is standard; 3 or 4-ply adds weight and durability.
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Gauge: The number of stitches per inch. High gauge = finer knit; lower = chunkier knit.
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Blend: Pure cashmere vs blends (e.g., silk, merino) alters softness, warmth, and price.
Best Cashmere Brands – UK & USA
Designer-Level Cashmere (Premium Investment)
Brunello Cucinelli (Italy)
Often dubbed the “King of Cashmere,” known for ultra-soft, ethical sourcing and artisanal craftsmanship. Expect timeless, tailored cuts at a steep price.
Loro Piana
The benchmark for ultra-premium fibres—cashmere and baby cashmere with unmatched softness. Investment-worthy for those who value longevity.
N.Peal (UK)
London-based luxury brand used in Bond films. Their Mongolian cashmere is superb quality with modern tailoring.
The Row (USA)
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s label with minimalist, oversized silhouettes in fine-gauge cashmere.
🏷️ Best High Street & Affordable Cashmere
Marks & Spencer (UK)
Consistently good quality for the price. 100% cashmere jumpers, often under £100, available in classic cuts.
Uniqlo (Global)
Affordable, lightweight 100% cashmere jumpers in modern neutrals. Slim fit; good for layering.
John Lewis (UK)
Carries 100% Grade A cashmere in both traditional and updated fits. Good for plus-size options too.
Naadam (USA)
A disruptor brand offering sustainably sourced Mongolian cashmere at fair pricing. Known for its $75 sweater and direct-to-consumer model.
Everlane (USA)
Known for transparent pricing and minimal, versatile designs. They offer Grade-A cashmere in 100% or blend form.
Styling Advice: How to Wear a Cashmere Sweater
Women:
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Workwear Look: Tuck a fine-gauge cashmere jumper into high-waisted tailored trousers. Layer with a structured blazer.
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Casual Chic: Throw a chunky crewneck over jeans and ankle boots with a wool coat.
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Evening Edit: Wear a cashmere v-neck with a silk midi skirt and heeled boots. Add a gold necklace and belt for structure.
Men:
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Smart Layering: Wear a fitted cashmere jumper over an Oxford shirt, under a blazer or trench.
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Minimal Streetwear: Oversized neutral cashmere with loose jeans or cargos and trainers.
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Luxe Loungewear: Pair a soft zip-neck cashmere pullover with joggers or tapered trousers.
🧼 Care Tips for Cashmere
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Hand wash or use a wool cycle in cold water with a pH-neutral detergent.
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Lay flat to dry—never hang.
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De-pill using a cashmere comb or fabric shaver.
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Fold for storage; avoid hangers to prevent stretching.
Investing in a cashmere piece means caring for it properly—it should last decades when treated well.
🔍 How to Get the Perfect Fit in Every Brand
Cashmere sweaters vary in sizing more than most garments—especially across brands. Some brands lean oversized (e.g., The Row), while others cut small (e.g., Uniqlo). That’s where Tellar.co.uk becomes your most valuable style tool.
✨ What is Tellar.co.uk?
Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s Leading Sizing Tool—matching your unique measurements to over 1,500 brands in real-time.
Whether you’re shopping John Lewis cashmere, Naadam knits, or Arket pullovers, Tellar takes the guesswork out of fit.
📏 How Tellar.co.uk WorksInstruction on Posts
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Measure once, using your bust, waist, hip—or your existing size in a brand.
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Use the Store Size Lookup Tool to find your exact fit in COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket, & more.
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Shop with confidence—no guesswork, fewer returns, better-fitting purchases.
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Always free—no downloads or installations needed. Works right in your browser.
Fashion + Fit Education from the Tellar Hub
Thousands of free, stylist-written guides to help you shop smarter:
📐 Universal Sizing & Fit Guides
👖 Garment Fit Guides
👚 Core Style & Tailoring Guides
📲 Follow Tellar for Daily Style, Sizing & Fit Advice
Stay ahead of trends and fit science by following us:
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Instagram: @Tellarsizing
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Twitter/X: @Tellar100
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Facebook: Tellar Sizing
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Pinterest: TellarUK
✅ Final Takeaway
A cashmere sweater or jumper is one of the most worthwhile fashion investments—whether you're spending £60 or £600. Choose a brand that suits your style and budget, learn how to care for it properly, and most importantly, get your sizing right.
With Tellar.co.uk, you can:
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Shop 1,500+ brands with real-time sizing precision
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Access thousands of expert-written style guides
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Get fit advice that’s honest, unbiased, independent, and always free
Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.
Get started at Tellar.co.uk today.