Wearing cashmere always feels like a luxury. It’s softer than other yarns. It’s warmer, too, as well as being more lightweight and gentler on the skin. And above all, it just looks and feels expensive – there’s a reason every Nicole Kidman “rich mom” character is known for wearing a cashmere cardigan, after all.
The truth is, it can be expensive – especially if you’re shopping at high-end designers. At The Row, for instance, you’re looking at upwards of £1k per piece. But, if you know where to look on the high street, it’s possible to find quality cashmere which sits somewhere around the £150 mark, instead. Sure, it’s still an investment piece, but one that feels more accessible.
Really, the price is understandable – besides the premium finish, the fibre’s also fairly scarce (a single goat only produces about four ounces a year which means you need roughly five goats per cashmere sweater) and the production process is intensive (collecting it requires meticulous hand combing) – especially if you’re buying cashmere which passes the Good Cashmere Standard (GCS) which guarantees animal welfare.
The good news? It’s a fabric that lasts. That means, whether you’re opting for luxury or high street, it’s prudent to buy classic silhouettes which will last beyond the current season. Keep the luxury designers in mind when you’re shopping – perhaps you want a Miu Miu-coded crew-neck cardigan or a two-piece cashmere bra-and-cardi set à la Khaite (and Katie Holmes) – but err on the side of timelessness so whatever you choose doesn’t quickly date.
Keep reading for Vogue’s favourite high-street cashmere, as well as some advice on how to maintain the condition of the pieces you already own.
The best high-street cashmere, at a glance:
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Uniqlo
Uniqlo is the best high-street store for classic cashmere silhouettes. Vogue’s contributing fashion editor, Kate Phelan, vouches for its excellence: “My go-to for high-street cashmere is Uniqlo,” she says. “I like the classic men’s round-neck in grey, but I have the black, too – they wash really well, don’t pill, and, most importantly, the moths stay away from them.”
Cos
If you want your cashmere to feel a little more “designed”, Cos is the place to go. There’s everything from a chunky cable knit to a Fair Isle cardigan, a brushed sleeveless cardigan or a super-soft hoodie. The best part? Every piece by the London-based Scandi-owned brand feels premium.
Boden
Boden’s cashmere is decidedly lightweight, so it has a flattering, elegant drape rather than feeling bulky. You can find classic silhouettes in timeless shades – black, white, navy and neutrals – but if you’re experiencing quiet luxury fatigue, there are colourful options, too. Our favourite? The earthy green crew-neck.
Reiss
The cashmere at Reiss is a prime example of what the brand champions across its entire range: elevated versions of classic silhouettes. Not only is the cashmere super soft, each piece has subtle details which feel a step above most high-street designers. Think: high necklines, exposed seams, cosy brushed finishes, a contrast collar or a batwing sleeve.
Marks & Spencer
British institution M&S is well known for its cashmere, boasting one of the most comprehensive collections on the high street. From classics by its premium own brands Autograph and Jaeger, to directional jumpers made in collaboration with 16Arlington or Bella Freud, all the way through to the knitwear labels it stocks (Chinti & Parker, Hush etc.). The common theme? Accessible price points.
“When it comes to high-street cashmere, you simply can’t beat Marks,” says Emma Spedding, Vogue Shopping contributor. “My mum and my gran used to buy me M&S cashmere for Christmas when I was a teenager, and they still make up a chunk of my collection – you’ll find every style and fit in any colour you want, and some of mine have been victims to clothes moths, which is only a testament to the quality.”
Arket
Arket’s MO is simple: its offering comprises minimal and contemporary clothes with a Scandi perspective – and everything’s built to last. The cashmere, which ranges from big, cosy roll-necks to slim-fit jumpers, is no exception.
& Other Stories
& Other Stories leans into trends, but somehow renders them timeless. This season, for example, there’s Marni-coded mohair-style cashmere cardigans and knitted T-shirts à la Max Mara autumn/winter 2025 – the kind pieces that covetable this season and beyond.
Nobody’s Child
For Lois Adeoshun, fashion assistant at British Vogue, Nobody’s Child is the best high-street store for cashmere. “I really like Nobody’s Child cashmere cardigans because they feel soft and warm – and I'm obsessed with the baby pink colourway,” she says. “I love that the brand offers quiet luxury without the price tag, so you can treat yourself to a good-quality statement piece for your winter wardrobe.”
Jigsaw
All of Jigsaw’s cashmere is 100 per cent traceable back to Mongolia’s Otog Banner region, which guarantees animal welfare and quality working conditions at every step of the production process. The brand favours timelessness over trends, so expect elegant, classic silhouettes that are made with longevity in mind.
Whistles
For a comfy, cosy cashmere jumper, try Whistles. The collection is made up of classics that are cut in relaxed silhouettes, be it a navy V-neck, a black roll-neck, a camel crew or a grey hoodie. These are the kind of knits you’ll reach for on days when you want your outfit to give you a little TLC.
John Lewis
John Lewis has a good range of cashmere classics, and not just from the brands it stocks. Its own-brand pieces are just as good – and they’re accessibly priced. There’s everything from cardigans to V-neck jumpers, cable knits and accessories, like gloves, socks, hats and this season’s go-to, triangle scarves.
Zara
Zara makes cashmere that feels fresh. See: the shrunken cashmere T-shirts with 3/4 sleeves, jumpers with XL polo collars and cropped knits. Some of the designs are a little low on the cashmere percentage, but there are a couple of pure options, too.
How to take care of your cashmere
“Cashmere lasts beautifully when it’s cared for gently,” says Layla Sargent, founder of clothing maintenance platform, The Seam. “The most important thing to avoid is over-washing – always hand-wash in cool water with a specialist detergent, and reshape the knit while it dries flat. Regular de-pilling (or de-bobbling) keeps the fibres smooth, and storing pieces folded – never hung – helps them keep their structure.”
When it comes to removing bobbles, there are a couple of tools we’d recommend. The gentlest is a cashmere comb: you simply pull the fabric tight and use it in short strokes to remove any pills or fuzz. If you want something that’s more efficient, you could try a fabric shaver (Steamery’s Pilo 2 is one of the best), but they can be a little heavy duty so avoid using them on finer knits.
You should also be wary of moths, especially if you live in an older house. It’s best to store your cashmere knits in breathable bags made from cotton or canvas, and add cedar balls or lavender sprigs which act as a repellents.