When it comes to cozy fabrics, few rival the touch and timeless wearability of cashmere — it’s soft, warm, lightweight, and not too thick. The textile, derived from the undercoat of the cashmere goat, is a type of wool sweater and a real superhero fiber that’s significantly softer and warmer than traditional sheep wool.
However, cashmere is almost always more expensive, typically ranging in price from $250 to well over $500. Its high price is a reflection of how labor intensive it is to process the cashmere fiber, and how little wool a single cashmere goat produces — only a few ounces annually.
Luckily, you can still find cashmere at a lower price point if you know where to look. Brands like Naadam and Quince cut out unnecessary middlemen in order to offer cashmere staples directly to the consumer for less. And as early Black Friday sales kick-off, brands like Naked Cashmere are having rare sitewide sales — 30 percent off.
Cashmere basics are investment pieces. While they need careful (and less) laundering, you’ll have a garment that lasts a lifetime and keeps you warm in frigid conditions. We scoured the web to find cashmere wardrobe staples for $100 or less, including cashmere sweaters, cardigans, socks, skirts, and vests.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweater
Quince brings shoppers Mongolian cashmere at one of the most affordable prices on the market — $50. This crewneck has been engineered for a softer, smoother feel, and is durable enough to survive the inside of your suitcase.
Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater
Classic and endlessly versatile, Naadam’s Original Cashmere Sweater is the ultimate cold-weather travel staple — and customizable with monogramming. Made from 100-percent cashmere and priced under $100, it features a crew neck and ribbed details. Shoppers and the brand say this style runs small, so consider sizing up for a roomier fit.
Quince Fisherman Crew
For something with a bit more of that drapey, chunky-knit vibe, this cashmere fisherman crew is made with less number of stitches per inch (aka “gauge”) compared to the sweater above, to achieve that larger knit look. And when compared to a traditional wool fisherman sweater, this cashmere one is three times warmer — perfect for all-day sightseeing when temperatures dip.
Uniqlo Cashmere Sweater
Uniqlo’s Cashmere Sweater is a style staple made of 100-percent cashmere and comes in 21 different colors. A classic crewneck sweater like this can be paired with practically anything in your travel wardrobe, including jeans and a silk midi skirt — it can even be styled with a white button-down underneath.
Charter Club Cashmere Duster Sweater
This cashmere duster sweater is perfect for a long-haul flight where you need warmth without the bulk. “The cashmere is very good quality with a very nice feel,” said one reviewer before adding that it fits well, too. While some reviewers note the cardigan is on the thinner side, this just means it makes a great, packable layering piece. Wear it over a midi dress or with a lightweight tee.
Zara Men’s Wool-Cashmere Sweater
This wool-cashmere blend combines the best of two insulating natural fabrics for a sweater that’s determined to keep you warm. Available in green, black, and gray, this sweater is a must-add to your capsule wardrobe and is sure to keep you toasty throughout your travels this season.
Caslon Cashmere V-neck Sweater
Now 40 percent off at Nordstrom, the Caslon Cashmere V-neck Sweater is available in 10 different colors. This lightweight sweater is best worn with an undershirt or tank. It likely runs small — reviewers say it hits right at your belly button — so for a boxier, looser fit, order up a size or two.
Nordstrom Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
Unlike the cashmere V-neck sweater above, this turtleneck has a looser fit in the torso. It hits at the bottom of the hips and has drop shoulders and a drapey style. One Nordstrom said the fit of the sweater is “on the loose-fitting side” offering a more casual look. The versatile sweater is “perfect with jeans (skinny or wide leg), slacks, skirt, [and] great for work outfits, etc.,” they added. “I am very satisfied with this sweater and would definitely buy [it] again for sure.”
Madwell (Re)sponsible Cashmere Crewneck Sweater Vest
Sweater vests are great for regulating body temperature when you’re out and about. Madewell’s cashmere is certified by the Aid by Trade Foundation’s (AbTF) The Good Cashmere Standard, which “ensures the welfare of the cashmere goats, protects natural resources, and improves the working conditions of farmers and farm workers in Inner Mongolia.” So you can feel good about donning this piece on your travels. Wear this cashmere sweater vest on its own or layered with a lightweight tee.
Amicale Cashmere Texting Gloves
Your hands are one of the hardest parts of your body to keep warm because your body intuitively sends blood to your torso when you’re cold. But at just $50, these chic and luxurious gloves are touch screen-friendly (perfect for snapping pics while sightseeing) and 100-percent cashmere, making them warmer than their synthetic counterparts.
J.Crew Solid Cashmere Scarf
This best-selling cashmere scarf from J.Crew is currently more than half off. One shopper bought this for their husband and said, “He loved it. It’s light and warm. Not scratchy or itchy at all. Quality is great!”
Bombas Merino Cashmere Blend Rib Calf Sock
Bombas’ Black Friday sale has already begun, offering shoppers 25 percent off the entire site, which includes this three-pack of cashmere-blend socks. One sock shopper said these were great for travel “because they don’t smell after wearing [because] of the wool,” adding that it’s a“beautiful and stylish wardrobe upgrade.” Sporting the brand’s signature built-in arch support and a seamless toe box, these socks are an elegant indulgence for your feet, whether you’re traveling or just working from home. Get it now for 25 percent off when you use code EARLYHOLIDAY25 at checkout.
Vineyard Vines Tissue Cashmere Crew Sweater
Light as air yet luxuriously warm, Vineyard Vines’ tissue cashmere sweater is ideal for layering. One shopper described the lightweight sweater as “soft and not too thick, so I can wear [it] pretty much year-round.” The brand offers extra useful tips for taking care of your cashmere, too, like airing out your sweaters in between wears, limiting washes, and using a cashmere comb to minimize pilling.
Naked Cashmere Aubrie Midi Skirt
Naked Cashmere is a conscientious clothing label dedicated to using sustainable, cruelty-free, and fair-trade practices — the brand’s knitting techniques produce zero waste. If you are aligned with Naked Cashmere’s practices, then its rare Black Friday sale is one to watch; right now, the entire site is 30 percent off. On top of that, first-time shoppers can get 20 percent off their order, plus free shipping and returns on orders over $100. This ribbed-knit cotton-cashmere-blend skirt in a stretchy yet fitted silhouette that’s breathable and warm. A chic side slit makes this great for a travel day when you need ease of movement.
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