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Cashmere is a cold-weather luxury that is starkly softer to the touch than your standard cotton or Merino wool knitwear. It's understandably more expensive than other textiles, as it's only obtained by combing hairs from specific goat breeds. But the best men's cashmere sweaters aren't as prohibitively pricey as they may seem. They're made more accessible by direct-to-consumer business models and brands that have long specialized in the tradition of cashmere.
Our own top picks include Naadam's Original Cashmere Sweater, priced at $98 — the best value for a luxury-grade cashmere sweater we've found since testing them back in 2018. Another affordable favorite is Quince's cashmere cardigan, which makes for a great piece to layer with. For more knits of the wool and cotton variety, see our guide to the best men's sweaters.
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Best overall: Naadam
Naadam
Naadam uses cashmere fibers that are about 30% longer than regular Grade-A cashmere, and are free from any chemical dyes. The results are premium men's cashmere sweaters that last longer and won't pill at the surface.
The brand travels deep into Mongolia's Gobi Desert — about 400 miles from the nearest city — to source its cashmere from free-range Zalaa Jinst white goats, which is the only entirely white breed of cashmere goat in the country.
Prices range depending on the blend of the cashmere, as Naadam offers several that each bring different benefits. Past their standard 100% Cashmere collection is the Cashmino collection, made from a naturally insulating Merino wool blend, while their elevated Luxe collection is made from the softest spun cashmere fibers.
Among our team's style editors, we agree Quince is one of the best DTC brands to come out of the last few years. Their cost efficient business model sources Grade-A cashmere directly from production facilities in Inner Mongolia, a strategy that combines quality and sustainability with affordability.
Their original men's sweater runs for $60, but is surprisingly luxurious considering this modest price tag. It comes in both a crewneck and V-neck cuts, and is made from 100% Grade-A Mongolian Cashmere. The knit is warming, but still lightweight enough to be pulled over a button down or undershirt for a comfortable layered look. Their classic black cashmere turtleneck is also a surefire wardrobe classic.
Quince also has a premium collection of extra soft Super Luxe Baby Cashmere sweaters spun from finer, longer fibers that are even better for wearing on bare skin.
Patagonia might not be a brand you'd think of when searching for cashmere, but if sustainability is one of your core values when shopping the best B-corp retail companies, you'll appreciate the Recycled Cashmere Crewnecks.
Cashmere is already a renewable material, but Patagonia further improves the sustainability of its Recycled Cashmere Crewneck Sweaters by using pre-consumer cashmere waste that's broken down and spun into new yarn.
Aside from a small Patagonia logo sewn at the hem, this cashmere sweater features minimal branding.
I really like this sweater because it's soft enough to wear directly on my skin. Some cashmere sweaters can be incredibly itchy, meaning they can only be worn when it's cold enough to wear another long sleeve layer underneath.
Ralph Lauren is one of my favorite places to shop for all kinds of sweaters, and its cashmere options are some of the best on the market. While the brand's Purple Label cashmere garments sell for anywhere from $795 to well over $2,000, the Custom Cashmere Crewneck is more affordably priced at $298.
Although that's still a bit more than most other options on our list, the high-quality 100% cashmere and the ability to customize the sweater make it well worth the added cost.
The Ralph Lauren Custom Cashmere Crewneck features a two-letter or three-letter monogram that's fully knit into the sweater and comes in 16 different color combinations — it's not your basic stitched-on monogram. The Art Deco-style monogram can be placed on the center of the chest, the left chest, the lower left torso, or on the left sleeve.
You'll also find cashmere sweaters with suede elbow patches, classic Polo Bear sweaters, turtlenecks, and more.
L.L. Bean is the Maine-based outdoor adventure company, best known for their beloved Bean Boots. We've lauded L.L. Bean in other guides for their inclusive size ranges across their apparel. This standard extends to the best men's cashmere sweaters for big and tall guys accustomed to what are usually limited plus size selections.
Their "Wicked Soft" sweaters are mostly cotton, but woven with just a touch of cashmere for an added plush feel. They feature classic East Coast designs in midweight, machine-washable blends.
J.Crew's Cashmere Shop has a bit of everything for everyone. From classic crewnecks to cable-knit sweaters, vests, cardigans, and hoodies, the assortment of cashmere is plentiful. They're also available in a wide range of colors, from muted earth tones to vibrant shades of pink and mint green.
All J.Crew cashmere sweaters are certified to The Good Cashmere Standard by the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), which means they're responsibly made in partnerships with farmers that care about the welfare of the goats and the environment.
Although J.Crew's cashmere sweaters are fairly priced, the brand regularly has sales to bring the prices even lower.
Despite having the reputation as one of Britain's most iconic luxury cashmere brands for well over fifty years, N. Peal's most recent claim to fame is their official James Bond collection in celebration of the franchise's 60th anniversary. These cashmere sweaters were sported by 007 himself in "No Time To Die," and are an ode to the distinguished style seen on every leading man from Connery to Craig.
Beyond the 007 collection, the heritage brand specializes in classic jumpers, turtlenecks, polos, and vests in organic 100% Mongolian cashmere, with some silhouettes available in reversible and superfine cashmere versions. N.Peal's peak standards for production are fulfilled by their own facilities that harvest, dehair, dye, spin, and knit the best men's cashmere sweaters that have persisted throughout the label's history.
If you're less concerned about name brands, but still want designer-level quality, Italic is one of the best places to shop. By working with the same factories that produce some of your favorite high-end labels, Italic gets to take advantage of the same materials and manufacturing processes. It allows the brand to ensure premium quality while maintaining low costs.
Its current selection of cashmere is made in the same factories as cashmere pieces from brands like Superdry, Sandro, Maje, and Maisonette.
After over a decade in the industry, Todd Snyder is well on its way to becoming an iconic menswear brand that everyone knows and loves. Two things can be said about all of its pieces — they're made with the highest quality materials and designed with thoughtful attention to timeless style.
While the high standards in design and production translate to higher prices, Todd Snyder's Cashmere Shop is full of options that are completely worth the premium.
You'll find everything from classic crewnecks, V-necks, and turtlenecks to more unique options like long-sleeve pocket tees, zip-up hoodies, and Italian recycled cashmere.
The color selection is also amazing. In addition to standard colors like black, navy, cream, and grey, Todd Snyder does a great job at offering different hues of blue, green, pink, and more.
Buck Mason prides itself on crafting a portion of their clothing locally in the Buck Mason Knitting Mills, a brand-operated facility in Mohnton, Pennsylvania that continues American traditions of textile manufacturing.
When facilities overseas are more equipped to craft their designs, they import the best men's cashmere sweaters that make up their California Cashmere collection. Buck Mason's 16 gauge jersey knits are made from yarn-dyed long staple cashmere, available in three California-casual styles. Their fabrics are both lightweight and pre-washed for a smooth, ready-to-wear feel.
Cashmere is a very delicate material that's prone to shrinking, so you'll want to pay close attention to the washing and drying instructions. Generally, care instructions for cashmere include hand washing with cold water and air drying. The safest way to go about it is to dry clean it, and ensure it never goes in a dryer machine.
What's special about Grade-A cashmere?
Cashmere is graded into three categories of A, B, and C. Most luxury brands exclusively use Grade-A cashmere. These are absolute thinnest hairs, measured in microns, harvested by combing the undercoat of a cashmere goat. Grade A cashmere has a width as low as 14 microns, which is about 6 times thinner than a strand of human hair. The higher the micron count, the lower the grade of cashmere.
What does "gauge" mean?
A cashmere's gauge describes the number of rows of yarn in a sweater's fabric per inch. The tighter the weave, the higher the number. When sweaters are described as made with "12 gauge cashmere," for example, this means it'll be lightweight and finely knit. If you're after a thicker knit, a 3 gauge cashmere will feel warmer and more dense.
How do I prevent pilling?
While some grades of cashmere are more susceptible to pilling than others, all cashmere (and wool) garments will inevitably pill to some degree. Rather than picking at pills with something harmful like tweezers or scissors, it is recommended to use a sweater stone or a cashmere comb.
How do I prevent moth holes?
Cedar is a natural alternative to chemical-filled mothballs. Cedar products are great for repelling moths, spiders, and absorbing odor and moisture (which promotes mold and mildew). You can use cedar hangers, cedar blocks, or cedar rings.
Moth larvae have a diet that's high in keratin, so female moths are attracted to materials like wool, cashmere, silk, and sometimes even leather and fur (basically anything that comes from an animal) when it comes time to lay their eggs. Clothing made from synthetic materials or cotton should remain safe (unless it's blended with a material that has keratin in it).
Moths are also attracted to food and stains, so if you spill something on your cashmere, you shouldn't put it back in your closet with plans to wash it before your next wear; you should clean it as soon as possible. Not only will it make getting the stain out easier, but you'll reduce the chances of moth holes.
Amir Ismael is an editor on Business Insider’s Reviews team specializing in men's style and grooming products. He joined the team (then called Insider Picks) in 2017, initially covering a wide range of subjects, including deals of the day, clothing, phone cases, headphones, and more, before leaning into his true passion — men’s style.ExperienceAmir began his journalism career at Complex Media in 2015, working as an intern and freelance writer for Complex Sneakers and Sole Collector. He joined Business Insider in July 2017. During his time on the Reviews team at BI, he’s covered all aspects of menswear and footwear, including the latest startups you should know about, brands focusing on sustainability, where to buy affordable work clothes for men, outerwear, watches, and more. He’s also continued to lead on style deal coverage for multiple key seasonal events each year, such as Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Why you can trust AmirAmir’s expertise in style is rooted in his personal love for collecting fashion, from vintage finds on eBay to new, innovative designs that spark his interest. Some of his favorite brands include Ralph Lauren, Timberland, The North Face, Nike, and Air Jordan. His enthusiasm focuses less on the materialistic side of consuming fashion, as he prefers delving into the stories behind them, be it their cultural significance, sports history, or impact on the outdoor/adventure space.Amir’s a passionate sneaker collector (and can tell you how to clean and restore them so you’re always looking your best), and he has you covered head-to-toe for everything you need to know in men’s style and grooming. He’s extensively tested glasses, wallets, watches, razors, skincare, and both casual and formal wear. For Amir, hunting for deals goes far beyond his coverage during shopping events like Black Friday. He prides himself on always being able to find great deals and attributes most of his personal collection to his deal-hunting prowess. If he says it’s a good deal, then it is!Expertise
Men’s street fashion
Footwear, including significant release dates, design history, construction, and materials
Menswear staples, including workwear, casual clothes, underwear, T-shirts, and more
Brand founder or designer interviews
Men’s grooming and shaving products
Prescription eyewear
EducationAmir graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in print journalism and public relations. Outside of workAmir has been a lifelong resident of New Jersey. When he’s not working, he enjoys working on and driving his small collection of classic BMWs.Say hello to Amir at aismael@businessinsider.com or on Instagram @amirjismael.
Gabrielle Chase is a style and beauty expert who has worked in the fashion journalism industry for five years. As an editor and reporter, she has covered viral products, luxury companies, and durable closet staples. She applies a healthy dose of skepticism to the fashion trends on social media — still, she's never above a good designer dupe.ExperienceBefore joining Business Insider in 2023, Gabrielle interned with Interview Magazine, and then wrote for Elle Magazine’s online series, The Launch.In her role on the Reviews team, Gabrielle tests clothing, shoes, and jewelry for their durability, quality, and, of course, style. She brings her eye for fashion to every story she writes or edits, whether she’s helping readers get dressed for work or find their new favorite pair of jeans. Gabrielle is also an expert when it comes to finding great deals on clothing and shoes, from finding affordable hidden-gem brands to shop, to showcasing the best discounts on big deal days like Black Friday. She upholds Insider Reviews’ rigorous product testing standards, recommending only products that feel good, look good, and last a long time, from walking shoes to cashmere sweaters. She’s a firm believer in investing in long-lasting pieces and good-quality basics. ExpertiseHer expertise includes:
Women’s shoes, clothes, and workwear
Apparel deal hunting
Viral fashion trends
Designer dupes
EducationGabrielle graduated from the University of Rhode Island with degrees in Journalism and Spanish. There she started runway modeling, which gave her an intimate look at how much work goes into producing a single garment. Backstage she'd overhear designers passionately retelling their creative process, so she switched her focus from broadcast journalism to fashion journalism.Outside of workGabrielle loves K-pop (especially Aespa), horror movies, and science fiction books. She is based in Brooklyn.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
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