Fussy About Cashmere? These Brands Make the Best Jumpers

Nothing screams cosy season quite like a luxurious cashmere knit

three influencers wear cashmere jumpers
(Image credit: Instagram @deborabrosa, @nlmarilyn, @anoukyve)

The only good thing about summer being over? That it's finally cashmere jumper season. There are few fashion items more luxurious in my opinion—supremely soft, wonderfully cosy and endlessly versatile, they are nothing short of a modern wardrobe essential; capable of comforting you on a grey, drizzly day, as well as adding a certain touch of chic to any ensemble.

Little wonder I own more than 30 different styles, from classic chunky grey crewnecks and colour-pop cardis to playful, patterned designs—and all from a variety of brands. Over the years, I've splashed out on the odd luxe investment piece, scoured second-hand shops for discounted designer treasures, and found joy in affordable high-street jumpers to boot.

All this to say, that I consider myself quite the expert when it comes to the best cashmere brands, and I'm here to impart that hard-earned wisdom—covering all styles and price-points, but never compromising on quality.

  • Best high-street cashmere jumper brand: COS
  • Best luxury cashmere jumper brand: Khaite
  • Best fashion cashmere jumper brand: Reformation
  • Best independent cashmere jumper brand: &Daughter
  • Best for colourful cashmere jumpers: Boden
  • Best for design-led cashmere jumpers: Madeleine Thompson

Olympia Gayot takes a mirror selfie wearing a blue cashmere jumper and brown trousers

(Image credit: Instagram @olympiamarie)

Now, I realise that we haven't quite reached the depths of winter, but trust me when I say that this is actually the perfect time to pull out those old cashmere favourites, and add some new ones into the mix too. Britain's unpredictable weather means that as much as we might like to pretend otherwise, a warmer layer is pretty much an essential at this time of year, and the stylish women currently filling my Instagram feed are proof that cashmere is the chic, cosy companion we all need.

A little-known fact about the sumptuous fabric is that it's super breathable and has temperature-regulating properties, meaning it needn't be reserved solely for the colder months. Just make sure you opt for a finer knit that's single- or two-ply to keep things light, and layer over a slinky slip dress, linen trousers, cotton tee or breezy skirt for an effortless between-seasons outfit.

Another insider-favourite styling trick is to wrap a cashmere jumper or cardi around your shoulders—which not only looks cool, but ensures you're ready for any unexpected chills too. Just look to the likes of Anouk Yve, J.Crew's Olympia Gayot, Lisa Sebellin and Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks for transition season cashmere jumper outfit inspiration.

anouk yve, olympia gayot and lison sebellin wear cashmere jumpers

(Image credit: Instagram @anoukyve, @olympiamarie, @lisonseb)

So, now that you know just how essential a cashmere jumper (or ten) can be, keep scrolling for my insider guide to the best cashmere brands to shop from. I've also selected my top two picks from each—many of which are already making their way into my own wardrobe. Trust me: you can never have too many.

The Best Cashmere Jumper Brands

COS

For oversized shapes, chunky weaves and minimalist vibes, COS should be your go-to. The brand's cashmere offering ranges from grey, black and cream staples to bolder colourways, like this bubblegum-pink jumper that has already sold out a few times over.

ME+EM

'Intelligent style' that's 'flattering, functional, and forever' is ME+EM's raison d'être—and precisely what has won over the likes of Kate Middleton, Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman in recent years. This same winning formula has been applied to the British brand's cashmere offering, too. Each piece is knitted from luxuriously soft Good Cashmere Standard-certified cashmere, and will slot effortlessly into your rotation of wardrobe staples. The Sunday Jumper is especially hard-working, and features a removable snood for a clever two-in-one design.

Arket

Arket's cashmere collection might be relatively small, but it's precisely this tight curation that makes it so mighty. The Swedish high-street brand offers some of the best cashmere jumpers around in an array of neutral shades and flattering fits, that simply can't be beaten for their balance of quality and price.

&Daughter

&Daughter's Ada wool cardigan is considered a modern must-have among industry insiders, but did you know the cult British knitwear brand makes excellent cashmere jumpers, too? Even better, each piece is made using 100% natural yarns spun in the UK and Ireland, and hand-crafted by independent makers to ensure a small, sustainable, self-reliant supply chain—and impressive quality, too.

Khaite

Katie Holmes put Khaite cashmere on the map back in 2019, when she was photographed wearing the brand's oversize cardigan and matching bra on the streets of New York. Cue a million cut-price copies—but the original remains by far the best, and years later, is still in high demand. The brand makes some of the finest modern classic cashmere pieces around, all boasting exceptional softness, luxe details and impeccable craftsmanship—hence the hefty price.

Reformation

Reformation is my go-to for mid-priced fashion with major cool-girl vibes and sustainability credentials—so, naturally, I am a huge fan of its cashmere offering. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve reached for the brand’s Jadey jumper over the past year: it is a true modern classic, beautifully oversized and slouchy, and cost-per-wear-wise, worth every penny. No wonder it's also a celebrity favourite, with Daisy Edgar-Jones, Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus all spotted sporting the exact style lately.

Marks and Spencer

The fact that so many of Marks & Spencer's own-brand cashmere jumpers were already sold out in August tells you everything you need to know. The high-street hero is the place to go for good-quality, classic cashmere pieces, most of which are less than £100. Make sure to keep an eye out for limited-edition pieces during collaboration collections, too—this year's Bella Freud designs are fast becoming the must-haves of the season.

The Elder Statesman

A luxury clothing, fashion and lifestyle brand from Los Angeles, The Elder Statesman is known for making some of the coolest—and most spoiling—cashmere items around. Each piece is hand-spun in a small LA workshop, featuring bold colours, patterns and trippy designs in a refreshing departure from cashmere’s ‘quiet luxury’ connotations. If you have the funds and are looking to make a statement, opt for one of the signature tie-dye jumpers—and you may as well treat yourself to one of the huge, cosy cashmere blankets while you’re at it, too.

Rise & Fall

Rise & Fall is still something of an insider secret, a B-Corp brand that partners directly with the same makers as top luxury houses to offer high-quality products, minus the massive mark-ups. Its cashmere offering is small but mighty, including both simple and more fashion-forward jumpers alongside trousers, accessories, and a supremely spoiling wrap.

Madeleine Thompson

Based between London and Hong Kong, Madeleine Thompson has practically single-handedly shaken up the world of cashmere with her fun, feminine designs and signature rainbow stripes. Cool girls including Rachelle Rowlings, Blanca Miro and Sarah Corbett-Winder regularly wear Madeleine's colourful pieces, but she also makes great basics for those who prefer a more minimal aesthetic. You can't beat her cashmere onesies and jogger sets for luxurious lounging, either.

Boden

Boden is known for nailing joy-sparking colour like no other, and this extends to its cashmere, too. I'm especially enamoured by the brand's new season selection, that includes a fabulous colour-block jumper, jazzy Argyle styles, hot pink aplenty and countless alluring shades in between.

Uniqlo

For cashmere jumpers under £100, look no further than Uniqlo, that makes some of the best-value basics around. Here, you’ll find roll-necks, crew-necks, v-necks, cardigans and vests in a variety of colour ways and knit weights. The grey shades are especially expensive-looking—I buy them oversized for a more relaxed look.

Loulou De Saison

Founded by Parisian influencer Chloé Harrouche, Loulou De Saison is the name to know for minimalist The Row-esque cashmere that won't break the bank. Jumpers crafted from 100% cashmere start at around £300, and come in a chic selection of easy-to-style everyday shades, and are guaranteed to become fast favourites.

Guest in Residence

I'm not usually one for a celebrity clothing line, but Gigi Hadid's knitwear brand has serious merit in its own right. Inspired by her own family hand-me-downs, Guest In Residence is all about crafting lust-worthy, premium knits worthy of being modern heirlooms—and the preppy, sports-inspired cashmere jumpers are a real highlight.

Barrie

With ex-Chanel designer Augustin Dol-Maillot as its helm, one of the oldest cashmere knitting manufacturers in Scotland has become the ultimate "if you know you know", ultra-luxury brand for those with seriously deep pockets. Decades-old traditional methods remain king, but are now used to craft cutting-edge pieces of the most exquisite kind, from trompe l'oeil 'denim' separates to hand-embroidered jumpers.

C. Vernoy

This ultra-luxe, under-the-radar San Francisco knitwear brand is so exclusive that it eschews social media and only releases one collection a year—and an extremely limited one at that, made up of just a few designs and fewer than 1,000 pieces total. Everything is made by artisans in Italy using the finest yarns, with a price-tag to match. But if sustainability, a timeless aesthetic and the most exquisite cashmere are important to you, you'll be hard pressed to find better.

Clementina Jackson
Fashion Editor

Clementina Jackson is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes, edits and commissions stories spanning catwalk trends, industry news, shopping must-haves, long-form fashion features, and interviews. She was previously Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, and has also worked for a range of titles including Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Tatler, and Cosmopolitan.