Today, we’re talking cashmere and how investing in your wardrobe will save you money. Am I saying you should go into debt for fashion? Um no. I’m saying by spending more up front you will be helping the environment and your wallet over time. We need to slow down when it comes to fashion and make more mindful choices. Let’s dive in!
Please Note -(originally published 10/14/2020 -updated for 2024)
Cashmere
If you haven’t tried cashmere before, you should, it’s scrumptious. Cashmere comes from a goat’s hair instead of sheep wool. There are varying degrees of quality when it comes to cashmere because it’s quite a process. It’s warmer than typical wool, incredibly soft against your skin (this is where quality comes in), and incredibly long lasting with proper care. I got this sweater in 2007 and I still love it as much as the day I brought her home.
Investing in your wardrobe.
We talked cost per wear here before (here). Using this cashmere sweater, let’s break this down. I’ve had this $400 sweater for 13 years so annual cost is $31. Are you spending more than $31 a year on sweaters that pill, fade, stretch out, and then end up in a landfill somewhere? Let’s say you spend $100 a year on sweaters. Over the course of 13 years, you would’ve saved $897! This principal doesn’t just apply to cashmere. I would apply this to any timeless, classic style. Straight leg denim, leather jacket, boots, blazers. Listen, your entire closet won’t be investment items, but they should be the foundational building blocks. I’ve included some classic colors and shape cashmere sweaters below that I love in a variety of price ranges. Need advice? Send me a message and I’ll get you started.
Cashmere Care
So, you’ve got yourself a cashmere sweater and now we need to take care of it.
First off, NEVER HANG YOUR HEAVY SWEATERS!!!
Please don’t. I love this option If you must hang, fold the sweater and hang over a pant hanger. Moths love cashmere so when off season, clean & then store your cashmere with cedar. I love these storage bags. Most of my good cashmere doesn’t pill but I like this sweater shaver.
It’s recommended to wash cashmere every 2-3 wears. Most likely the tag will say dry clean only. I don’t like how dry-cleaned sweaters feel or smell so I did my due diligence for an alternative. (You’re welcome) I’ve been doing this for years and my sweaters are so soft and fresh.
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Get a cashmere wool soap (this one is heavenly) but this one works too. Fill sink with cold water and a capful of soap, submerge sweater and let soak for 5-10 minutes. You can agitate with your hands a bit too if desired. To removed excess water squeeze, DO NOT RING. Then place between two towels and roll up. Then reshape and lay flat to dry. DO NOT HANG TO DRY.
2. If this all just sounds like too much for you, here’s what I do. Place sweater in a lingerie bag. Set your washer to the delicate cycle, make sure the water temp is set to cold, and no spin cycle. If your machine doesn’t have these features, I’d hand wash. Once the cycle is complete, reshape your sweater and lay flat to dry.
Cashmere brands
When shopping for cashmere, you want to always look at the fabric and where it’s made. The fabric should be 100% cashmere. How does it feel when you touch it? Here are some brands I love
www.naadam.com(“the original” $98 cashmere sweater)
www.nakedcashmere.com(perfect weights and excellent draping)
www.jennikayne.com(so yummy, so luxe)
www.bloomindales.com(recently introduced by a friend. Great quality and price)
www.jcrew.com(tons of fun colors, great quality for the price)
If you’re in the market for a new sweater, I’d start here:
Thanks for stopping by! I hope this has given you some food for thought when it comes to building a wardrobe and how to spend your money wisely. See you next week, in therapy and as always, #notadoctor
xoxo, Jess
