Turning tips into memories

Best affordable cashmere brands

By Poppy Cory-Wright on 29/4/2020

The warm hug of cashmere was once the preserve of the moneyed classes but now it abounds on the high street. All is not created equal though, so read on for our guide to the best brands for indulging in a little affordable luxury.
Simple, unadorned styles will have the most longevity, not to mention being easier to layer, but you can add interest through bold colour, something the high street does well.
Whether you're a cashmere novice or simply adding to your collection, in order to prolong the life of the soft and fragile fibre you need to treat it with TLC. Read the Culture Whisper guide to cashmere care here.
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Best for casual classics: FRENCH CONNECTION

French Connection focuses its cashmere offering on jumpers: but there's nothing fusty or traditional here. The cashmere hoodie has come to the fore in recent years and we're not complaining, but really it's hard to beat a roll-neck, especially one that has been designed with a relaxed fit so it can be worn with every shape of jean as well as over all manner of floaty skirts and dresses.

Price range: £150-£160

Our pick: The cashmere roll-neck jumper in 'bright cinnamon stick' is just the right blend of outlandish classic, ~~£160~~, £120

Shop the French Connection cashmere collection here

Best for elegant yet affordable: BODEN

There's much to love about cashmere at Boden, not least the fact that it's machine washable. Like much of the brand's womenwear there's a 'grown-up' sensibility to the pieces which are neat and elegant, making them ideal for a working wardrobe as well as weekend wear. Alongside the classic black, navy, grey and pastels there are bright stripes and graphic patterns. Boden favours a slim fit so size up if you're looking for something a little more relaxed.

Price range: £98-£130

Our pick: It has to be the cashmere crew-neck jumper in multicoloured stripes: a veritable wearable rainbow, £130

Shop the Boden cashmere collection here

Best for recycled fibres: ARKET

Arket is all about clean lines and quality material through a stylishly Scandi lens, and its cashmere, made using a blend of virgin and recycled fibres, is arguably the brand's trump card. The ultimate in hygge.

Price range: £45-£150

Our pick: Cashmere knitted trousers, the ultimate flex for working from home. £125

Shop the ARKET cashmere collection here

Best for inclusive sizing: UNIQLO

UNIQLO’s 100% cashmere pieces are renowned for their softness and warmth, thanks to the brand's smart technology (each individual strand of cashmere is finer than a human hair). The brand also boasts extra inclusive sizing, with sizes ranging from XXS to XXL.

Price range: £70.90-£89.90

Our pick: The cashmere crew neck jumper in a camel hue for time-honoured elegance, ~~£79.90~~, £59.90.

Shop the UNIQLO cashmere collection here

Best for machine washing: MARKS & SPENCER

From unobtrusive office basics to star-spangled tracksuits, M&S's cashmere offering is impressively broad. What's more? Each and every piece is machine washable. Our top tip is to opt for the men's designs and achieve a more fashion-forward, boxy look.

Price range: £30-£150

Our pick: The Autograph pure cashmere socks in pale blue or dove grey, for warm and cosy toes, £30

Click here to shop the Marks & Spencer cashmere collection

Best for an injection of colour: MADELEINE THOMPSON

This choice is a little pricier than our others, but for those who are after a fashion statement with their cashmere, look to Brit knitwear designer Madeleine Thompson.

If your budget just won't stretch, it's worth checking out Thompson's collaboration with high-street chain Next that includes distinctive designs in cashmere blends and merino wool to lower costs.

Price range: £120-£400

Our pick: We love the rainbow-edged track jacket for après-ski adventures, £345.

Shop the Madeleine Thompson collection here

Best for accessories: JOHNSTONS

You might think that a British-made cashmere brand is going to be anything but affordable, but Johnstons of Elgin has plenty of pure cashmere accessories including gloves, socks and beanies priced around the £50 mark, making them a great gift (even if is to yourself.)

Price range: £40-£475

Our pick: This pure cashmere beanie is super-soft and lightweight so shouldn't crush your hairdo while keeping you warm, £60.

Shop the Johnstons cashmere collection here