Turning tips into memories

Best budget cashmere brands

By Poppy Cory-Wright on 14/12/2020

All cashmere is not created equal, 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 his & hers: FRENCH CONNECTION

Okay, so families in full-on matching outfits are best left to the Kardashians, but sometimes a little co-ordination is impossible to resist. Especially when you're buying a new sweater for your beloved, and just happen to discover one for yourself at the same time – fashion fate.

Enter French Connection, which focuses its cashmere offering on jumpers – crew-neck, hooded or roll-neck – in a range of vibrant hues and elegant neutrals.

Price range: £150-£165

Our pick: For him, a simple grey cashmere roll-neck is a wardrobe heavyweight, £165; while, for her, the cashmere roll-neck jumper in 'bright cinnamon stick' is just the right blend of outlandish and classic, £160.

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 most of it's machine-washable. Like much of the brand's womenswear, 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-£150

Our pick: The Beaufort cashmere jumper is a slightly more engineered take on a simple crew-neck, and is perfect for keeping cosy on winter days, £150.

Shop the Boden cashmere collection here

Best for recycled fibres: ARKET

Arket is all about clean lines and quality material seen 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: A long-line cashmere roll-neck dress is the ultimate throw-on-and-go piece for the winter months, £225.

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 inclusive sizing, with sizes ranging from XXS to 3XL.

At time of publishing there are still a few pieces from the +J collaboration with Jil Sander available, including 3D knitted seamless cashmere sweaters in a range of colours and sizes.

Price range: £79.90-£89.90

Our pick: The cashmere crew-neck jumper in navy for time-honoured elegance, was £79.90, now £49.90.

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. And 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: £35-£119

Our pick: The Autograph pure cashmere joggers for the ultimate working-from-home flex, £99

Click here to shop the Marks & Spencer cashmere collection

Best for a design-led take: 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 for her distinctive designs.

Price range: £120-£540

Our pick: We love the belted cashmere jumpsuit for head-to-toe indulgence, £540

Shop the Madeleine Thompson collection here

Best for accessories: JOHNSTONS

You might think that a heritage British-made cashmere brand is going to be anything but affordable, and admittedly Johnstons has plenty of budget-busting pieces. But there also pure cashmere accessories including gloves, socks and beanies with plenty of change from £100, making them a great gift (even if is to yourself.)

Price range: £45-£475

Our pick: This pure cashmere beanie is super-soft and lightweight so shouldn't crush your hairdo while keeping you warm, £65.

Shop the Johnstons cashmere collection here