5 Cashmere Brands for Quiet Luxury
It’s getting cold outside, so let’s talk about cashmere - the ultimate source of warmth and luxury!
Starting with some 101 information, cashmere is a soft, ultra-fine wool sourced from the undercoat of cashmere goats, specifically those found in regions with cold climates such as Mongolia and China.
It is finer and softer than regular wool, hence the luxurious feel. It is also up to three times warmer than sheep's wool, making it an excellent choice to stay warm.
So, where to buy the best cashmere out there?
1. Loro Piana
Loro Piana is an Italian brand founded in Quarona in 1924 by Pietro Loro Piana and it is often the first brand that comes to mind for cashmere.
The Italian brand has perfected the art of sourcing the finest cashmere fibers from Mongolia and Northern China. Loro Piana is known for exceptionally soft and luxurious cashmere designs.
If you are on the hunt for classic and timeless cashmere that will last you years, search no more and Loro Piana is the answer.
What to buy: Loro Piana’s cashmere turtleneck sweaters are a must-have in any winter wardrobe. Polo neck cashmere sweaters and cashmere trousers are also amazing choices.
Credit: Loro Piana
2. Brunello Cucinelli
Known as the “King of Cashmere,” Brunello Cucinelli is another Italian brand holding a strong association with cashmere.
Based in the Italian countryside, the brand was founded in 1978. Brunello Cucinelli stands out with a focus on human dignity, fair wages, sustainabililty, and eco-friendly practices. Loro Piana’s cashmere collections reflect this exact philosophy, combining high-end with a sense of responsibility.
Perfect for everyday luxury, Brunello Cucinelli has one more distinction. Each garment is hand-finished in Italy - hence the made in Italy tag!
What to buy: Cashmere cardigans, sweaters, and coats are all great choices to invest in from Brunello Cucinelli.
Credit: Brunello Cucinelli
3. Totême
Moving from la dolce vita to colder places, Totême is the ultimate Swedish brand known for minimalist designs and definitely cashmere pieces.
Totême was founded in 2014 by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman. Based in Stockholm, the brand is all about sophistication, craftsmanship, and silhouettes. Totême’s aesthetic is clean and modern, with a neutral color palette and sharp tailoring.
Reflecting the same style in their winter collections, the brand cultivates high-quality cashmere with durability and luxurious feel.
What to buy: From cashmere sweaters with relaxed fit to monogram cashmere scarves, Totême offers an excellent collection to choose from.
Credit: Net-a-Porter
4. The Row
The Row, created by the famous Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, is rising high in the quiet luxury era. Founded in 2006, the brand is in fact compared to Loro Piana. Focusing on precise tailoring, exceptional fabrics, and timeless cuts, The Row stands out as an American response to Italy.
The brand’s cashmere offerings are no exception to the same principles: ultra-soft, crafted in detail, and designed with a focus on fit and silhouette.
What to buy: The Row’s cashmere sweaters and coats can easily last for years and still remain in fashion.
Credit: The Row
5. Johnstons of Elgin
Last but not least, Scotland’s Johnstons of Elgin is one of the oldest brands dedicated to producing fine cashmere. With more than 200 years of commitment and expertise, the Scottish brand sources cashmere directly from Mongolian suppliers.
Known for the traditional yet refined designs, Johnstons of Elgin’s cashmere is soft, warm, and crafted to last. From socks to coats, the brand has an intense focus on cashmere and wool. After all, they have one of the best know-how in the industry.
What to buy: Johnstons of Elgin’s cashmere blankets are a must for cozy nights, while their cashmere sweaters and scarves combine tradition, warmth, and refinement.
Credit: Johnstons of Elgin
Other cashmere brands to explore
While the five brands above are at the top of the game, it’s worth exploring a few others that offer great quality cashmere. Brands like Everlane and Naadam may come as more affordable options without compromising on ethical sourcing and quality. Everlane is known for their transparent pricing and sustainability stance, while Naadam sources their cashmere directly from herders in Mongolia, offering fair prices to both consumers and producers.
How about the cashmere blends?
Cashmere blends are becoming extremely popular - even among the fast-fashion brands. The reason is simple, blending it means offering a bit of luxury at a more accessible price point.
So, it becomes important to see how the rest of the blend looks like, what other materials are there, and what the percentages are like.
Blending cashmere with wool, silk, or cotton is actually still a good idea. It remains luxurious and durable.
As we’ve covered the top players in the cashmere game, don’t forget to check out the care guide for winter fabrics to make sure your cashmere pieces receive the love they deserve.
