Where to Buy Cashmere Sweaters

Six Places to Buy Cashmere — Each With Trade-Offs

Where you buy cashmere matters almost as much as what you buy. The same quality of fiber can cost $80 from one channel and $300 from another, and the cheapest option is not always the worst. Understanding how each retail channel works helps you find the best cashmere for your budget.

1. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Brands

DTC brands sell directly through their own websites, cutting out the department store markup. They typically offer Grade A or high-end Grade B cashmere at prices 40-60% below comparable department store brands.

Pros:

• Best value — you pay for the cashmere, not the retail markup
• Most DTC brands are transparent about fiber grade, origin, and construction
• Direct customer service and generous return policies

Cons:

• You cannot touch or try on before buying
• Sizing varies between brands with no way to compare in person
• Newer brands have shorter track records

Price range: $80-250 for sweaters

Best for: Buyers who research before purchasing and are comfortable with online shopping and returns.

2. Department Stores

Traditional department stores (Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Saks, Neiman Marcus) carry cashmere from established brands. You pay more, but you get the ability to touch, try on, and compare in person.

Pros:

• In-person shopping — touch the fiber, check the knit, try on for fit
• Established brands with long track records
• Strong return policies and customer service
• Seasonal sales can bring prices down significantly

Cons:

• Highest retail markup — 2x to 3x the cost of DTC for comparable quality
• Sales staff may not know cashmere quality details
• Brand name drives price more than fiber quality at this tier

Price range: $150-800+ for sweaters

Best for: Buyers who want to evaluate cashmere in person before purchasing, or who are shopping for specific designer brands.

3. Amazon

Amazon carries cashmere from dozens of brands across the entire price spectrum — from $40 budget options to $300+ premium pieces. The selection is wide, prices are competitive, and Prime shipping is convenient.

Pros:

• Widest selection of brands and styles in one place
• Customer reviews provide real-world feedback on fit, quality, and durability
• Easy returns and fast shipping
• Price comparison across brands is straightforward

Cons:

• Quality varies enormously — you need to know what to look for
• Product descriptions may overstate quality (always check reviews)
• Some listings use stock photos that do not match the actual product

Price range: $40-300+ for sweaters

Best for: Buyers who read reviews carefully, compare options, and know the basics of evaluating cashmere quality.

4. Outlet Stores

Brand outlet stores (J.Crew Factory, Nordstrom Rack, Off Fifth) sell cashmere at discounted prices. Some of this is past-season inventory from the main line; some is made specifically for the outlet channel at lower quality.

Pros:

• Brand-name cashmere at 30-60% below retail
• Occasional genuine main-line inventory at deep discounts
• In-person shopping at most locations

Cons:

• Outlet-made cashmere is often lower grade than the main line — thinner, more prone to pilling
• Difficult to distinguish main-line markdowns from outlet-made products
• Limited sizing and color selection

Price range: $50-200 for sweaters

Best for: Bargain hunters who can evaluate cashmere quality by touch and do not mind limited selection.

5. Secondhand and Consignment

Platforms like The RealReal, Poshmark, ThredUp, and eBay sell pre-owned cashmere. This is where you find luxury brands at a fraction of their original price.

Pros:

• Luxury cashmere (Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli) at 60-80% below retail
• Sustainable — extending the life of existing garments
• Well-worn cashmere is already past its pilling phase and can be softer than new

Cons:

• Cannot try on before buying (online platforms)
• Risk of hidden damage — moth holes, stains, pilling not shown in photos
• Sizing information may be inaccurate or missing
• Returns may be limited or unavailable

Price range: $30-400 for sweaters (depending on brand and condition)

Best for: Experienced cashmere buyers who know what to look for and are comfortable with the risks of secondhand purchasing.

6. Fast Fashion Retailers

Uniqlo, H&M, Zara, and similar retailers offer cashmere at entry-level prices. The cashmere is typically Grade C — functional but not luxurious.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price for real cashmere
• Wide availability — easy to find in stores
• Good for testing whether you like cashmere before investing more

Cons:

• Grade C fiber pills heavily and loses softness quickly
• Thin construction — typically single-ply or loosely knit 2-ply
• May last only 1-2 seasons with regular wear

Price range: $50-100 for sweaters

Best for: First-time cashmere buyers, trend-driven colors or styles you will not wear for years, and budget-constrained shoppers.

Quick Comparison

Channel	Price	Quality	Convenience
DTC brands	$$	High	Online only
Department stores	$$$-$$$$	High	In-person + online
Amazon	$-$$$	Varies widely	Online, fast shipping
Outlets	$$	Mixed	In-person
Secondhand	$-$$$	Varies	Online mostly
Fast fashion	$	Low-medium	In-person + online

For help evaluating quality regardless of where you buy: how to tell quality cashmere and how to spot fake cashmere.