Women's Cashmere Sweaters

The women's cashmere market is broader than men's — more silhouettes, more necklines, more ways to get it wrong. A few things hold true across every style.

Fiber grade matters more than brand name. Grade A cashmere uses fibers under 15.5 microns in diameter, which means finer strands, tighter knit density, and less pilling over time. Some brands charge premium prices for Grade B fiber with better marketing. The simplest check: look for fiber diameter or micron count on the listing. Brands confident in their fiber quality will mention it.

Fit by Style

Cardigans and wraps are the most forgiving for sizing — an open front accommodates a range of body shapes, and these styles are designed with ease. Turtlenecks and crewnecks are less forgiving, especially in cashmere, which stretches under tension but doesn't snap back the way synthetics do. For fitted styles, err toward your usual size or check the brand's size chart rather than sizing down.

Oversized styles should be bought in your normal size. They're cut with extra ease built in — sizing up further pushes them from "relaxed" to "shapeless."

Care Basics

Hand wash in cold water with a cashmere-specific detergent. Lay flat to dry — hanging stretches the shoulders. Use a cashmere comb (not a lint roller) for pilling. Store folded, never on a hanger, with cedar to deter moths. These steps add five minutes per wash and can double the sweater's lifespan.