How to Choose Quality Cashmere on a Budget?

[OldFriechand]

I want to buy something made of cashmere because I’ve never had this material in my wardrobe before. I’ve decided on a scarf and a sweater (probably a turtleneck). I wear all my wool sweaters directly on my skin, so I plan to do the same here. I don’t like thick knits, so I’m interested in 1- or 2-ply cashmere. My budget is a maximum of €250 for the sweater and €100 for the scarf.

Is it possible to find something interesting within this budget, or should I abandon the idea? What should I pay attention to when buying cashmere?

I’ve found something like this: https://authenticcashmere.com/colle...bange-pull-col-roule-taupe-chine-en-cachemire with significant discounts. Can anyone share their thoughts on this, as I’m not entirely sure what to look for? Alternatively, I’d appreciate links to other items within the budget.

 

[mhip]

I want to buy something made of cashmere because I’ve never had this material in my wardrobe before. I’ve decided on a scarf and a sweater (probably a turtleneck). I wear all my wool sweaters directly on my skin, so I plan to do the same here. I don’t like thick knits, so I’m interested in 1- or 2-ply cashmere. My budget is a maximum of €250 for the sweater and €100 for the scarf.

Is it possible to find something interesting within this budget, or should I abandon the idea? What should I pay attention to when buying cashmere?

I’ve found something like this: https://authenticcashmere.com/colle...bange-pull-col-roule-taupe-chine-en-cachemire with significant discounts. Can anyone share their thoughts on this, as I’m not entirely sure what to look for? Alternatively, I’d appreciate links to other items within the budget.

Try "Quince"...

It's not bad, and they run frequent sales.

 

[OldFriechand]

Unfortunately, Quince does not offer international shipping outside the United States. I need a store that can deliver to the European Union.

 

[breakaway01]

If you want to buy new items, watch discounters like Yoox - get to learn good makers (there is a good cashmere quality thread here).

If you are willing to purchase used and are patient, eBay and similar sellers can be a trove of amazing Scottish cashmere from the 1960s-70s. Vintage Pringle, Ballantyne, etc.

 

[paxonus]

If you want to buy new items, watch discounters like Yoox - get to learn good makers (there is a good cashmere quality thread here).

If you are willing to purchase used and are patient, eBay and similar sellers can be a trove of amazing Scottish cashmere from the 1960s-70s. Vintage Pringle, Ballantyne, etc.

I second ebay for quality cashmere. I would avoid Quince and similar brands.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90972835/the-problem-with-your-cashmere-sweater

 

[Camerashy]

Check out privatewhitevc they have regular sales

 

[DapperDan15]

If you want to buy new items, watch discounters like Yoox - get to learn good makers (there is a good cashmere quality thread here).

If you are willing to purchase used and are patient, eBay and similar sellers can be a trove of amazing Scottish cashmere from the 1960s-70s. Vintage Pringle, Ballantyne, etc.

Adding to this: I have found several brand new cashmere sweaters at thrift stores in the past. You'd be surprised what people will give away!

 

[maxalex]

P

I want to buy something made of cashmere because I’ve never had this material in my wardrobe before. I’ve decided on a scarf and a sweater (probably a turtleneck). I wear all my wool sweaters directly on my skin, so I plan to do the same here. I don’t like thick knits, so I’m interested in 1- or 2-ply cashmere. My budget is a maximum of €250 for the sweater and €100 for the scarf.

Is it possible to find something interesting within this budget, or should I abandon the idea? What should I pay attention to when buying cashmere?

I’ve found something like this: https://authenticcashmere.com/colle...bange-pull-col-roule-taupe-chine-en-cachemire with significant discounts. Can anyone share their thoughts on this, as I’m not entirely sure what to look for? Alternatively, I’d appreciate links to other items within the budget.

Permanent Style did a story a few years ago (google it) that sought to determine if Uniqlo cashmere sweaters are any good, given the ridiculously low price.

The consensus of several experts was yes, although connoisseurs would notice the shorter threads and slightly oily finish, meant to prevent pilling. The lanolin wears off after several hand washings and thus pilling can become an issue over time. But even really expensive cashmere can pill if you mistreat it (like by cramming it in a full drawer, and not washing regularly).

The review was surprising given the PS focus on ultra lux menswear, mostly bespoke.

 

[DorianGreen]

You could consider Falconeri. I have no experience, but the produts look pretty good, some are even reduced currently.

https://www.falconeri.com/it/uomo/maglieria/

 

[chrfi]

I visited Falconeri store in Munich recently to have a look. The cashmere sweaters looked fine, I don't think they offer anything really special but are good for the value.

 

[Sirguywhosmiles]

P

Permanent Style did a story a few years ago (google it) that sought to determine if Uniqlo cashmere sweaters are any good, given the ridiculously low price.

The consensus of several experts was yes, although connoisseurs would notice the shorter threads and slightly oily finish, meant to prevent pilling. The lanolin wears off after several hand washings and thus pilling can become an issue over time. But even really expensive cashmere can pill if you mistreat it (like by cramming it in a full drawer, and not washing regularly).

The review was surprising given the PS focus on ultra lux menswear, mostly bespoke.

I think that was a review of the Uniqlo merino knitwear.

 

[Keyser_Söze]

I second ebay for quality cashmere. I would avoid Quince and similar brands.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90972835/the-problem-with-your-cashmere-sweater

Why avoid Quince?

 

[Rowyourboat]

Why avoid Quince?

I have Quince sweaters and like them for the price point, much better than Naadam/JCrew/etc. in the sub <$200 range. But a $60 Ballantyne vintage sweater in good condition is definitely better quality and construction than the Quince $60 sweater.

That being said, it's much easier to buy from Quince than it is to find the right sweater on ebay, so I guess it's a matter of convenience.

 

[paxonus]

Why avoid Quince?

Anyone selling cashmere sweaters for $50 is part of the problem.

 

[fabricateurialist]

Bottegiani is the answer to your question, made in Italy from Todd & Duncan, Loro Piana and Cariaggi yarns. I’d not touch Falconieri unless they’re on sale at 50% off - which is the fair price for their quality. For scarves, William Lockie is slightly above budget but worth it, you can check out Lochcarron for tartan cashmere scarves too.