Discover How to Style Cashmere Sweaters

We're taking a deep dive into the wonderfully cosy world of cashmere! There's a reason cashmere has remained so popular for so long. Not only is it durable, warm, and incredibly soft, but it also exudes sophistication and elegance. Discover how to style cashmere, how to layer cashmere sweaters, and how to style cashmere year round (spoiler alert: it's not just for Winter!). As retailers of cashmere royalty, Mia Fratino, we know a thing or two when it comes to this magnificent fibre. 

First things first - what is Cashmere and where does it come from? Well, in its raw form, cashmere is collected from the Kashmir or cashmere goat, which originally roamed throughout parts of highland Asia. These goats moult annually, shedding a mixture of their fine, soft undercoat and course outer coat, or ‘guard’ coat. To extract the fibres used to create cashmere for clothes, this moulted fur is collected, by hand, and the fine undercoat is separated out for use, dyed if desired, and spun into sumptuously soft yarn.

Mia Fratino has a strong focus on ethical and sustainable cashmere practices. All Mia Fratino cashmere is sourced ethically from Inner Mongolia, where the world's finest cashmere is produced. All their cashmere goats are reared in happy & healthy environments.

Why Choose Cashmere?

Someone's first thought when hearing the word Cashmere might be "Yes it's lovely, but it's so expensive". While that may be the case, let's talk about what makes Cashmere expensive and why it is worth the investment in the long term. 

Cashmere is expensive because it's rare and uniquely beautiful. Unlike wool, which has an annual production of 1-2 million metric tonnes, only 4,000-10,000 metric tonnes of cashmere are produced each year. According to the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute (CCMI), cashmere makes up just 1% of the raw material production compared to sheep's wool for apparel.

Each cashmere goat produces just 100–200g of cashmere annually, making it a much lower-yield fiber compared to others. For instance, a sheep can produce between 1 and 13 kilograms of wool each year. To put this into perspective, the entire yearly yield of 3-5 goats is needed to make a single sweater, highlighting cashmere's scarcity. The labor-intensive process of collecting and separating the fibers also adds to its cost, and strict quality standards prevent large-scale production. 

Cashmere clothes offer a superior warmth-to-weight ratio compared to fibres like sheep or camel wool. Cashmere yarn is up to eight times warmer than sheep wool while being much lighter! This makes a cashmere sweater a great option for those who aren't a fan of bulky layers but still need a way to stay cosy. 

When properly cared for, cashmere is also highly durable. Though not as strong as sheep's wool, it often lasts longer, maintaining its quality over time. So although it may be more expensive than wool or other knitted fibres, it is a better investment as it looks better, and stays soft and comfortable, for much longer. Plus - Cashmere does not contain lanolin, so it's an entirely hypoallergenic alternative to merino and other fibres.

How to Wear Cashmere Sweaters

So now that we have the science-y stuff out the way, let's get into how to wear this amazing fibre! Cashmere sweaters and accessories are a quick and effortless way to add luxury to any look. Let's take a look how style cashmere sweaters for any occasion. 

Everyday Cashmere Go-To’s

A cashmere sweater is the kind of clothing item you can throw over any outfit to instantly add a touch of class. Have a busy day running errands? Throw on a cashmere pullover sweater with jeans, leggings, sneakers, or boots to instantly elevate an otherwise casual look while keeping it comfortable and toasty warm.

Why you Need an Oversized Cashmere Cardi 

Another key piece for any wardrobe is an oversized cashmere cardigan. A piece like this can be thrown on over just about any outfit, whether it be dressy or casual, to create an instantly relaxed and fashionable look. Opting for a cashmere cardigan is also a good option if you want to show off your outfit while still having the option to add or remove layers depending on the weather or location. 

Occasion Cashmere Poncho and Wraps

Cashmere isn't just for casual day looks; it can also be easily incorporated into an evening ensemble. A cashmere poncho or wrap is perfect for a more dressy look and ensures you'll be comfortable and warm no matter the occasion. Throw a cashmere poncho over pants, a long skirt or dress, or the classic jeans and a nice top to instantly add an element of luxury and sophistication. Alternatively, opt for a button up Cashmere wrap which can be worn as a poncho, scarf, shrug or shawl making it extremely versatile. 

Insider Tips For Your Cashmere Sweater

As retailers of beautiful cashmere pieces for many years, we know a thing or two about how to wear, style, and care for this wonderful fibre. Here we'll share some of the tips and tricks we've learned over the years on how to make the most of your cashmere. 

Can you Wear Cashmere Year Round?

Absolutely, here's why. Cashmere is a hollow fibre similar to wool but is much finer and lighter. This allows it to regulate body temperature effectively, just as it does in its natural environment, preventing the animal it comes from from overheating in warmer temperatures (even Mongolia can reach Summer temperatures of up to 26ºC!). The lightweight nature of a Cashmere T-shirt makes it perfect to use as a layering piece in Summer or during those in-between seasons. 

What to Wear Under and Over Cashmere Sweaters?

Wearing something under your cashmere sweater is a good idea if you want to increase the amount of time in between washes (although washing cashmere is simple, it's not a matter of just chucking it in the washing machine). Opting for a lightweight Cotton t-shirt or long sleeved top to wear under your cashmere will add a barrier while also keeping you comfortable and warm. 

Cashmere, being as lightweight as it is, means that in the cooler months, you can layer up with coats and jackets without looking or feeling too bulky. You may find that with a heavier, oversized cashmere sweater, you might not even need a coat on the chilliest of days.

How to Care for Cashmere Sweaters?

• Hand wash your cashmere with an approved delicates detergent.

• Turn your knit inside out before washing to avoid fluffing the surface.

• Wash only in lukewarm water as hot water will shrink the yarn and set stains.

• Avoid fabric softeners as these can damage the fibres.

• Don’t rub the fabric against itself, because both can cause pilling.

• Do not wring out your sweater – this will stretch it out of shape.

 All 100% cashmere will pill. Pilling is a natural characteristic of even the finest cashmere which is why we give a free cashmere comb with all Mia Fratino sweaters. 

 A tip to help dry your cashmere is to lay it flat on a towel then roll both of them into a tube. Lightly apply pressure to the tube, to allow the towel to absorb any leftover water.

Post-roll, lay your cashmere flat on a smooth flat smooth surface with a towel underneath it to dry completely. If pressing is required, use a warm iron with a protective cloth and press inside out.

Shop Women’s Cashmere Sweaters at Impulse Boutique and Elevate Your Winter Wardrobe!

Hopefully by now we've convinced you that you absolutely need a cashmere sweater in your life, or perhaps you've been inspired to grow your collection. If that's the case, take a look at our incredible range of Mia Fratino Cashmere pieces and treat yourself to something truly special. Shop Mia Fratino Cashmere.