Ultimate Cashmere Sweater Review: Comparing Top Brands from Budget to Luxury

Best Top Rated Cashmere Sweater Review: Comparing Top Brands from Budget to Luxury

Best Overall Cashmere Sweater Recommendations for Winter, Spring and Fall

I'm placing my best overall recommendations at the top for easy reference and quick reading.

• Based on my findings, I think Offbeat1 offers the best value for your money, providing high-quality cashmere and longevity similar to premium brand Loro Piana, but at a more accessible price point
• I think Naadam is a good choice for those looking to test their first cashmere purchase without breaking the bank, with the understanding that their new sweater may not last for a long time.
• I would recommend Quince sweaters for those attending a one-time party, work event, or special occasion, as they provide a short-term gain.
• I recommend Everlane, like Offbeat1, to people who want top-quality cashmere that will last.
• Of course, I recommend Loro Piana, but only for those willing to splurge $2,000 on the brand. With the up-and-coming Offbeat1 offering comparable quality at a more affordable price, it’s a strong alternative to consider.

Introduction

I’d always wanted a cashmere crewneck but hadn’t justified it, living in New York. Awhile back, I discovered a brand called Naadam selling one for $75 and decided to give it a try. My first thought was that it’d be a gimmick—maybe 40% cashmere and 60% wool—but to my surprise, it was 100% Mongolian cashmere. Although, I think that Naadam blend their cashmere with B and C grades to offer the $75 price point.

Lately, I’ve noticed cashmere sweaters becoming more budget friendly from prices between $50- $2,000. So, naturally, I decided to test five cashmere sweaters at different price points to find out if higher prices mean better quality or if this is one area where you can save money without sacrificing too much.

To be clear, I evaluate my purchases through a cost-per-wear lens. Some of these pieces like Offbeat1 and Loro Piana have lasted me over 4 years and still hold up exceptionally well, making them far cheaper per wear than any of the budget options I’ve tried and eventually thrown away because of holes or too much pillage. It’s a bonus that they look better over time too. For reference, I’m 5’11”, around 180 lbs, and usually wear a medium in most brands.

I hope that you find my review helpful but before the review begins, let’s learn a little about cashmere.

Cashmere 101

What makes cashmere so special and costly? According to the Cashmere Fiber Association of the Americas (CFAA), cashmere comes from goats raised in regions with harsh winters, like Mongolia and China. These goats grow a double layer of fur, with cashmere sourced from the ultra-soft, ultra-warm underlayer. While sheep can produce 7 pounds of outer wool annually, goats only yield about half a pound of this precious cashmere. Collected and processed by hand once a year, it takes the winter undercoats of roughly four goats to make a single sweater—hence the high price. But after all that effort, you get one of the finest, softest, and fluffiest yarns, delivering a warm sweater that’s lightweight and cozy.

Now, let's dive into the different aspects of cashmere quality:

• At an entry-level price, like Quince’s and Naadam’s, although it's 100% cashmere from Mongolia, in my opinion, it is often blended with Grades B and C cashmere.
• Next, let’s consider the grade. Cashmere grades depend on fiber width, and ironically, the thinner the fiber, the higher the grade. Grade A is top quality, with fibers starting at 14-15.5 microns. Grade B fibers range from 18-19 microns and are less soft and durable than Grade A. Grade C fibers start at 30 microns or thicker, making it the lowest and cheapest grade. In my opinion, I think Quince and Naadam use a blend of Grade B and C cashmere to justify the price point of their entry-level sweaters.
• Finally, let's look at fiber length, which impacts durability. Longer, narrower fibers last much longer, while shorter, wider ones tend to pill. A quick test is to stretch the sweater—if it springs back, it’s high-quality with longer fibers. If it loses shape, it’s lower quality.

Alright, now that we're cashmere experts, let’s dive into the pieces themselves!

I will begin the review with Offbeat1, the best affordable cashmere sweater that is high quality, warm and soft. This cashmere sweater is best for Winter, Spring and Fall season. I definitely recommend this brand as the Loro Piana alternative. Then I will work my way down to the cheapest cashmere.

Offbeat1 ($400) on Sale Now $200

Offbeat1 brings luxury cashmere to a new level, competing with high-end brands like Loro Piana, but is this sweater truly worth the $400 investment and are they really bridging the gap between high-end luxury and budget-friendly? The answer is yes on both.

I must confess, at first, I was hesitant to spend $400 on an up-and-coming brand like the Offbeat1 sweater. After reviewing Loro Piana’s baby cashmere sweater, I had very high expectations, but to my surprise, I am very impressed. Offbeat1 is in the same league as Loro Piana. It’s pure indulgence at an affordable price. If you’re after ultimate luxury that is budget-friendly, this is it. After wearing the sweater, it feels like I’m being hugged by clouds. The sweater is soft, warm, and cozy.

This brand takes a meticulous approach to production, focusing on top-quality materials and craftsmanship. Each sweater is crafted from 100% baby cashmere, a rare, ultra-soft fiber collected from the undercoat of young Capra Hircus goats. Typically, an adult goat produces around 250g of cashmere, but a baby goat yields only about 80g—less than a third. Baby cashmere fibers are incredibly fine, measuring around 13.5 microns, placing them superior than Grade A quality.

With $400 for premium baby cashmere that normally cost upwards of $2,000, crafted by one of the most meticulous luxury brands, I had high expectations for this sweater. Upon unboxing, I noticed it had a similar softness to brands like Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, Kiton, Hermes, Prada and Ermenegildo Zegna with similar smoothness, refined finish and no flyaways, showing the level of detail in the fabric and quality.

Fit

• True to size with a fitted shoulder and chest area, tapering slightly towards the waist.
• Hits at mid-hip, suitable for both tucking and leaving untucked.
• The sleeves are well-proportioned, ending right at the wrist.

Fabric

As discussed above, crafted from 100% baby cashmere fibers measuring 13.5 microns.

Construction

• The cuffs are comfortable yet unobtrusive, and the double-lined hem sits closely to the body, adding subtle structure. The raglan sleeves remove shoulder seams for added comfort, and each seam aligns perfectly, showcasing Offbeat1's attention to detail.
• The sweater’s finishing is impeccable, with precise stitching and contrast details along the shoulders that add a touch of sophistication.

Thoughts

I’ve worn this cashmere sweater once per month for seven months (October, November, December, January, February, March, April) each year for the past four years, which comes to $400/28= $14.29 per wear. I have always received compliments from co-workers and from strangers on the train. If I had purchased this cashmere sweater on sale for $200/28 = $7.14 per wear. I believe that this sweater epitomizes luxury cashmere, ranking among the finest fabrics available, similar to Loro Piana. Offbeat1 prioritizes quality over branding, delivering exceptional craftsmanship. This brand has bridged the gap between high-end luxury and affordability without sacrificing quality. As with most high-end purchases, diminishing returns apply. Though Offbeat1 priced at a cheaper alternative to Loro Piana, it really holds its own, equal to Loro Piana as a more affordable option. In terms of luxury, quality, and refined design, it’s an outstanding piece.

Loro Piana ($2000)

Loro Piana is nearly synonymous with cashmere, claiming the title of the world’s largest cashmere manufacturer. But is this sweater worth a mortgage payment, and what justifies the steep price?

Loro Piana operates with near-total vertical integration, handling everything from refining fibers to making fabrics and sewing garments. They own farms, mills, and every step in between. While specific fabric details are scarce, we do know it’s made from baby cashmere, which is rarer and softer than regular cashmere.

Typically, an adult goat produces about 250g of cashmere fiber, while a baby goat produces only around 80g—a third of that amount. The fibers from baby goats are finer, measuring 13.5 microns compared to the usual 15, positioning it in the high end of Grade A quality.

So, $2000 for baby cashmere, made in Italy by one of the world’s top luxury brands—everything set me up to expect to be amazed. I was definitely amazed. Upon unboxing, I can feel the softness that was unmatched. The fabric is exceptionally smooth with no flyaways, giving it a refined feel.

Fit

• This sweater has a relaxed fit, leaving ample room throughout. It’s quite long, reaching my upper thighs when fully extended.

Fabric

The fabric is exceptionally smooth with no flyaways, giving it a refined feel.

Construction

• The cuffs aren’t overly tight, while the double-lined hem sits close to the body. I appreciate the raglan sleeves, which eliminate shoulder seams for added comfort. The attention to detail is remarkable, with perfectly aligned fabric at the seams. The hem’s double-layered design offers a snug fit, though its length may cause bunching if you have larger thighs or hips.
• The finishing is flawless, featuring clean stitches and a contrasting black detail down the shoulders.

Thoughts

Like Offbeat1, I’ve worn this cashmere sweater once per month for seven months (October, November, December, January, February, March, April) each year for the four three years, that’s $2,000/28 = $71.43 per wear. This is cashmere at its finest and the pinnacle of luxury fabrics. While other designers may offer similarly priced sweaters, Loro Piana’s quality, craftsmanship, and fabric choice set it apart—no flashy logos, just impeccable quality. As with most high-end items, the law of diminishing returns applies. Though this sweater costs 40 times more than Quince’s, it isn’t 40 times better. But in terms of craftsmanship and luxury, it’s undoubtedly exceptional.

Quince ($60)

This one from Quince is in a beautiful grey, size medium. While Naadam became known for its $75 cashmere sweater, Quince recently entered the scene to compete by lowering the price by $15.

Fit

• This sweater fits true to size, with a fitted feel around the shoulders and chest that loosens slightly around the stomach. It hits mid-crotch in length, making it low-profile enough to layer with a jacket but stylish enough to wear solo. The neckline is fairly high, adding a sophisticated touch, and the sleeves sit perfectly at my wrists.

Fabric

We touched on the fabric briefly, but it's incredibly soft to the touch. Quince claims it's 100% Grade A Mongolian cashmere, woven in a tight 12-gauge weave, ideal for year-round wear. It’s the thinnest of the bunch—not a drawback, as it’s great for warmer weather but may need layers in colder temperatures. Longer fibers in yarn reduce pilling but increase costs. Some brands like Quince blend short and long fibers to lower production costs, causing pilling over time. Short fibers tend to pill as they rub in areas with high friction. I noticed pilling under the arms where fabric rubs, and Quince doesn’t disclose fiber length, so this may be how they keep costs down.

Construction

• When it comes to cashmere sweaters, construction details are generally minimal, but worth noting here. Made in China with Mongolian cashmere, this sweater shows no signs of poor craftsmanship or low-quality stitching. A few details to point out include the collar and ribbing at the wrists and bottom hem. Personally, I prefer a more defined cuff, but these blend seamlessly with the rest of the garment, feeling more like a natural extension than a separate detail. The hem at the bottom is similar in design. The neckline, however, has a bit more structure with a single layer, adding a subtle touch of durability.

Thoughts

I’ve worn this sweater once per month for 4 months, (October, November, December, January) that’s $60/4 = $15 per wear. For an entry-level cashmere sweater at $60, Quince has set a high standard. The sweater is available in seven colors, most of which are neutral, and sizes range from S-XL, though options are somewhat limited. For an entry-level cashmere sweater at $60, Quince has set a high standard. We’ll see how it holds up over time, but for now, it’s easily one of the best budget-friendly low end pieces I’ve reviewed on this channel.

Naadam ($75)

Naadam sparked the affordable cashmere trend with its $75 sweater, quickly gaining popularity for its sustainable practices and competitive pricing. Before discovering Naadam, cashmere felt unattainable to me in graduate school. I was hesitant to buy online—expecting it to feel like scratchy wool at that price—but while in SOHO for lunch with a friend; I stumbled upon their store and left with my first cashmere piece. I've worn it for about five years now and chose a heather charcoal color in medium.

Fit

• This sweater has a slightly looser fit than Quince’s. It’s about the same in the stomach area but roomier in the shoulders, arms, and chest. The length is a bit longer, reaching mid-lower crotch. I like the relaxed fit for a more casual look, but if you’re on the slimmer side, keep this in mind.

Fabric

The fabric might feel a touch softer than Quince’s, though this may be from extended wear. Naadam’s cashmere is thicker, offering extra warmth and weight. They note that pilling from external friction is normal and recommend using a cashmere comb to remove fuzz balls, promising it won’t pill again after. Detailed information about their cashmere specs isn’t easily available but my hands on experience with Naadam and Quince makes it an easy comparison. I’ve worn this sweater on and off a few times and only recently removed the pilling after my 10th worn. It looked a bit worn, but after combing, it looked refreshed. The cuffs have stretched slightly after a few wear.

Construction

• As with most basic cashmere sweaters, there’s not much construction detail. This one is also made in China with Mongolian cashmere. The cuffs and hem are similar to Quince, but the collar feels slightly thicker and more premium.

Thoughts

I’ve worn this sweater once per month for 6 months (October, November, December, January, February, March), that’s $75/6 = $12.50 per wear. Naadam, like Offbeat1, deserves credit for popularizing affordable cashmere. They offer a fun color range, with 10 core neutrals and currently 7 limited-edition colors. Their sizing is also more inclusive, from XXS to XXL. Overall, they’re quite similar to Quince but with a thicker fabric, more color options, and a broader size range. In think that Naadam is a better option that Quince.

Everlane ($230)

Everlane, known for its mission of crafting high-quality basics with a sustainable approach. Based on my experience, while the prices are on the higher side, Everlane’s products rival ultra-premium clothing in quality. I picked up their brown cashmere sweater in a size medium, regular length.

Fit

• The fit on this sweater is a bit trimmer than the others brands. However, there’s plenty of room under the arms, so it doesn’t feel restrictive. It’s slightly longer than Naadam and Quince.

Fabric

The standout feature of this sweater is its fabric, made from recycled cashmere. Though this makes it hard to compare directly with the others, Everlane’s process ensures top-notch quality. Partnering with an Italian mill, Everlance recycles old sweaters, re-spinning them into yarn for new sweaters. This process retains the softness of virgin cashmere with a much lower environmental impact. Due to the shorter recycled fibers, a tiny bit of lamb’s wool (3%) is added for durability, resulting in 97% recycled cashmere. According to Everlane, the yarn is 16 microns, qualifying as Grade A, though just barely. The sweater itself is manufactured in Romania, but the origins of the original yarn are unknown due to the recycling process. Upon unboxing, I found it wasn’t as soft as Naadam or Quince. I learned that recycled cashmere lose some of its original softness. This suggests the cheaper ones might use softening treatments for immediate softness, whereas high-end ones likely soften gradually with wear.

Construction

• In terms of construction, this sweater feels more structured than the others. The cuffs and hem are tighter, and the thicker neckline adds an elevated look. I’d pair this with chinos or dress pants, while the others feel more at home with well-worn denim.

Thoughts

I’ve worn this cashmere sweater once per month for seven months (October, November, December, January, February, March, April) for one year, that’s $230/7 = $32.86 per wear. Comparing Everlane’s $230 sweater to Offbeat1, I would recommend Offbeat1 as the best option at the $400 price point. Overall, this sweater is good, but is it worth $230? Let’s look at top-tier options to determine whether this is a high-quality entry-level cashmere piece or a good deal compared to premium alternatives. Comparing Everlane’s $230 sweater to Offbeat1, I would recommend Offbeat1 as the best option at the $400 price point. Its quality and softness are well worth it compared to Everlane’s. When you look at the cost per wear, with Offbeat1 at $14.29 versus Everlane at $32.86, you can decide for yourself.

Cost Per Wear Analysis

My Cost Per Wear Findings by Brands:

• Offbeat1: Worn once per month for seven months each for four years, that’s $400/28 = $14.29 per wear.

• Naadam: Worn once per month for 6 months, that’s $75/6 = $12.50 per wear.

• Quince: Worn once per month for 4 months, that’s $60/4 = $15 per wear.

• Everlane: Worn once per month for seven months for one year, that’s $230/7 = $32.86 per wear.

• Loro Piana: Worn once per month for seven months each for four years, that’s $2,000/28 = $71.43 per wear.

Conclusion

After five sweaters and quite a bit spent, here’s what I’ve found. When it comes to cashmere sweaters, you get what you paid for. I found that quality does come with a higher price. Though, Loro Piana is undoubtedly the finest I’ve felt, but it’s hard to justify the $2000 price tag—even with disposable income.

Undoubtedly, I found the comparison between Loro Piana and Offbeat1’s baby cashmere to be equal in quality and craftsmanship. Between the two brands, I would recommend Offbeat1’s baby cashmere as the best value for its quality, craftsmanship, and budget-friendliness as an alternative to Loro Piana cashmere. The cost per wear for Loro Piana is $2,000/28 = $71.43, versus $400/28 = $14.29 for Offbeat1. You can make your own determination.

If I were shopping for a cashmere sweater, I’d go with a mixed approach. For a neutral color you’ll wear often, whether layered or alone, I’d invest in the Offbeat1 sweater. It has a polished look that will get softer over time than the cheaper options.

For colors you’ll wear only occasionally, Quince is more than sufficient. It offers decent low quality cashmere, a variety of colors, and a soft feel—all at a fraction of the price. For those in colder climates, the slightly thicker Naadam sweater is worth the small price increase.

If you’re after the very best of the best quality while staying budget-friendly, go with Offbeat1, followed by Everlane, then Naadam, and finally Quince. Quality generally improves with price as more natural fibers are used. If you’re looking to splurge, then go with Loro Piana.

In short, I found that when it comes to the best cashmere sweaters, you need to invest to get the highest quality. Most people would be happy with any of these options, so simply go with what fits your budget.

I hope that this review was helpful.