No winter wardrobe is complete without the best cashmere jumpers. Perennially chic while being thoroughly practical, the material ticks all the boxes for cold-weather dressing.
Cashmere keeps you warm while helping to regulate your temperature. Long-lasting and durable, the fabric is crafted from finely woven wool. Famous for its luxuriously soft texture, cashmere used to attract eye-watering prices.
But gone are the days when only designer brands sold cashmere pieces. The high street is brimming with premium styles at a far less eye-watering price point. Marks & Spencer’s and Uniqlo’s cashmere starts from just £80, and John Lewis has styles for £120.
From Stella McCartney to Victoria Beckham, the humble grey knit is back in a big way for 2025, while burgundy and striped finishes are trending for bolder dressers. When it comes to cuts, preppy-style cardigans and oversized silhouettes will take the guesswork out of autumn dressing.
Whether you opt for a Parisian turtleneck jumper, colourful vest, classic cardigan, or chunky crew neck, I’ve tested the best cashmere jumpers to invest in for 2025 and beyond. My favourite is the M&S pure cashmere crew neck jumper, but I’ve found a few other picks that might be a better option.
How I tested
Autumn dressing is all about layering, stompy boots, statement coats and, of course, knitwear. To ease you out of summer dressing and into winter, I’ve been testing cashmere jumpers in all-weather conditions.
- Comfort: Comfort is key when it comes to shopping for cashmere jumpers. Though style matters above all, you don’t want the material to feel itchy or scratchy against your skin. I wanted each jumper to fit well with a super soft finish.
- Everyday practicality: I wore each cashmere jumper during long days in the office, countryside walks, on the commute and out for dinner.
- Materials: I wanted each cashmere knit to be a worthwhile investment, so I looked for a high-quality design. I noted the cashmere count in cheaper options while considering the use of blended fabrics in the more luxurious styles (think merino wool or wool).
- Style: Taking note of trends like shades and silhouettes, I also considered whether the cashmere jumpers were timeless enough to still be worn for years to come – no single-wear season here.
- Value for money: I’ve included everything from affordable high street takes (think H&M and Uniqlo) to mid-range labels that are worth every penny.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
IndyBest is The Independent’s reviews section, where experts trial products to see if they live up to journalistic scrutiny.
Daisy Lester is a senior shopping writer at The Independent. She specialises in reviewing fashion, so she knows what makes a well-crafted, comfortable and on-trend garment. Where cashmere jumpers are concerned, she turns to the best brands that combine affordability and quality, looking for trend-led styles that are still timeless investments.
The best women’s cashmere jumpers for 2025 are:
- Best overall – M&S pure cashmere crew neck jumper: £89, Marksandspencer.com
- Best budget buy – Uniqlo 100% cashmere crew neck jumper: £79, Uniqlo.com
- Best wool-blend style – H&M cashmere-blend jumper: £129.99, Hm.com
- Best cardigan – Jigsaw halo cashmere cardigan: £250, Jigsaw-online.com
- Best roll-neck – Rise & Fall merino cashmere high neck jumper: £175, Riseandfall.co
M&S pure cashmere crew neck jumper
Best: Cashmere jumper overall
Size range: UK 6-24
Colourways: 10
Cashmere blend: 100% cashmere
Why we love it
- Timeless cut and colourway
- Lightweight
- Soft
M&S’s in-house line Autograph is ever-popular in autumn thanks to statement faux fur coats, suede bags and snakeskin co-ords – but its basics line is equally worthy of praise. The stalwart’s cashmere jumper offers a crew neckline, a comfortable, relaxed cut and a soft, brushed finish.
The black colour is endlessly wearable, whether tucked into wide-leg denim jeans, layered under a pinafore dress or styled with a maxi skirt. Made with 100 per cent cashmere, it’s perfectly lightweight and soft while being insulating and warm. On top of that, the short fibres mean that it’s unlikely to pile. The black, grey and white styles are timeless, but the red current, pink and green shades create more of an impact. For less than £100, it’s a staple addition to your wardrobe.
Buy now £89.00, Marksandspencer.com
Uniqlo 100% cashmere crew neck jumper
Best: Budget cashmere jumper
Size range: XXS-XXL
Colourways: 24
Cashmere blend: 100% cashmere
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Super soft finish
- Colour options
For a pure cashmere piece, Uniqlo’s crew neck is a steal at less than £80. In keeping with the Japanese brand’s commitment to high-quality staples at affordable price points, Uniqlo’s cashmere range spans jumpers, cardigans, scarves, hats and more. Available in 24 shades – from staple black, cream and grey to vibrant pink, red and lilac – this classic jumper will prop up your wardrobe for years to come.
Crafted from 100 per cent cashmere, the jumper is cut into a relaxed, drapey silhouette with ribbed sleeves, cuffs and neckline. The fabric is beautifully soft against your skin and featherlight to wear. Whether you size up for a baggy look, perfect for styling with a mini skirt, or down to tuck into jeans and trousers, the jumper punches above its price tag.
Buy now £79.90, Uniqlo.com
John Lewis brushed cashmere crew neck jumper
Best: Chocolate brown cashmere jumper
Size range: 8-20
Colourways: Brown, green, lilac
Cashmere blend: 100% cashmere
Why we love it
- Trending hue
- Soft and lightweight
- Flattering cut
Chocolate brown is set to dominate this season, with collections from The Row and Victoria Beckham. Embrace the tonal hue in your own wardrobe with this high street take from John Lewis. Cut into a flattering silhouette (take your usual size), the cashmere crew neck boasts a slightly cropped length and subtly blouson sleeves.
The super-soft cashmere fabric is brushed for a textured finish. It’s pleasingly lightweight and airy to wear, keeping you sufficiently toasty. The expensive-looking brown shade instantly elevates an outfit – keep it tonal by pairing with tweed skirts or matching brown trousers before adding a neck scarf or gold jewellery to make the colour pop.
Buy now £129.00, Johnlewis.com
Mint Velvet ivory cashmere cardigan
Best: Short-sleeve cashmere jumper
Size range: XS-XL
Colourways: Ivory
Cashmere blend: 100% cashmere
Why we love it
- Flattering fitted cut
- Timeless style
- Short-sleeve design will carry you into spring
Mint Velvet’s fitted and flattering cashmere cardigan is the perfect style to take you from your desk to dinner. With short sleeves, it’s ideal for the transitional months but also makes you feel more dressed up when out in the evening. Characterised by its slightly cropped cut, the cardigan boasts a wide ribbed hem and puff sleeves that accentuate your waist and figure.
Featuring pearl buttons down the front, the style is finished in a timeless ivory shade. Crafted from 100 per cent cashmere, it’s silk soft against skin with no risk of scratchiness. I’ve styled it with everything from high-rise skirts and knee-high boots to denim and ballet flats.
Buy now £140.00, Mintvelvet.com
Rise & Fall merino cashmere high neck jumper
Best: Roll neck cashmere jumper
Size range: XS-XL
Colourways: 10
Cashmere blend: 30% cashmere, 70% merino wool
Why we love it
- Stylish design
- Lightweight but warm
- Super soft finish
Whether it’s a cotton bed spread or a knitted mini scarf, Rise & Fall is a go-to for luxurious fabrics at a fraction of the price – you can even compare the materials on its site with labels like Toteme, The White Company and Bedfolk. The brand hasn’t put a foot wrong with its expansion into clothing, from the viral sheer midi skirt to crisp, crepe shirts.
When it comes to cashmere, this high-neck jumper is a capsule wardrobe hero. Made from 70 per cent merino wool and 30 per cent cashmere, the jumper has just the right amount of thickness and weight, without compromising on softness and comfort (just remember it’s cool hand wash only). The knit is distinguished by its slightly oversized roll neck and exaggerated ribbed cuffs and hem. The fit is faultless, and it’s cut at the perfect height for tucking into mid-rise jeans or layering over dresses and skirts.
Buy now £175.00, Riseandfall.co
Nobody’s Child burgundy cashmere cardigan
Best: Burgundy cashmere piece
Size range: XS-XL
Colourways: Burgundy, pink
Cashmere blend: 50% cashmere, 50% recycled cashmere
Why we love it
- Versatile styling piece
- Soft and warm
- Trending colour
Nobody’s Child is going from strength to strength with its affordable high street offering – particularly when it comes to knitwear. Burgundy was seen across the autumn/winter 2025 catwalks, from Isabel Marant to Chloé and Bottega Veneta. This Nobody’s Child burgundy cardigan bottles up the feel of autumn with its rich, malbec hue.
Made from a recycled cashmere and pure cashmere blend, the cardigan is cut into a slim fit with delicate pearlescent buttons, a crew neckline and ribbed hem. The fabric is lightweight and floaty, with the collar draping down in a flattering silhouette when half-unbuttoned. It’s a stellar layering piece, too, whether it’s a white T-shirt poking out the top or thrown over the shoulders of a striped shirt.
Buy now £132.00, Nobodyschild.com
Me + Em brushed cashmere straight knit vest
Best: Cashmere vest
Size range: XS-XL
Colourways: Pink, brown
Cashmere blend: 100% cashmere
Why we love it
- Layering piece
- Lightweight and soft
Take note
- Won't be as warm as a full jumper
Serving as both a transitional hero and a layering piece come winter, Me + Em’s cashmere knit vest is already my most-worn piece of the autumn – the fuchsia pink hue is an instant outfit-maker. Crafted from 100 per cent cashmere, the yarn has been brushed to give it a beautifully textured and wispy look.
To prevent pilling, the fabric fibres boast a longer length, too. The vest is super soft against your skin, while the cut is relaxed and floaty thanks to a small slit on either side. Complete with a crew neckline and ribbed hem, the vest is perfect for layering over oversized white shirts or half-tucking into wide-leg trousers. It won’t be warm enough when worn alone in the depths of winter, but it’s a cashmere piece that will last you right into spring
Buy now £195.00, Meandem.com
Soft Goat striped polo shirt feather white
Best: Rugby-style cashmere jumper
Size range: XS-XL
Colourways: Yellow/white, mocha/red, blue/navy
Cashmere blend: 100% cashmere
Why we love it
- Style statement
- Weighty and warm design
- Excellent durability
Take note
- Expensive
Stockholm-based label Soft Goat is an insider favourite for plush knits that make a style statement. There’s no doubt that these pieces are expensive, but the brand only uses the best sustainably sourced yarn from goats in the Gobi desert. This cashmere jumper nods to the nostalgic trend for rugby shirts, characterised by its polo collar, three buttons and striped finish. Crafted from 100 per cent cashmere, the chunky knit design gives it the perfect amount of weight and warmth.
The cut is slightly oversized and the sleeves are extra long for a cosy fit. The stylish knit can be dressed up with a mini skirt and boots for the evening, but just as easily elevates a simple jeans and trainers look. Available in three shades, my favourite is the mustard yellow for a splash of colour in your winter rotation.
Buy now £405.00, Softgoat.com
Jigsaw halo cashmere cardigan
Best: Cashmere cardigan
Size range: XS-XL
Colourways: Green, purple
Cashmere blend: 100% cashmere
Why we love it
- Super soft look and finish
- Comfortable fit
- Versatile styling piece
Take note
- Expensive
A good cardigan is one of the hardest-working items in your wardrobe. You can style it undone, half buttoned-up, over your shoulders or like a jumper and fully buttoned up. Crafted from 100 per cent cashmere, this take from Jigsaw feels as soft as it looks.
The design is all in the details, from the airy and chic raglan sleeves to the ribbed crew neckline and hem for extra structure. Available in a soft sage green shade and a rich purple hue, the cardigan will carry your transitional wardrobe – style it with midi skirts in the autumn before layering it under blazers in the depths of winter. When it comes to cleaning, a cool hand wash is your best bet.
Buy now £250.00, Jigsaw-online.com
H&M cashmere-blend jumper
Best: Wool-blend cashmere jumper
Size range: XS-XL
Colourways: Cream, black, dark brown
Cashmere blend: 10% cashmere, 90% wool
Why we love it
- Weighty and warm design
- Timeless style
- Washes well
Take note
- Low cashmere count
This cashmere-blend jumper from H&M easily rivals more premium options. With a fashionable chunky look, the jumper boasts a ribbed crew neckline and flattering drop shoulders. I took a size larger than my usual for a cocooning fit, with the already-extra-long adding to its cosy appeal.
The jumper benefits from thick insulation of the wool and softness of the cashmere – it’s a dream against skin and keeps you toasty on chilly days. Available in a cream hue (currently sold out), staple black, and dark brown, the simple but timeless design will serve you for many winters to come. Owing to the high wool count, it comes out well after the washing machine, too.
Buy now £129.99, Hm.com
AllSaints cashmere crew neck jumper
Best: Black cashmere jumper
Size range: XS-XL
Colourways: Black
Cashmere blend: 100% cashmere
Why we love it
- Timeless black design
- Soft brushed finish
Take note
- Prone to piling over time
Made from a 60 per cent cashmere and 40 per cent recycled cashmere blend, AllSaints’ jumper ticks all the right boxes. It’s incredibly soft thanks to the brushed finish and featherweight to wear. Cut into a relaxed silhouette, it boasts a high neck and slits in the sides of the cuffs for extra movement and comfort.
The luxurious jumper is sufficiently warm to keep the chill out during the winter, but equally oversized enough to layer over T-shirts. The black finish gives it a timeless appeal, whether styled with jeans or with a matching black mini skirt. My only gripe is that the brushed cashmere might be prone to pilling over time, and for the price, that might be a deal-breaker.
Buy now £299.00, Allsaints.com
Your questions on cashmere jumpers answered
Which is the best cashmere jumper?
If you’re after affordable and timeless cashmere pieces, you can’t go wrong with M&S. Its classic crew neck style is soft, warming, and a layering staple come winter – plus, it’s available in a bunch of colours for every taste. If you prefer cardigans, Jigsaw and Nobody’s Child styles will prop up your wardrobe for the season ahead, while Me & Em’s fuchsia vest is a stellar styling piece.
How to wash cashmere
If washing your cashmere is causing you concern, I asked Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder of clothing care brand Steamery, to share some words of wisdom. He recommends hand washing your cashmere for “a more gentle process”. While you can wash some cashmere in the washing machine, “make sure to choose a gentle cycle suitable for wool garments and to use an enzyme-free laundry detergent that nourishes the cashmere wool”, says Lewenhaupt.
“If you get a stain on your cashmere garment, make sure to treat the stain directly and to use a gentle stain remover,” he added. You can “treat just the stain with stain remover and lukewarm water, and avoid washing the whole garment”.
How to dry cashmere
“When it comes to drying your cashmere garment, the most gentle way is to let it air-dry on a flat surface, to prevent it from losing shape,” advised Lewenhaupt. He notes you can also “put the garment on a towel and roll the garment into the towel, to press out the water very gently”.
How much do cashmere jumpers cost?
Cashmere jumpers tend to be more expensive than your standard chunky knit because of the type of wool used. The price can range from £80 upwards, depending on the brand. If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly option, fabric-blend garments such as the M&S merino wool with cashmere knitted top (£49.50, Marksandspencer.com) are typically more affordable.
How to care for a cashmere jumper
Rather interestingly, Lewenhaupt notes that cashmere jumpers “require less care than you might think, since they are naturally antibacterial”. It’s important to keep in mind that such garments shouldn’t be washed too often. “After using your garment, we recommend airing out your knitwear and spraying it with a fabric spray, if needed. Steaming your knitwear will keep your garment fresh in between washes,” he adds.
If you notice lint and pilling on your items, we’d recommend using a debobbler – such as Steamery’s fabric shavers (from £45, Steamery.co.uk) – which works wonders on knits. It extends the lifecycle of clothes and removes any unwanted lint, pilling, threads and fuzz.
Another important tip from Lewenhaupt is to store your cashmere jumpers folded, because putting them on hangers will make them lose their shape.
How long do cashmere jumpers last?
“When investing in a cashmere sweater, you get a very luxurious wool material with a silky feeling that is great for keeping you warm,” says Lewenhaupt. While it’s difficult to say how long it will last, he adds that “if you take proper care of your cashmere sweaters – washing less, steaming in between washes, and removing pilling with a debobbler – your cashmere garments will look great and last much longer”.
Cashmere vs merino wool: which is better?
Cashmere comes from goats and has a higher loft, which makes it softer than merino wool, which is derived from sheep. Another reason to opt for cashmere is that it can be warmer than merino. The downside, however, is that cashmere is not quite as durable or as easy to care for. As for which is best, it’s down to personal preference, as both fabrics give slightly different looks. Where cashmere lends itself to sleeker, more elegant designs, merino wool is ideal for chunky knits.
Meet the expert
Frej Lewenhaupt: Frej is CEO and co-founder of Steamery, a company which creates steamers and laundry products to prolong the life cycles of fabrics and clothing.
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