Winter has officially arrived! Since the temperature is dropping, you’re probably starting to put your lighter clothing pieces into storage and taking your chunky knits and cozy staples out of hibernation. While there’s a good chance you have a few well-loved pieces in your collection, there may be something new you’re looking to add.
If cashmere is piquing your interest for autumn 2025, allow us to help you find the perfect sweater to add to your wardrobe rotation. These styles are effortless, easy to wear, and, with proper care, will stand the test of time.
Here are our picks for the best quality cashmere sweaters you can get in Canada right now:
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a sweater is 100% cashmere?
Start by examining the care label carefully. Authentic cashmere must be labelled as “100% cashmere” by law in Canada. Any blend will display exact percentages of different fibres.
Feel the fabric against your skin - genuine cashmere feels exceptionally soft without irritating the skin. Run your hand slowly across the surface and look for minimal fluffiness (around 1-2mm), which indicates longer, higher-quality fibres were used.
Check the weave density by holding the sweater up to the light. Quality cashmere features a tight-knit structure. Gently stretch a small section - authentic cashmere springs back to its original shape immediately, demonstrating the resilience of premium fibres.
Price serves as another indicator. True cashmere requires significant investment due to the limited annual harvest from cashmere goats. Suspiciously low prices often signal blends or synthetic alternatives rather than pure cashmere.
Is 80% wool and 20% cashmere good?
This blend offers an excellent middle ground between luxury and practicality. Wool provides the structural foundation and durability, while cashmere contributes noticeable softness and warmth enhancement.
The 20% cashmere content delivers meaningful benefits you can actually feel against your skin. Unlike minimal percentages that serve mainly as marketing tools, this proportion creates genuine improvements in comfort and temperature regulation.
Durability becomes a major advantage with this combination. Pure cashmere requires extremely careful handling, but the wool component adds resilience for everyday wear. Canadian winters demand garments that can withstand regular use while maintaining their appearance.
Cost-wise, these blends typically retail for 40-60% less than comparable pure cashmere pieces. Brands like WoolOvers have built their reputation on this specific 80/20 formula, proving its effectiveness in real-world conditions.
How do I pick a good cashmere sweater?
Focus on fibre grade and origin when comparing options. Grade A cashmere features the finest, longest fibres that resist pilling and maintain their shape longer. Mongolian and Inner Mongolian cashmere typically offers superior quality due to harsh climate conditions that produce finer undercoat fibres.
Examine the knit gauge carefully - this refers to stitches per inch of fabric. Higher gauge numbers (like 12-gauge) create denser, more durable sweaters, while lower gauges (7-gauge) produce lighter, more open knits. Two-ply construction provides better longevity than single-ply alternatives.
Consider the sweater’s intended use and your body type. Boxy silhouettes work well for layering, while fitted styles offer a more polished appearance. Darker colours hide wear better than lighter shades, making them practical choices for frequent use.
How should I wash a cashmere sweater?
Hand-washing remains the safest approach for preserving your cashmere investment. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and add wool-specific detergent or baby shampoo - cashmere fibres respond well to gentle cleansers designed for natural hair.
Submerge your sweater and gently swish it around for just a few minutes. Avoid soaking or aggressive scrubbing motions that can damage the delicate fibres. Rinse thoroughly with water at the same temperature to prevent thermal shock.
Machine washing works for many cashmere pieces when done correctly. Place your sweater in a mesh laundry bag and select the delicate cycle with cold water only. Never use fabric softener, as this can alter cashmere’s natural softness.
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting. Lay the sweater flat on a clean towel, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Air drying prevents shrinkage and maintains the garment’s structure perfectly.
How should I store cashmere sweaters?
Choose breathable cotton or canvas storage bags over plastic containers that trap moisture and create ideal conditions for mildew. These natural fibre bags allow air circulation while protecting your investment from dust and environmental damage.
Never hang cashmere pieces, as gravity stretches the shoulders and distorts the original shape permanently. Fold each sweater carefully and place it flat in your chosen storage container. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets provide natural moth protection without harsh chemicals.
For seasonal storage, ensure your cashmere is completely clean and dry before packing it away. Moths are attracted to body oils and food residues, making thorough cleaning your first line of defence. Store containers in cool, dry locations away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours and weaken fibres over time.
Check on stored pieces every few months, giving them fresh air and inspecting for any signs of pest activity.
