Whether you purchase it secondhand or invest in a brand-new piece, cashmere is a luxurious material that every fashion lover should have in his or her closet. A soft cashmere scarf or sweater is incredibly cozy when cold weather comes around, but it can also be quite pricey. Here are a few tips for what to look for when shopping for cashmere to get the best bang for your buck.
- Check for two-ply yarn. Truly high quality cashmere sweaters are made of two-ply yarn, a type of yarn that is made of two individual “legs” that prevent the garment from torqueing. Be sure to purchase two-ply instead of the lesser quality one-ply.
- Check the stitching. Look closely at the garment to see if the stitching is loose and open or if it is tight and closed. Open stitching could lead to pilling down the line, so be sure to avoid cashmere items unless the stitching is almost impossible to see.
- Use your senses. If you’re prepared to invest in a high quality cashmere pieces, you likely have something in mind about what it should look and feel like. Using your own senses is one of the best ways to tell if cashmere is made well, so get up close and rub it with your fingers, try it on and inspect the color clarity to see if the quality is up to snuff.
What to consider when purchasing a cashmere garment [CCMI]
What Do I Need to Consider When Buying Cashmere? [Real Simple]
7 Secrets of Cashmere [Marie Claire]
Expert Tips on How To Buy a Cashmere Sweater [The Vivant]