Come the cold weather, come cashmere. “It’s great for the colder seasons as it’s warm and soft to handle,” says Chris Modoo, buyer at tailoring label Chester Barrie. But that buttery feel is synonymous with cost, since the fibres are plucked from the bellies of the eponymous goat, then have to be separated from the coarser outer hair it’s mingled with. This takes time, and time equals money.
But it’s an investment worth making. Cashmere is finer than sheep’s wool, which makes it softer and traps air, so less material provides more warmth. Meaning you can outflank bulky silhouettes. So even if your pocket doesn’t quite stretch to a cashmere suit, there are other ways you can introduce a touch of luxury to your wardrobe this season.
Suitsupply Grey Overcoat
This 100 per cent cashmere overcoat by Suitsupply adds a relaxed elegance to a sometimes bulky piece of outerwear, thanks to those heat-trapping fibres. It also offers some visual contrast to your winter tailoring – and is so soft that people won’t be able to keep their hands off you.
Just be sure to check the weather forecast; cashmere sucks up rain and can lose its shape when it dries.
Available at Suitsupply, priced £499.
David Gandy For Autograph Pure Cashmere Pyjamas
Bedtime just got a whole lot more luxurious. These men’s pajamas from David Gandy’s Marks and Spencer range provide superior comfort and regulate your temperature, so you’re warm when vegging out in front of the TV but stay cool once you’ve slipped between the sheets.
Plus, even though this set is a delicate one, it’s still machine washable.
Available at Marks and Spencer, priced £150 for the top & £150 for the bottoms.
ASOS Jumper In 100% Cashmere
ASOS’ premium knitwear range keeps it simple, sticking to easy-to-wear shades that suit any occasion. Slip this soft blue number on with pared-back denim, boots and a bomber jacket for a lightweight winter getup that will still keep you toasty.
Available at ASOS, priced £80.
Reiss Wool Cashmere Scarf In Bordeaux
You can tick off two autumn trends – jewel tones and ombré effects – with this luxurious scarf by British label
Wear with tailoring to inject some colour and texture into otherwise staid office looks.
Available at Reiss, priced £70.
Hackett Cable Knit Wool & Cashmere Blend Roll Neck
If you are up for going chunky this season – and we’re not just talking about stuffing your face with Christmas treats – be sure to give this sophisticated roll neck by Hackett a try.
Wool brings texture to the table, while cashmere keeps things cosy, as well as creating a sleeker silhouette. Slip it under a simple tweed blazer and match with dark, slim denim for a winning smart-casual combination.
Available at Mr Porter, priced £225.
J.Crew Cashmere Hat
As previously mentioned, cashmere provides more insulation than standard sheep’s wool, which is why it makes sense to embrace it where you need it most: your head. This J.Crew number will help keep the warmth in and feel soft against your skin, with its mid-blue shade bringing a pop of colour to those dark winter days.
Available at J. Crew, priced £48.
John Lewis Wool Cashmere Herringbone Tailored Blazer
This blended blazer contains just a hint of cashmere, offering softness without sacrificing hardiness. Wear it to the office, wear it out to dinner – wherever and however you wear it, the herringbone weave will add a distinct heritage feel.
Brown brogues and black trousers will make the perfect finishers.
Available at John Lewis, priced £175.
Glen Lossie Cashmere Touch Gloves
Freezing cold fingertips are never fun. Thankfully, Glen Lossie’s cashmere gloves have come to rescue, providing a warm and snug fit, as well as reinforced tips that allow you to use your smartphone.
You’ll have no trouble tweeting about train delays or the morning fog.
Available at ASOS, priced £30.