Cashmere buying guide

Soft, timeless, luxurious. Learn how to select and care for the finest cashmere with our ultimate buying guide.
Folded cosy knit jumper with sweets, eucalyptus sprig and pine cone on blue background, winter gift styling
Folded cosy knit jumper with sweets, eucalyptus sprig and pine cone on blue background, winter gift styling

A cashmere piece is an investment that you should treasure and keep for years. John Lewis own-brand cashmere comes from the region stretching from northern China into Mongolia, where conditions are just right for the special type of goats from which our cashmere fibre is collected. The cold climate and hearty lifestyle of the animals produce the longest, finest, softest fibres: some of the best cashmere in the world.

A single cashmere jumper requires the fibre of about four goats, whereas one sheep produces enough fibre to make five wool jumpers.

As a responsible retailer, we have a long-standing relationship with our carefully selected suppliers and are committed to ensuring high standards of animal welfare. We’re proud to work with the suppliers to ensure the herders have the right support to ensure these unique animals continue to thrive. We care about the environment too, and are working hard to create a more sustainable system for cashmere production. Our teams take the time to craft our products, and every detail is carefully considered. So you can rest easy in the knowledge you’re buying a quality piece, with a considered, conscious supply chain behind it. That’s what we call an investment item.

Womenswear

Stylish cashmere should be a key part of every woman's winter wardrobe.  Whether layering a cashmere roll neck underneath a favourite dress or teaming a cashmere jumper with classic straight leg jeans, it's the smartest fashion investment for the cooler months. 

Woman wearing an olive green crew neck jumper with dark denim skirt and belt, studio fashion portrait on grey background

Cashmere jumpers

Non-itchy, eternally stylish and long-lasting, the cashmere jumper is a winter wardobe must-have

Studio portrait of woman wearing black button-up cardigan and cream pleated skirt, minimalist fashion look.

Cashmere cardigans

Whether buttoned-up or layered over a favourite top, a soft cashmere cardigan will smarten up any daytime look

Woman in black leather jacket with wrap scarf, brown tailored trousers and handbag, studio fashion outfit

Cashmere accessories

Must-haves for the colder season, make cashmere your choice when accessorising for winter

Model wearing a navy crew neck jumper with cream wide-leg jeans and black loafers on a plain studio background

John Lewis cashmere

At John Lewis we are committed to making sure our cashmere is the most sustainably, traceable and stylish on the market

Menswear

Excellent cashmere is essential for a well-dressed man's wardrobe. Whether keeping out the cold with soft cashmere accessories or incorporating a cashmere mix coat into winter must-haves, cashmere is the ultimate luxury for every day.

Men’s cobalt blue V-neck jumper layered over white T-shirt, paired with charcoal trousers, studio shot.

Cashmere jumpers and ardigans

Lightweight, cosy and soft against the skin, a cashmere jumper is a welcome wardrobe staple

Male model wearing a lilac textured knit jumper over a white shirt, styled with navy corduroy trousers in studio.

Cashmere crew necks

A great alternative to cotton, a cashmere top will maintain your body heat, is soft against the skin and is easy to style

Male model wearing grey pinstripe suit with white jumper and charcoal wool scarf on studio background

Cashmere accessories

Cashmere scarves, hats and gloves are a luxuriously soft take on classic winter knitwear accessories

Studio portrait of male model wearing charcoal knit sweater vest over blue striped shirt and jeans, front view.

John Lewis cashmere

Our cashmere is fully fashioned, meaning each panel is knitted to size rather than cut and sewn together, creating a more flattering fit

Looking after your cashmere is simple - the better you treat it, the longer it lasts. Learn about the best way to wash your cashmere as well as how to store yours correctly, so your treasured cashmere stays luxurious.