Cashmere buying guide

Soft, timeless, luxurious. Learn how to select and care for the finest cashmere with our ultimate buying guide.
Woman wearing a taupe half zip cashmere jumper, leaning against a man wearing an ecru roll neck cashmere jumper
Man wearing an ecru roll neck cashmere jumper, standing next to a woman wearing a taupe half zip cashmere jumper
2 September 2026

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.

Womens cashmere

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 a pale pink roll neck cashmere jumper with black trousers

Cashmere jumpers

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

Woman wearing a berry colour v-neck cashmere cardigan with blue jeans

Cashmere cardigans

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

Woman wearing an olive green cashmere snood with jumper and coat

Cashmere accessories

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

Woman wearing a green crew neck cashmere jumper with belted jeans

John Lewis cashmere

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

Mens cashmere

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.

Man wearing an ocean blue v neck cashmere jumper with blue jeans

Cashmere jumpers and cardigans

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

Man wearing a navy blue zip neck cashmere jumper with light chinos

Cashmere zip necks

A popular neckline, a cashmere zip neck will maintain your body heat, is soft against the skin and easy to style

Man wearing a tartan checked cashmere scarf with beige jumper

Cashmere accessories

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

Man wearing a basil melange green crew neck cashmere jumper with blue jeans

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.