The Best Cashmere Sweaters for Women Over 50 and How To Care For Them
As I’ve worked on simplifying my wardrobe over the years, I’ve learned to focus on pieces that are both timeless and practical. I want clothes that not only look good but also feel great to wear. That’s where cashmere sweaters come in. They’re not only soft and cozy, but they feel a little more special than your everyday sweater. In today’s post, I’m sharing some of the best cashmere sweaters for women over 50, along with my tips for caring for them and my favorite places to shop for them.
Why Cashmere Is a Perfect Choice for Women Over 50
Softness that Lasts
Unlike wool, cashmere feels smooth against the skin without itchiness or scratchiness (unless you have an allergy). It’s warm but lightweight, keeping you cozy at home or comfortable while out on a chilly day. And the best part? With proper care, cashmere can actually get softer over time, making it even better as the years go by.
Elegant and Timeless
Unlike trendy pieces that may feel “out” in a year or two, cashmere is a timeless fabric that never goes out of style. A good cashmere sweater will look as lovely a decade from now as it does today.
Perfect Fit and Drape
Cashmere drapes beautifully without adding bulk, which is something I especially appreciate. It’s flattering, doesn’t cling, and works great as a layering piece without feeling heavy.
Versatility for Any Occasion
Cashmere is one of those pieces that just works for almost anything. My favorite cashmere sweaters have been on constant rotation over the years. You can throw one on with jeans for a laid-back look or pair it with a skirt and heels when you want to feel a little more polished. It’s the kind of sweater that fits right into your lifestyle and makes getting dressed in the winter simple.
Durability
Yes, cashmere is an investment, but it’s one that really pays off. When you take care of it, cashmere can last for years, even decades. A well-loved cashmere sweater becomes one of those pieces you can count on, season after season, to look and feel just as good as the day you bought it.
SIMILAR HAT / SHOULDER BAG
How to Care for Cashmere Sweaters
Caring for cashmere doesn’t have to be complicated, but I’ve learned that it does require a little extra love to keep it looking and feeling its best. Here’s how I care for mine:
Washing Tips
Since cashmere is delicate, I hand wash or use the gentle cycle on my machine with cold water. I love this Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, which has a yummy fresh cedar scent and is specially made for delicate fabrics.
Drying Tips
I never wring out my cashmere. Instead, I press the water out, then lay on a large towel, cover it with another towel, and roll up softly. Then, I step on the roll, up and down the length, to get the water to release into the towel. Finally, I dry it flat on my drying rack to maintain its structure.
Tips for Storing Cashmere
I hang my cashmere on a velvet hanger and place each one in these clear bags…so I can see what I have. Some people like to store their sweaters in breathable bags to protect them from moths. You can also add cedar balls or lavender sachets to keep everything fresh and to help keep pests away.
Dealing with Pilling
Pilling happens to all cashmere, but the better the quality, the longer it takes to happen. I swear by this Gleener and sweater shaver. After my sweaters are dry, I steam them lightly to smooth the wrinkles out, and that’s when I go over each area with my sweater shaver. It’s a small step that really makes a difference and leaves them looking brand new!
Best Places to Shop for Quality Cashmere Sweaters
Over the years, I’ve found a few favorite places to shop for beautiful, high-quality pieces that are worth every penny:
Jenni Kayne Cashmere
If you’re looking to invest in timeless, luxurious cashmere, Jenni Kayne is a brand I can’t recommend enough. Their California-inspired designs are chic, relaxed, and incredibly versatile. While their pieces are definitely an investment, they’re the kind you’ll wear for years. I’m particularly fond of their cashmere fisherman sweaters—they’re cozy, effortlessly stylish, and perfect for elevating any casual outfit. They are currently 20% off!
Quince Cashmere
Quince has quickly become one of my go-to spots for affordable cashmere. By selling directly to consumers, they offer high-quality pieces at prices that are hard to beat. Their cashmere sweaters are buttery soft and come in classic styles that are perfect for building a wardrobe of staples without overspending. You can read about all of my favorite Quince cashmere sweaters in this post.
Nordstrom Cashmere
Nordstrom is always a reliable option for shopping cashmere, especially since they have a great return policy. They carry a wide selection at various price points, so there’s something for every budget.
Naadam
For ethical, sustainable cashmere, Naadam is a customer favorite. They work directly with Mongolian herders to source their cashmere, ensuring fair practices and high quality. Their sweaters are incredibly soft and come in a variety of cuts and colors, so there’s something for everyone.
J.Crew
J.Crew is an excellent option for well-made cashmere at reasonable prices. I love their wide range of colors and styles, from timeless V-necks to trendier pieces. Their cashmere holds up beautifully over time, making it a smart choice for both everyday wear and more polished looks.
Vince Cashmere
Vince cashmere pieces are minimalist and classic, making them versatile staples that can be dressed up or down. They use fine-grade cashmere, known for its softness, lightweight feel, and durability. They’re a bit more of an investment than some cashmere, but I find the quality exceptional, so I haunt the sales.
Do you like wearing cashmere sweaters? If so, where is your favorite place to shop?
The pilling. Oh the pilling. I’ve been on a sweater shaving kick. The Conair just hasn’t really done it for me–even after repeatedly replacing batteries. I’ve tried sweater stones and other devices. Just got a Steamery Pilo 2 and have been working my way through my sweaters with that–hours go by. I thought more expensive might do better–Naadam or Vince or Talbots or Lands End or Nordstrom, all the same.
I have a collection of cashmere sweaters from several brands. Brand or price don’t seem to matter. They all need to be shaved after each wear. Looks a little tacky. I have Nordy brand, JCrew, Talbots, Quince, etc. All ball up. Love cashmere EXCEPT for that. It is sort of like Linen……I have a love, hate for them. I do have mine dry cleaned.
I believe Nordstrom has all their cashmere on sale after the first of the year.
Johnson’s baby shampoo works great on my cashmere sweaters – Ann Taylor, Lord & Taylor, Minkoff, Charter Club. Love them all!!!
I’ve used shampoo too
Well I’m taking a chance on the Athletica merino and cashmere turtleneck that you are wearing in the first picture. I ordered it in grey heather. Merry Christmas to me. I quit wearing wool or cashmere many years ago. They made me sweat and itch. But I started wearing Smartwool socks in our colder months and no itching. This is a beautiful sweater and on sale! I will wash on delicate in my washing machine and dry flat as I have many years ago. Thank you for all of these beautiful sweater suggestions. However, if I can wear this sweater comfortably, you may have created a monster! Can you use that sweater shampoo in your washing machine?
I haven’t tried it but I am sure you can! I hope it works for you
Lots of nice sweaters. I love sweater weather!
I love my v-necked cashmere sweater from Quince. When I bought it, Quince didn’t ship to Canada so my girlfriend ordered it for me while she was vacationing in U.S. The quality and coziness of the sweater is superb!
I love all your cashmere styles.
I would really like to buy from quince….they seem to be affordable and classic in style, but sadly they don’t deliver to Canada.
I try to buy one classic sweater on sale each year and they never go out of style. I do well at Banana Republic and Nordstroms.
I hear they are wokring on shipping to Canada in the near future. Fingers crossed!
I can not wear cashmere because it makes my skin crawl and itch. How about other suggestions?
Soft merino wool might work or stick to cotton and chenille.
I also hand wash my sweaters but I use the shampoo Mane and Tail. It like a horse. Wool fibers we knit are really animal hair!! It works great and is inexpensive and easy to find
Great idea!
I just love the image of walking on my best sweaters! I have had luck with cashmere from LL Bean, which is reasonably priced for cashmere. Do you have recommendation for other places to get the detergent and tools? I don’t patronize Amazon unless I absolutely have to. Happy Holidays!
Yes! They have their own website here!
For washing wool and cashmere, consider Eucalan or Soak — neither requires rinsing, and both are readily available in Canada 🇨🇦!
Love all the cashmere options. I have found that Macy’s has a nice selection and great sales.
Their sales can be epic! Great suggestion.
I love my cashmere sweaters. I usually have them dry cleaned but since purchasing Quince cashmere I can just wash on delicate and lay flat to dry. They have become my favorite go to sweater. Thanks for this post. 🎄
I have a pretty large selection of their cashmere now because the prices are so fabulous!!
I too love my cashmere. I have them from Talbots, Nordstrom, L L Bean, and Quince. The discovery of Quince with their high quality and low price was a real delight! But I love them all and don’t save them f for special occasions anymore. Mmmmm!
♥️♥️ we deserve to treat ourselves to cashmere every day!
I machine wash all my cashmere in a mesh bag on the hand wash cycle with the Laundress detergent. I tried another brand when they had to reformulate everything but it never left my sweaters very soft. I was sooo happy this year when I found they had their cashmere spray back also. I always spritz my sweaters with it after wearing them and before I fold them to put away. It keeps that light cedar smell going.
I will need to get that spray! I love the cedar smell.
Can you tell me the brand of team in the first picture and the boots? Thanks
The jeans are Pistola and my boots are Munro.
Than you, great article. I was pleasantly surprised and like the Alpine sweater from Athleta (in addition to the Quince round up). And now $100 off!!! Question: what brand/style of jean are you wearing with the Alpine sweater? Are they true to size? And happy holidays!!
These are my Pistola jeans.
Love, love cashmere sweaters. Living in the northeast, they can be worn from fall through spring. If you haven’t tried quince-really should do it. Have a few of them now and they are just as nice as my favorite nordstrom cashmere. Anxious to try your cashmere shampoo recommendation! Love your posts. Merry Christmas 🎄
I want to thank you for your tip in a past post about how to wash cashmere. I purchased the laundry soap you recommended and tried it on one sweater. I NEVER would have washed it in the past – dryclean only. But my sweater came out beautifully soft with no shrinkage. It actually feels softer after washing! I’m washing them all that way. Thanks so much for the advice!
I used to dry clean until the day a pale colored one came home looking dingy. I washed it in my sink and the amount of dirt that came out of it shocked me. It was a totally different color! Now I only dry clean woven, tailored coats and blazers.
Love the recommendations here. The cashmere hoodie really fits the sporty aspect of my style (the Quince ones run bigger this year). They help upgrade an Athleisure look. However, team merino would like a seat at the table! I think I like it more than cashmere! Thin, warm, packs down to nothing, not itchy, doesn’t stink.
I agree about good merino. What’s your favorite brand?
Agree 100! Summer or winter merino wins!