Travel Products Style Apparel The 13 Best Cashmere Essentials for Travel of 2023 Naadam's The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater is our top pick. By Rena Behar Rena Behar Rena Behar is a freelance journalist and editor focusing on tech, travel, and gender. She has contributed to Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines and Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 22, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Everlane, Cuyana, J Crew There’s nothing quite like cashmere for getting that “swaddled in a cloud” feeling, and even when you’re on the road or trying to get cozy on a plane, why shouldn't you be wrapped in luxury fabrics as you go? A type of wool that comes from a specific breed of goat, cashmere is soft and warm while still staying super breathable. Just make sure you don’t throw it in your washing machine — cashmere should ideally be hand-washed, or dry-cleaned as a second choice. Our favorite cashmere pick is Naadam’s Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater. The luxuriously soft sweater comes in a fairly wide range of sizes, dozens of colors, and a guarantee of ethical and sustainable practices at accessible prices. But if you’re looking for something a little different, take a look at our complete list of the best cashmere essentials for travel — there’s a pick for everyone. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Naadam The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater at Naadam.co Jump to Review Best Turtleneck: Everlane Oversized Stroopwafel Turtleneck in ReCashmere at Everlane.com Jump to Review Best Patterned Sweater: Leret Leret Cashmere at Leret-leret.com Jump to Review Best Recycled: Patagonia Men’s Recycled Cashmere Quarter-zip Sweater at Patagonia.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Italic Essential Cashmere Crewneck Sweater at Italic.com Jump to Review Best Size Range: Universal Standard Essential Cashmere Crew at Universalstandard.com Jump to Review Best Cardigan: Kule The Sinclair at Kule.com Jump to Review Best Wrap: Cuyana Wool Cashmere Short Wrap Coat at Cuyana.com Jump to Review Best T-shirt: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Tee at Onequince.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Loro Piana Opera Stole at Loropiana.com Jump to Review Best Overall Naadam The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater Amazon View On Naadam.co Why We Love It This soft, stylish, and versatile sweater is as affordable as cashmere comes. What to Consider The cashmere tends to pill quickly (though the company insists it’ll only happen once, and a cashmere comb can help with it). Naadam has generated a ton of buzz with its cozy, super-soft $75 essential cashmere sweater that comes in 11 standard colors and 17 limited edition hues. Most of the colors are versatile enough to be dressed up with a skirt, heels, and jewelry, or dressed down with jeans and sneakers. Plus, you’re not going to find cashmere of this quality for a price this low anywhere else. All Naadam cashmere is brushed off of goats in Mongolia, and the company also works with the Gobi Revival Fund and other nonprofits to ensure sustainability and a positive impact on both the environment and community. Price at time of publish: $75 The Details: XXS to XXL | Hand wash cold and dry flat, or dry clean Best Turtleneck Everlane Oversized Stroopwafel Turtleneck in ReCashmere Everlane View On Everlane.com Why We Love It A waffle knit and loose fit keep this turtleneck looking cool. What to Consider Some say the recycled cashmere pills a little more than usual. Sure, you could go for the tight black Steve Jobs-style turtleneck, but we prefer something a little more forgiving for days on the road. Enter the Stroopwafel Turtleneck from Everlane. The elongated neckline, draped sleeves, and boxy, relaxed fit mean this sweater will be comfortable whether you’re keeping warm on a train ride or strolling through autumn streets, without any of the neck tightness or discomfort that can come from tighter turtlenecks. The waffle-knit texture adds some extra visual interest. Even better, it’s made from recycled cashmere, so there’s minimal waste involved. Men can find a similar recycled chunky knit in the ReCashmere Waffle Henley, and Everlane also has plenty of equally high-quality, sleeker sweaters, if that’s what you prefer. Price at time of publish: $195 The Details: XXS to XL | Hand wash cold and dry flat, or dry clean Best Patterned Sweater Leret Leret Cashmere Leret Leret View On Leret-leret.com Why We Love It The patterns are engaging without risking looking dated. What to Consider All sweaters are only available as medium-weight crewnecks. If you want something a little more fun without looking aggressively dated (after all, you’ll want it to last a while considering the level of investment), Leret Leret makes some of the best patterned cashmere around. All of their sweaters are unisex and designed with a relaxed fit and ribbed cuffs, collar, and hem. They’re also all made of medium-weight Mongolian cashmere, so you’ll stay plenty cozy and can layer as needed. Go for a sleek black with pops of color with the no. 29, bright and abstract with no. 34, or something sunny with no. 13. Price at time of publish: $575 The Details: XXS to XXL | Dry clean or hand wash cold The 9 Best Fisherman Sweaters for Women of 2023 Best Recycled Patagonia Men’s Recycled Cashmere Quarter-zip Sweater Patagonia View On Patagonia.com Why We Love It You’d never guess this stylish, versatile basic also has plenty of eco cred. What to Consider It’s only available in two colors. We’re big fans of Patagonia’s emphasis on sustainability across their brand, and even more so when it comes in the form of extra-soft outdoor wear. This men’s quarter-zip is made from pre-consumer cashmere waste that’s sorted, broken down, and spun into new yarn — and then turned into one of these attractive sweaters made of 95 percent recycled cashmere and 5 percent wool for extra strength. Any virgin wool used is also sourced under the Responsible Wool Standard. Price at time of publish: $269 The Details: XS to XXL The Best Wool Clothing and Accessories of 2023 Best Budget Italic Essential Cashmere Crewneck Sweater Italic View On Italic.com Why We Love It Italic’s manufacturing practices keep their prices low without sacrificing quality. What to Consider The size range isn’t as broad as some other brands, and may run small. Italic focuses on keeping their prices low by cutting out the middleman and selling their products directly from the factory to the consumer — which is how you can grab this classic sweater for a much lower price tag than some other outlets. It’s made of 12-gauge, 100 percent cashmere, so it has a super-soft hand feel, and comes in five colors, including a deep minty green that we love. If you aren’t committed to the crew neck, there are multiple other styles available from V-neck to cardigan or hoodie. Men have an equally wide variety of options, with a crew neck, V-neck, zip-up hoodie, and cardigan all on offer. Price at time of publish: $140 The Details: XS to XL | Dry clean only The 13 Best Versatile Sweaters and Sweatshirts for Women in 2023 Best Size Range Universal Standard Essential Cashmere Crew Universal Standard View On Universalstandard.com Why We Love It This classic staple is affordable and available in a large size range. What to Consider Some people may find the brand’s sizing to be confusing initially. Everyone deserves to be cozy, so we appreciate Universal Standard’s wide range of sizes all the way from 4XS (00 to 0) through 4XL (38 to 40). Choose from a crew neck or V-neck sweater; the crew has more colors available including some special edition hues, while the V-neck offers four classic neutrals. Both styles are made from pill-resistant, 100 percent cashmere, and the brand says they’re ideal for layering. They’re also on the pleasantly low end of the pricing spectrum without sacrificing quality. Just check the size chart before you order, as Universal Standard’s sizing doesn’t align with most other industry size charts. Price at time of publish: $98 The Details: 4XS to 4XL | Dry clean or hand wash cold and dry flat Best Cardigan Kule The Sinclair Kule View On Kule.com Why We Love It A colorful trim gives this classic cut a chic twist. What to Consider The body is cut long, so it may be too long for shorter wearers (or just extra cozy). A classic cardigan is never out of style, but a little extra flair never hurts. The Sinclair from Kule takes the cardigan cut and adds interest with vertical ribbing and a bright, bi-color trim along the collar and down the middle, as well as on the cuffs. Even better: it has pockets. Two, to be precise, in the form of patch pockets on the front of the body. The sweater is made of 100 percent ribbed cashmere and cut long in the body so you don’t have to worry about it creeping up as you walk around or try to get comfortable in an airplane seat. Price at time of publish: $348 The Details: XS to XL | Dry clean only Best Wrap Cuyana Wool Cashmere Short Wrap Coat Cuyana View On Cuyana.com Why We Love It This coat brings a bit of edgy style to staying warm. What to Consider It includes more wool than cashmere for structure. Keep even your outermost layer soft with this cashmere-blend coat from Cuyana. The slim sleeves and exaggerated lapels are extremely chic while still keeping you comfortably wrapped up against any potential chill. Leave it open for a flowy effect or cinch the attached belt at the waist to add some shape. If you’re a cashmere purist, this isn’t the coat for you; the coat is 82 percent virgin wool, 10 percent cashmere, and 8 percent polyamide for durability and structure. The wool is all RWS certified for some sustainability cred, which means the wool is “sourced from farms with a holistic respect for the welfare of the sheep and the land they graze on.” Price at time of publish: $348 The Details: XS/S, M/L, and XL | Dry clean or hand wash cold and dry flat Best T-shirt Quince Mongolian Cashmere Tee Quince View On Onequince.com Why We Love It It’s light enough for summer while still maintaining that cashmere softness. What to Consider T-shirts do tend to get dirtier than sweaters, so make sure you take care of this one. Why save the soft clothing for the winter? Natural fibers like cashmere are super breathable, so you can wear them into the warmer seasons with options like this t-shirt from direct-to-consumer brand, Quince. The super-soft, 150-gram cashmere is sourced from Mongolia and comes in nine different shades ranging from easy neutrals to summer-appropriate sherbet hues, so you’ll always be able to find a match. Just keep in mind that t-shirts tend to get a lot more wear than some other items of clothing, and this one does require extra maintenance, so you’ll have to be vigilant with its care. We also love their batwing sweater if you’re looking for something unique for chillier weather. Price at time of publish: $45 The Details: XS to XL | Hand wash cold and dry flat or dry clean with delicate detergent The 12 Best Packable Jackets for Women and Men of 2023 Best Splurge Loro Piana Opera Stole Loro Piana View On Loropiana.com Why We Love It This timeless piece can be used across the travel spectrum. What to Consider A large scarf isn’t always the easiest item to pack, but it is incredibly versatile. This is an investment piece, but if you’re looking for high-end cashmere, Loro Piana is the brand you want. A simple scarf never goes out of style, especially a larger one like this that can also be used as a wrap (or even a blanket, in desperate travel times). It will always fit you, no matter how much your body may fluctuate. Loro Piana adds their signature “frisson” finish, which they say “gives the fabric sheen and adds luminosity to the colors.” It comes in 11 hues, including soft shadow gold or strawberry frosting, classic black and white, and deep jewel tones like lake turquoise and pear red. Price at time of publish: $1,225 The Details: One size | Dry clean Best Socks State Cashmere The Unisex Cuff Socks State Cashmere The Unisex Cuff Socks. Amazon View On Amazon View On Statecashmere.com Why We Love It They'll keep you incredibly warm whether you're in the air or on the ski slopes. What to Consider Not everyone will want to invest this amount of money for socks. State Cashmere works directly with shepherds for their ethically-sourced 100 percent Mongolian cashmere made from goats that are frequently groomed and given healthy diets of grass, clean water, and fresh air. These socks are extremely soft and guaranteed to keep your feet warm wherever you go. Plus, they're durable enough that you shouldn't wear through the materials, even if you wear them skiing or snowboarding. State Cashmere recommends using a pilling comb to keep items in tip-top shape, which is quite the commitment for socks, but with proper care, these should last for years to come. Price at time of publish: $45 The Details: S and L | Hand wash with baby soap Best Joggers NAADAM Cashmere Cargo Jogger NAADAM View On Naadam.co Why We Love It On Naadam's softness scale, these are rated as "heavenly soft." What to Consider They run large and tend to appear baggy. Made from 100 percent cashmere, these Cargo Joggers will be your new go-to pants when you're off to the airport. They feature a relaxed fit, adjustable drawstring waist, tapered legs, and patch pockets, plus you can pair with a matching Cashmere Cropped Full Zip Sweater to complete your cozy look. They come in four neutral colors, so you can even mix and match to create a jogger set perfect for you. Like many cashmere items, these pants are prone to pilling, so be sure to wash gently and dry flat to keep your joggers travel ready. Price at time of publish: $225 The Details: XXS to 3X | Dry clean or hand wash cold Best Travel Set Sofia Cashmere Emilia Travel Set Saks Fifth Avenue View On Saks Fifth Avenue View On Sofiacashmere.com Why We Love It It's so cozy, you won't have any problems falling asleep no matter where you're sitting. What to Consider It's dry clean only, which may become inconvenient after every trip. This snuggly, cable knit travel set includes an eye mask, pillow, and matching travel blanket so you can get a good night's sleep wherever you go. The blanket is a perfect 36 x 60 inches, so you can keep warm without having to carry a bulky blanket around the airport. If you don't want a blanket, pack it inside the convenient travel bag to create the pillow. You can also store your mask inside when not in use to keep your items neat and tidy while on the go. Price at time of publish: $395 The Details: One size | Dry clean Tips for Buying Cashmere Decide how you want your cashmere to fit Though wool has previously been known for its shrinkage, if you take care of cashmere properly, its sizing should stay the same. But you still need to consider your preferred style: do you want a fitted sweater to wear on its own, or do you prefer to layer? What will you be wearing under or over it? Understand care expectations Be honest with yourself, are you really going to go to the dry cleaner? Luckily for those less errand-inclined, the best way to take care of cashmere is actually to hand wash it. If you’re opposed to fussy laundry, check the tags to make sure you’ll actually take care of your purchase before buying. Keep storage in mind Sadly, one cannot always wear their cashmere items year-round. Never hang your sweaters (or anything wool, for that matter), as it will cause distortion in the shape. Simply fold them and store them flat. Make sure they’re clean before you put them away for the season, and consider adding a cedar block or scented sachet to keep moths away. Frequently Asked Questions What exactly is cashmere? Cashmere is a type of wool that comes from goats, specifically the pashmina and cashmere breeds. It gets its name from the Kashmir region of India, where these goats can be found. According to the brand Quince, cashmere is three times as warm as wool and comes in three grades: A, B, and C, with A being the highest quality and most durable. The longer the fibers, the softer they are. How do I wash cashmere? By hand, and only by hand if you want to keep your garments in their best shape. Even dry cleaning can be bad for the delicate fibers, but it’s the second-best option if you don’t want to handle the cleaning yourself. Naadam recommends washing with baby shampoo. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Rena Behar has been covering travel gear and other products for outlets including Travel + Leisure, Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, New York magazine, and more since 2014, and is a longtime cozy sweater enthusiast. For this article, she and T+L writer Taylor Fox used their personal experiences as well as research to create the perfect list of cashmere essentials for your next trip. The 10 Best Women’s Winter Coats and Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit