BATTLE OF THE CASHMERE SWEATERS: Is Fast-fashion Up To The Challenge?

[@docevika6202]

I don’t know if you mentioned it, but are those pieces 100% cashmere? Or are they cashmere blending? They all look like blending to me…

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

They're all 100% cashmere

[@HEREKL]

Cashmere is the kind of sheep, they have different quality so not all cashmere is "cashmere"

[@kenhuang7837]

@HEREKL Cashmere is goat, not sheep. Some of the issues displayed in the items she showed are probably due to fiber ply, length, and gauge. Good cashmere products always offer details on at least one of the three fiber quality, great cashmere products detail all.

[@KimberlyPerrotis]

I’m glad you mentioned fully-fashioned (knitted, not cut and sewn) seams, this is one of the most important indicators of quality that few these days seem to know about, but my generation does (age 64). Cut and sewn seams in knits very quickly develop holes which can’t always be repaired, even if one can find an exact yarn match, which is very difficult.

[@ldavies3280]

I remember my mum going on about fully fashioned knitwear, and didn’t know what she meant till now.

[@MALOsstuff]

I can only say: I've had my cos cashmere sweaters for 7 years now and they still look incredible. I've used a fabric shaver like the one from steamer maybe once on each sweater and only wash them cold in the wool setting, but usually just hang them outside for half a day if they're not dirty. I love them so much and they're really forever pieces!

[@carlsenlifeafter60carlsen11]

I love these videos because you’re teaching me what to look for and what is better. I appreciate that. I did buy a trenchcoat before. I saw your trenchcoat video and I picked the right one. I’m so glad.😊

[@toniweston4330]

Every word out of her mouth is informative and worth listening to.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

I’m going to print this comment and give it to my husband, Toni 😂

[@mafalda8222]

😂❤​@@MarianaZelenjuk

[@Ingrid0410]

Macys has superb cashmere sweaters! “Charter Club“ is their brand. I have all the colors and I love them! For anyone in the US. They are about 130 us dollars but always on sale! Love Macys

[@VeiledSoulPathfinder]

Love the effort you put into this!

[@Enig_Mata]

As someone who hand-knits sweaters, this video was very helpful. I like the design elements you pointed out - I can add these to my knits. The COS piece looks like a good challenge to recreate.

[@LynnM-sn4xr]

I would love your expert opinion on Lilysilk and Banana Republic cashmere

[@lauramarczyk7644]

Yes, that would be great! Would love to know Mariana's opnion on silk too

[@Talletc]

She said that the BR brand family isn’t available where she lives

[@doylejoy]

What about Zara cashmere?

[@megand175]

Yes, same, especially Lily Silk which for me is definitely a nicer feel than Uniqlo

[@linabelmonte5154]

Lilysilk is made out of viscose and polyester. Not worth it.

[@Emilydzinmb]

Some of the features you identify as indicators of quality are actually just design choices. Examples are the knit pattern around the shoulder seam and the thickness of the yarn. Sometimes you want a sweater without much detailing and sometimes you want a thinner yarn for less bulk and for higher temperatures. Other features of the construction are spot on.

[@darkacademican]

Agreed. Also, I personally exclusively go for an oversize, slouchy fit (think Jenni Kayne) or a cropped but still slouchy fit. It's subjective and a matter of preference -- not sure why the fit is considered "limiting."

[@tatyanapavlovskaya1974]

After reselling used cashmere for 23 years I’ve learned the meaning of “ fully fashioned”. Thank you!!!😊

[@luluandmeow]

I spent around £250 on a Massimo Dutti suede jacket, but not on a plain jumper. I prefer merino to be honest, easy to wash and so much cheaper. I have cashmere too but I find it a hassle to handwash and when it accidentally goes in with the rest of the laundry it's ruined. Pilling: be careful with the electric de-piller, lay the item on a big flat surface and be extremely careful with cuffs, necklines, gloves, around buttons, etc. as you can easily make holes. I find it laborious to de-pill, it can take almost an hour if you have a big cardigan, I just wear a Uniqlo thermal long-sleeve top under one or layers of merino knitwear and it's just as warm for a fraction of the price and it can all go in the normal wash.

[@vickimcwhirter6694]

If you have a gentle cycle on your washing machine you can use that for cashmere. I haven’t washed a cashmere jumper by hand for years I just use the gentle cycle and a special gentle detergent. You are right On a normal wash cycle it will ruin the item. 😊

[@SlackSlackSlackSlack]

Interesting. I tend to agree with you. Can you recommend merinos jumpers? Always looking for the best one 😊

[@ohmightywez]

It's more laborious but I use a cashmere comb rather than the depiller. I brought my new quince black cashmere sweater from my husband to Europe with me and was reliant on it being the base of several outfits, and the depiller put a hole right in the front. Grrrrr.

[@VirginieLalere]

@@vickimcwhirter6694 absolutely ! I always wash my wool or cashmere knits with the machine, cold water and Kerzon laundry soap "maille caline".

[@IrinaAntonova]

I used to have a Cos sweater bought in a second-hand market - and it was in a perfect shape, and was my go-to sweater for years. It didn’t lose shape and got very little of peeling up until it’s end days when it got eaten by moth.

[@celiathirlwall3329]

Hi Mariana! Thank you for this timely video as I'm on the hunt for a cashmere sweater. Thanks for your great review!! Have a fabulous week!! xx

[@victoriamatchett5051]

Bobbling is normal for cashmere, just get the cashmere comb or de-bobbling machine and your cashmere will always look great 👍🏻 I also try to wash my cashmere as less as possible by wearing undergarments such as t-shirts, but if I do wash it I do it in the washing machine inside the pillow case on the wool setting with a shampoo rather than a laundry detergent.

[@TheMocao]

I own about 3 cashmere sweaters. I considered them an investment for future wear, so due to a bad experience with low quality previous purchases - I bought more expensive sweaters that seem better quality. That being said, I live in Southern California, so I don’t wear them every “winter”. I actually get more use out of my cotton sweaters. And, I’m middle aged, so my skin has become more sensitive and easily overheats with man made blends. My best cashmere purchase, however, was a $40 vintage 1950s cashmere swing coat that I found in a vintage shop during a vacation about 10 years ago.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Well, that swing coat sounds diviiiine 🤩

[@Trenchant468]

I just bought 4 vintage thrift store cashmere sweaters end of last summer, half off, so about $10 each. Made in Italy (2), Scotland (1), and China for Bloomingdale’s(1). The only one I regret is the Bloomingdale’s one: thin neckline rippling a bit, trendy.

[@Dwightinho56]

Thank you for this. I have looked at 3 of them for a while but couldn’t decide. Now I can.

[@kyrakytana]

I agree with you on the H&M cashmere, especially the fineknit ones. They feel quite thin and flimsy. The thicker options are much better though, they pill less and feel better made. You still need to size down, though. To me COS has always been the best option, followed by Arket. They are a bit pricier and sizing down is still necessary if you want it fitted, but they feel so cozy and wash remarkably well.

[@yvetteschaerer]

Very informative. I prefer fitted but didn’t think of sizing it down. Now I know. Thanks

[@krm6029]

Uniqlo is not my favorite for cashmere, but I love how fine and comfortable their Marino wool is

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Their 3D knit is also one of my favorites!

[@Ingrid0410]

Uniqlo merino wool is my fav too ( I like the mens merino) but here in California I rarely need a sweater! I buy cashmere sweaters at Macys “charter club” brand they are gorgeous have about 10 of them which I need to keep in sweater bags so moths dont eat them. Wear sweaters about 2-3 months here as its warm most of the year. Thx for the super video Mariana!

[@solangelauthier2381]

Merino not marino !

[@solangelauthier2381]

If you have no money, then forget about cashmere, buy something else. Uniqlo (and the like) cashmere is a poor thing that fools nobody.

[@solangelauthier2381]

@@krm6029 Uniqlo is low class and lousy quality.

[@jenniferb-4319]

How about Quince! I am bombarded with their PR and and wondering if it is real or manufactured. I also agree that every word out of your mouth is informative and worth listening to. You are so eloquent and articulate -almost poetic at times.

[@mamaahu]

She said she can't get Quince in Europe so others need to comment because she cannot.

[@MultiMichellerose]

There is definitely different qualities of cashmere. I use to work in the design rooms of Burberry and I would say they have the best cashmere and worth every penny and super soft.

[@solangelauthier2381]

Fast fashion cashmere is so lousy it should not even be called cashmere. Indeed Burberry (and Begg & Co etc) are real good cashmere. Quality has a price, when will women understand that ?

[@Citrus1992m]

Excellent video with great information ❤ Personally, I do not like Mango-everything I ever bought from there looked cheap (wool, silk, cashmere) and I immediately got rid of it or it didn’t make it past one wear. Perhaps I just had bad luck, but I would much prefer cos, uniqlo, and massimo dutti when it comes to knits, especially cashmere.

[@helindove2237]

Thank you Mariana for this very informative video! Sometimes it is difficult to know what material second hand pieces are made of once the label has been cut out. These tips will help me to find the quality pieces.

[@wangyouhua2582]

Can you do a video on puffer jackets? Really struggling to find a decent one in terms of quality and style… The Uniqlo one has the pilling issue, very annoying…

[@Kahermni]

I have the COS sweater you reviewed in bright pink and bright blue (I love the colours). However, it got quite a lot of pilling after 10x of wearing it (with care) compared to the many other cashmere jumpers I own. Personally, I love the thick turtleneck jumpers from the German brand Peter Hahn. They’re 100% Cashmere, very thick and cost 250€. I also love the Italian cashmere brand Falconeri. I’ve tried many cashmere brands and so far these are my favourites for cashmere under 300€.

[@cristinadelavilla7989]

I don´t know where you are located but the mango cashmere sweater is 100 eur here in the EU. Even in Scandinavia where the prices are higher, it´s not more than 120 eur

[@annettetigoulet3230]

Thank you for this beautiful and interesting review. I love cashmere and I've had several pieces for years. They are mainly from Bompard which is an expensive brand but can also be found cheaper on sale. I also tried Uniklo and From Future which seem O.K. Have a nice day.

[@maripatrick4250]

I love cos cashmere jumpers, they are so thick, soft and luxurious, I jave just bought a second cashmere jumper in beautiful charcoal. Would highly recommend them ❤.

[@DrMalcolm97]

Best place to look for 2nd hand aside from ebay?

[@maryodwyer9827]

May I take this opportunity to thank you for the lovely videos, I have learned so much.Also Happy Birthday for October 15th same day as my husband. God Bless and safe delivery.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Maryyyy! Thank you for remembering ☺️

[@BkkParichat]

Great detailed explanations!

[@ellen9354]

I do not agree with your assessment of the Massimo Dutti sweater. The seams are very poorly stitched and holes come quickly. They also pill like crazy.

[@casalist5426]

I wonder if I am going to pay over 200 USD for fast fashion, shouldn’t I try Falconeri, Max Mara or any other mid range brand?

[@knitsandnature]

I only knit natural yarns. Merino, silk alpaca etc. and the advantage is that they hardly need washing (by hand) altho I do wrap them in plastic bags in case of moths!! So soft so warm and wick proof when skiing

[@anniwilkko4132]

Any good patterns?

[@solangelauthier2381]

@@knitsandnature Ever heard of moth balls ?

[@patriciaottone4083]

Thank you sooo much for this one! It is a trial sometimes to figure out the best bang for your buck! I have also had luck with Marks & Spencer cashmere 😉. You are absolutely glowing btw 💐

[@SlackSlackSlackSlack]

Great video. Any chance you do the same on Merinos jumper?

[@LynnM-sn4xr]

Excellent and informational video. Thank you. Your videos always brighten my day

[@Antragupta12]

I hardly leave comments, but damn you gave such a good review! Thank you!

[@llavie4583]

My personal favorite are uniqlo ,massimo and cos , apart from that topic whats your highlighter 😆

[@チヌブダイ]

I bought the Uniqlo one several years ago. I don't know how, but it started piling after wearing 1 season...I decided not to buy from uniqlo anymore because there were too many pilings. Apparently it has been improved since then. My Cos and Arket ones are in the perfect conditions after few years.

[@devleenadutta]

hi which nailpaint are you wearing ?

[@yingkouzen]

Love your review on cashmere ❤and thanks for reviewing them

[@fatine]

My mango cashmere has pilled sooooo much since day 1 wear whereas my uniqlo even thrifted is in tip top shape

[@HB-xw6im]

The BEST is from a brand called “Pure Collection” they make a specific type of pieces that make you feel in the clouds ❤

[@MaryAnn-y2u]

Thank you for this informative and helpful video on selecting a good quality cashmere sweater. When you need to launder cashmere do you hand wash or dry clean the items?

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

I always hand wash, MaryAnn! Gentle detergent and let it dry horizontally 😉

[@xphienie]

This was great! Very informative!

[@anniwilkko4132]

Thank you for the video! I'm new to the channel. I would love to see similar video of wool coats.

[@SmartCreativeWomen]

I own a several sweaters (because of the price point) from Quince and even though they are nice, I have had A LOT of pulling. I do wear them a lot being in New England our sweater season is very long and I really can't wear wool, so price matters, but I am ready to move on from them and wish I had this video I would have invested in COS And had less options. I do buy vintage, and it has been good, I end up mending holes though, haha.

[@plxfw]

Not. Cashmere related, but I’d love to know your lipstick detail, looks very nice and autumnal

[@emmauxayor]

What size is the uniqlo’s? 3:50

[@mikaph3051]

I need this for cotton button up shirts.

[@tatianasokolova9468]

Cashmere - pretty worm material, so I would consider options that can be unbutton or V- neck or thinner fabric * I definitely would get a sweater in half size or even size up in case of shrinking after wash

[@Annet1608]

I bought a couple of cheaper sweaters from H&M and Zara but they just do not last very long. Now i only buy Extreme Cashmere; a lot more expensive but very easy to machine wash and they look fantastic year after year.

[@Nickysmom]

I have cashmere pieces from TSE that have not pilled in 20 years

[@kenrockman1]

Does Banana Republic cashmere seem comparable to uniqlo or cos ?

[@lli_loue]

COS cashmere is great, super plush. It’s a little bit pricey, but it’s so worth it. However, I find that it really does pill a lot, I use a pilling machine on it once a month.

[@sarahlou5777]

what about marks & spencers?

[@KimberlyPerrotis]

You’re right, neither cashmere nor wool should wrinkle that easily. One of the great characteristic properties of these fibers is their resilience, or springiness, which resists wrinkles and makes any fall out in a few hours, or with a quick steaming. Sharp creases like that are a bad sign. I think it’s hard to beat the price and quality of Quince cashmere sweaters, which start at $50 US. They only ship to the US, though, and the cashmere is on the lightweight side, which might not suit everyone. I love it because my climate has mild winters and I tend to overheat easily. Quince cashmere sweaters (and joggers and skirts) can also be bought in matching colors to make sets. I practically live in these in winter, over a silk undershirt.

[@solangelauthier2381]

A cashmere sweater at 50 USD ? Ah ah ah ! Naïve..

[@KimberlyPerrotis]

It’s not woven fabric. I know what you mean, but these are knitted, not woven, fabrics.🙂

[@PiperSevern]

I love Uniqlo cashmeres.I find the COS too busy.I like fully fashioned but don't like the ribbing detail.Costco when they have them closer to Xmas also have amazing 2-ply Italian made cashmeres.

[@michmash7888]

I haven’t seen cashmere at Costco in years (but that could be my store or my poor timing)…but the ones I have from there have held up great and are among my favorite pieces of clothing.

[@leigh938]

@@michmash7888costco Canada had 4 colours of cashmere the last two years.

[@ana-pi6ut]

I bought a beautiful cashmere sweater from Talbots and was shocked when I wanted to wear it again It was full of holes. The holes were everywhere. I don't know what happened. I washed it before I put it away for the season.

[@gcoolie5272]

I love my COS cashmere cardigan.

[@reneeamyot4261]

Very instructive! Thank you

[@silversurfer9090]

try Naadam!

[@lizdavies264]

I’ve got several Uniqlo cashmere, they do not itch

[@sportinisvezlys]

What about M&S cashmere?

[@lorielizabethwade7505]

Are there good brands that product a petite size? I have such a difficult time finding clothing for my height.

[@FourJaysFour]

Have you checked Talbots or JCrew?

[@workinprogress3609]

I wish you would have reviewed Quince, also. Anyone ever bought from them?

[@mamaahu]

Quince doesn't sell to Europe so she can't comment. But others who live in the U.S. and Canada can.

[@mariyavesna2074]

Sorry for off top but I was always disappointed by Mango, everything I have got from them didn’t least more than a month. But never had their cashmere though

[@lulunana4055]

Exactly

[@helentsokana]

I love COS cashmere x

[@deejohnson5987]

Are these jumpers 100 percent cashmere? The The itchiness of the H&M suggests that it contains wool

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

They’re all sold as 100% cashmere, Dee. But I’d much rather search for a high-quality merino wool (or even a cashmere blend) than settle for inferior, itchy cashmere.

[@deejohnson5987]

@ I knit and there’s lots of yarn that’s described as cashmere but it’s content is only about 5 or 10 percent. In the UK, we have M&S that usually has cashmere knitwear that is reasonably priced and soft, but not exactly stylish, but investment pieces should follow fashion anyway.

[@lynnbell2499]

uniqlo cashmere is the least soft, the least comfortable of any cashmere I have worn. I have serious doubts about whether it’s 100% cashmere or not.

[@theresaroeder6831]

How do you store cashmere sweaters?

if you wont wear for a long time, you should take in a freezer bag or in something where the bugs cant reach easily

[@sedomedo]

very informative video! i'll be retouring the h&m cashmere. touching it already felt off. didn't convince me to keep it.

[@joangravelle8455]

Informative video, thank you.

[@SmartCreativeWomen]

Uniqulo colors all feel different, if you get a chance to feel all the colors, do it. The dyes make a difference.

[@olena_goldmanns]

Is it 100% cashmere or blends?

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Hi Olena! They all claim to be 100% cashmere

[@heenarangwani2175]

Thank you!!

[@karolinamedone3504]

Uniqlo cashmere jumper in Japan costs 60 EUR ;)

[@KIG024]

The quince cashmere is cheap in price, fabric and construction. Uniqlo is much better quality in every way.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Thank you for the review! Especially now that I see they’re on sale for $50, which seems utterly impossible for good cashmere

[@KimberlyPerrotis]

@@MarianaZelenjuk I love my Quince cashmere. They sell that one particular cashmere sweater for $50 as a “loss leader”, which means that, although they lose money on that particular item, it helps bring in new customers. It certainly worked on me, with their perfect silk skirts, another loss leader, at the incredibly low price of $60. I’m now a regular Quince shopper and have been for a decade or so.🙂

[@reginag7911]

I find quince amazing quality for the price. Latest purchase Mongolian cashmere hoodie and pants. Pure luxury!

[@alexl92]

Don’t forget Nordstrom brand, Everlane and Quince.

[@LesiavanderWoman]

1) cashmere must bobble in the beginning. Its fine to shave off 2) my best sweater is from THE OTHER STORIES. It is another level. Uniqlo is a good brand but not for cashmere unfortunately

[@aiai-j7i]

I absolutely love your makeup and nail polish look in this video! Would you consider a tutorial with products used mentioned?

[@Ingrid0410]

The funny thing is Mariana when people say “ it will last a lifetime “ so spend more , no it doesn't . I ruined so many expensive pieces by babies throwing up on silk blouses to sitting on cigarettes which ruined my fav expensive leather jacket. Just watch how many nice pieces yr baby ruins, then yl be doing another video for us

[@ohmightywez]

Ahhh, one of the prices we pay to be moms. Lol. That was such a downer. I've had several years of being utterly unconcerned about it. But now I'm looking at becoming a grandmother, so back to clothes protection methods again.

[@estellebar2273]

So... COS and M. Dutti are as expensive as Eric BOMPARD's first price jumpers, THE cashmere specialist. So fast-fashion not always the best option ;-)

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Hi Estelle! In this case I think it’s a matter of ply/density. The entry items from Bompard are a 2-ply fine cashmere, whereas the more expensive ones I’ve shown are a bit more substantial. However, I believe in buying the best you can afford, so if that means you can shell out an extra 100/150 on a 6-ply Bompard, I’d say go for it!

[@А.В-ю6л]

1. COS 2. Massimo 3. H&M 4. Uniqlo Just my opinion 😊

[@Affluent_Pomegranate]

The most affordable Cashmere you missed is from Quince.

[@carole3680]

Do all of these companies ethically source, I.e, labor compensation, age of employees, conditions where working. These are the first questions 😅to answer when recommending a product at deeply discounted cost.

[@Katie-vy5rd]

If anybody out there has run across a deep v-neck cashmere sweater that's a good quality and good style could you please please let me know thank you!😊

[@coleent8167]

Aritzia cashmere is terrible. Two sweaters unraveled at the cuff for me. Almost 300 a pop too. Terrible

[@leeatomassoni3901]

👏👏👏

[@johnnamadsen1543]

Uniqlo is my favorit, but lillisilk mulberry casmir are my favorit

[@johnnamadsen1543]

Casmir fra lilly silk are høj kvamitet

[@theodorajuskiw5283]

Did anyone know that Cashmere is not animal friendly. The goats suffer immensely. Please read up on it. 😢

[@NatalieM50]

Based on your comment, I did just do some reading and it’s very sad. I had no idea! Unfortunately I have some cashmere but I won’t be buying more!

[@iris7911]

❤

[@bridgiesue7]

I'm considering Quince cashmere right now, anybody tried one of those?

[@aprilnv]

I had the Quince black cashmere hoodie. It pilled very badly unfortunately.

[@judithholder2537]

Am petite - 5' 3" hourglass - do not like Quince fit.

[@bridgiesue7]

@@judithholder2537 I'm hourglass as well, but I'm 6 feet tall. I often struggle with sweaters being too short in arm length.

[@KimberlyPerrotis]

I love mine, their cashmere sweaters, skirts and joggers. I would size down in them, sizing is generous. The only potential drawback I’ve found it that their cashmere is on the lightweight side, but that suits me any my climate perfectly, but perhaps not those in arctic climates. Mine haven’t pilled, but I get them dry-cleaned, I can’t do hand-washing (back trouble).🙂

[@krislui852]

honestly none of these are high quality or luxury cashmere. they can last for a while but not what people would expect when thinking of cashmere. you simply cant get nice cashmere sweaters under 300 or high end cashmere sweaters under 500. at this price point you can get high quality and thicker merino wool sweaters that can last way longer than these cheap cashmere.

[@daskapital3532]

Cashemere is very fragile, no matter of price and co. It is short therm luxury

[@amahmood3576]

Why does she talk so weird

[@bambinaforever5720]

Also i personally do not need a forever piece - next year i usually do not feel like old stuff. So i m all for one time items. I have millions of cashmere and wool sweaters never worn anymore

[@bambinaforever5720]

Mango is as cheap brand as H&M