Is Cashmere Warm?

Posted by Sophie on 25th Jun 2025

Although our garments can be enjoyed all year round, there is nothing quite like the feel of cashmere for your winter clothing. Crafted from the downy undercoat of cashmere goats, cashmere knitwear is prized for its insulating properties, luxuriously soft feeling, and stylish look. Widely considered to be one of the most luxurious natural fibres on the market, there's a very good reason why cashmere is so many people's first choice for winter wear.

Is Cashmere Warm?

Cashmere is incredibly warm, and this is due to the thin, wavy fibres, which insulate and trap warmth while remaining super soft against the skin. While a cashmere jumper can be worn on its own, it is also ideal for layering during the extremely cold winter months.

Cashmere stands out against synthetic and high-end fabrics for its excellent insulating abilities. While it is comparable to alpaca in terms of warmth, cashmere offers a lightweight feeling against the skin, which alpaca does not, as it is a far bulkier wool. Among other high-quality fibres such as merino and even regular wool, there really is no comparison—cashmere provides luxurious warmth with a super-soft feeling and natural breathability.

Why is Cashmere So Warm?

Cashmere is renowned for providing excellent insulation, and this is all down to the structure of the cashmere fibres. They are much finer compared to regular sheep's wool, allowing more air in, which then becomes trapped within the cashmere strands to provide insulation. In this way, it allows warm air in while keeping cold air out, perfect for keeping warm.

One of the most unique properties of cashmere is its warmth-to-weight ratio compared to other types of wool. Cashmere will keep you warm and cosy while maintaining a light and breathable feel against the body.

Cashmere vs Wool: Which is Warmer?

While traditional wool may be heavier and feel thicker to the touch, this does not mean that it is warmer than cashmere. In fact, cashmere is three times more insulating than regular wool, so there really is no competition.

Similarly, although merino wool is generally considered a warm luxury fibre, cashmere is undoubtedly warmer. Merino's natural temperature regulation properties mean that it does not provide the same level of warmth as cashmere, as it does not retain body heat to the same level.

Cashmere is an incredibly soft wool, and this can affect how it traps heat. The softer the fibres, the finer and more insulating they are, creating a barrier against the heat and keeping it trapped in. Therefore, the softness and quality of the cashmere used affect the warmth of the garment.

How to Stay Warm with Cashmere in Winter

Cashmere is such a versatile fabric, so there are many different ways to wear it for differing winter conditions. Most of our garments are 2ply, and as such have a finer, lighter feel which layers beautifully. This is especially handy for transitional weather as we move through the seasons, providing warmth without becoming too hot. Alongside this, our range of undergarments includes vests and leggings, which make perfect base layers, keeping you warm without the feeling of weight on your body.

For the coldest winter days, we have a unique range of 4ply and 6ply garments that provide excellent insulation. From a cashmere cardi and jumper to accessories, these higher-ply pieces will keep you warm even in the harshest temperatures.

Of course, we also have a wide range of accessories, keeping you warm from head to toe. With an extensive range of cashmere gloves, hats, scarves and socks, we have everything you need to stay cosy and stylish during the winter months.

While we recommend all cashmere clothing to help keep out the cold, cashmere jumpers and coats provide the ultimate insulation as they tend to be chunkier knits than accessories such as scarves.

Is Cashmere Breathable as Well as Warm?

Cashmere is an incredibly breathable material. This means that it allows more air to move around the body while also letting moisture out, preventing the body from getting too hot. While cashmere is primarily known for its use in winter clothing, due to its breathability, it can be worn all year round. This balance between insulation and ventilation means cashmere can be enjoyed in different climates, hot or cold.

Why Invest in Warm, High-Quality Cashmere?

Premium-quality cashmere, such as the kind you'll find at the Cashmere Centre, should last you for years and improve with age. This means that the shape, feel, and warmth it provides will also improve as time goes on. High-quality cashmere provides a level of luxurious warmth that cheaper alternatives cannot—there's a good reason why it's such a sought-after fibre.

When you're looking to purchase warm cashmere garments, there are a couple of things you should look out for. One of the main factors to consider is the quality of the cashmere. As discussed, higher quality cashmere is more durable and warm, and so is definitely worth investing in. At the Cashmere Centre, we only use the finest grade A cashmere, so you can be assured you are purchasing the best for your money. The cashmere percentage is also something to watch for, as some companies will blend their cashmere with cotton and other types of wool, which can compromise the garment's warmth. Similarly, the ply count is also something to consider, as the higher the ply, the warmer the garment.

Discover Our Warm Cashmere Collection

Here at the Cashmere Centre, we consider ourselves the cashmere experts. We pride ourselves on producing high-quality winter garments ideal for cold weather. Combining style with unparalleled luxury and softness, you'll want to wear our cashmere time and time again, so it is certainly worth the investment.

Don't just take our word for it, why not browse our collection of premium cashmere knitwear for yourself? We have everything you could possibly need for your winter wardrobe

Women's Cashmere Knitwear

Men's Cashmere Knitwear

Capsule Collection

From a super-soft cashmere scarf to everyday essentials such as socks and gloves, check out our extensive range of cashmere accessories here!