Some first-time purchases require careful thought... Buying your first cashmere sweater is a big deal. Because cashmere is a precious material. Because it can easily be counterfeited. Because it comes at a cost. Because a beautiful, genuine cashmere sweater isn't something you choose on impulse. To choose a high-quality cashmere sweater properly, there are at least 5 green flags to look out for.
- Check for the "100% cashmere" label on the tag (or at least 70%).
- Choose a brand with strong values that offers total transparency regarding its manufacturing process.
- Rely on Italian craftsmanship, it's a mark of quality.
- Look at the knit, which should be dense and tight, and touch the fabric, which should be extremely soft and lightweight.
- Compare prices: genuine cashmere comes at a price.
And to spot premium cashmere in seconds and avoid scams, here are a few truths you should know about real cashmere.
Check for the "100% cashmere" label on the tag
Only sweaters made entirely of pure cashmere can be labeled "100% cashmere".
At Linnea Lund, our labels list not only the garment's composition but also its country of manufacture: Italy.
So before buying, remember to take a look at the label.
📋 If you have any questions about the origin and superior quality of Linnea Lund cashmere, we have answers for you here.
Choose a brand with values
Total transparency regarding cashmere origin, garment manufacturing location, and production methods is a strong indicator of quality.
At Linnea Lund, animal welfare is a priority. That is why our partner herders wait until spring to hand-comb and harvest the precious undercoat that goats naturally shed after the harsh winter cold has passed. This is the finest and warmest fiber in existence.
Gently combing the goats ensures animal welfare and guarantees high-quality fiber, resulting in a silkier, thicker, and sturdier yarn.
🫰 Every action we take supports a more ethical fashion industry that respects all living things. In fact, since 2025, Linnea Lund has been B Corp certified for its fair, regenerative economy that complies with social and environmental standards.
Rely on Italian craftsmanship, it's a mark of quality
Everyone knows that Italy is home to an incredible number of family-owned workshops with ancestral expertise, where production secrets are passed down through generations.
From spinning to hand-linking and knitting, every Linnea Lund cashmere piece is crafted in Italy's Marche region by human-scale, family-run partner workshops—including one we've worked with since the brand was born.
Every day, these artisanal workshops lend their expertise to our creations, which have grown more intricate over the years. Over time, we've built a relationship of trust and friendship with all the talented artisans who contribute to the excellence of our knitwear.
Check the knit and feel the material
You can feel real cashmere right away. It's soft and lightweight, creating a true "second-skin" feel.
It's also important to observe the fabric closely.
At Linnea Lund, our knits are dense and tight, giving our garments long-lasting quality, a soft touch, and exceptional warmth.
👍 Good to know: the higher the ply (number of threads), the denser, thicker, and warmer the knit. A 2-ply cashmere will be lighter and more supple than a 4-ply cashmere.
However, ply count has nothing to do with cashmere quality. A genuine 2-ply cashmere will always be more comfortable and durable than a "fake" 4-ply cashmere.
Compare prices: premium cashmere comes at a cost
When you realize it takes the hair of about six goats to make a single cashmere sweater, and sometimes years of harvesting to produce a capsule collection, the price tag makes a lot more sense.
Yes, real cashmere requires patience and craftsmanship. It relies on a lengthy, artisanal process that cannot be rushed if you want to protect animal welfare, honor traditional craftsmanship, and produce high-quality cashmere with exemplary traceability, like Linnea Lund.
For all these reasons, quality cashmere is inherently rare, making it precious—and expensive.
In fact, buying a genuine cashmere sweater is an investment. While cheap knitwear deteriorates after just one season, quality cashmere like Linnea Lund's lasts a lifetime, and can even be passed down through generations.
⭐ Discover our iconic design: the Charlotte sweater in its timeless macchiato shade!
Now that you know how to identify and choose a premium cashmere sweater, learn how to care for it with our maintenance secrets.