The Men’s Cashmere Sweater Guide: From Starter Knits to Status Symbols

A cashmere sweater used to be the fashion equivalent of a country club membership—expensive, exclusive and slightly intimidating for some. But in the last few years, the playing field has evolved. Yes, cashmere still comes from the underbelly of Mongolian goats (specifically the Capra hircus laniger, if you want to get technical), and yes, it still takes one goat about four years to produce enough fiber for a single sweater. But now the luxury landscape spans from direct-to-consumer upstarts to Italian fashion houses that own their own goat reserves—because why not?

The price spectrum is equally vast. At $200, you'll find democratized cashmere from digital-native brands who've streamlined the supply chain. At the $3,000-plus price tag, you're buying into luxe heritage houses that control everything from goat to garment, often with centuries of expertise woven into each stitch. The difference lies not just in the marketing, but in the grade of fiber (A-grade being the longest and finest), the ply (two-ply minimum for durability) and the finishing techniques that separate good cashmere from transcendent.

Care remains crucial: Hand wash cold with specialized detergent or dry clean exclusively, reshape while damp and always fold—never hang. Store with cedar blocks, not mothballs (this isn't your grandfather's closet). Use a cashmere comb to prevent and gently remove pilling. And regardless of price point, give your sweater a day's rest between wears; cashmere fibers, like their wearers, benefit from a recovery period. From boardroom-ready basic knits to après-ski statement pieces, here's your definitive guide to the world's most coveted wool. Your only decision: How deep into the cashmere rabbit hole do you want to go?