Today I am wearing cashmere for the first time

[LifeInAHamsterWheel]

I've never owned anything cashmere. I could afford it, but I would feel guilty for spending so much on a jumper so never have. But having read lots of threads on here about how warm it is etc. I decided to try first by buying second hand. I bought a gorgeous 100% cashmere jumper (M&S Autograph) off eBay and today am wearing it for the first time.

I'M A CONVERT

It is so soft. Yet not bulky. And oh my god, so cosy. It's a total revelation!!

I am a bit worried about the care of it (I don't have a great track record when it comes to washing things!) but if I can keep this ok for a while I don't think I'd feel so bad about treating myself to a brand new cashmere piece in the future (or possibly add it to my Christmas/Birthday lists)

Cashmere beanie anyone?

@JosephineDeBeauharnais when are they closing do you know? so I can stalk the sale section

I've just discovered Nearly New Cashmere off the back of another thread, which I will keep an eye on- www.nearlynewcashmere.co.uk/collections/womens-cashmere

Cashmere beanie a winter essential! I keep all my sweater in resealable bags to fend off bastard moths although IME they prefer merino to cashmere.

Oh FFS. Style and beauty has already cost me a fortune in advent calendars I’ve never before bought or even known I needed. Now I feel I have to have cashmere! Have been so cold working from home the last couple of weeks - this could be a perfect solution!

Off to a different part of Mumsnet now, for the sake of my bank balance!

Does no-one else worry about the ethics of cashmere production? I guess I’m very naive but I had no idea cashmere was goat hair and certainly no idea about how they harvest it. I love the feel of cashmere clothes but it’s put me right off.

@TheNewLook I don't buy new cashmere but any retailer I use for anything I check how they get their products. There are 'more ethical' ways of producing cashmere for example that dont involve mulesing etc ( I do buy animal products but I aim to get them from the most ethical supplier I can )

@TheNewLook

Does no-one else worry about the ethics of cashmere production? I guess I’m very naive but I had no idea cashmere was goat hair and certainly no idea about how they harvest it. I love the feel of cashmere clothes but it’s put me right off.

Yes, I really like cashmere but only buy second hand when I do, as the treatment of the animals can be very cruel and I'm not prepared to fuel/risk fuelling the industry. I'd be more likely to buy something from a company such as Cashmere C&C Cotton, as they seem transparent about their supply chain/animal welfare policies.

I was given a great tip from a friend who was brought up in the Scottish borders near lots of wolleen mills. You can wash cashmere jumpers in the machine but do not add any detergent (not even woolite). There is always some residual detergent in the machine and this is sufficient.

It works for me!

@DragonflyInn definitely invest! My DH is working at our kitchen table since March and I'm going to get him a cashmere jumper to keep him toasty from now on. It's heaven! (Condolences to your bank account 😆)

Another vote for turtle Doves wrist warmers. Small but effective and so cosy on your wrists and hands

Wash by hand in Woolite/ Stergene. Squeeze out excess and roll in towel and dry flat.
Never, never use fabric softener, it matts the fibres.

Has anyone tried the Ffern Autumn 20 scent? I've got the chance to buy it so I'd be interested in any reviews. Thanks.

Sorry. Wrong place.

I have never bought any second hand, but if you do, put it in a plastic bag or box with a Transfluthrin moth killer (such as zero-in) for a couple of weeks.

They do not smell like mothballs, and the vapour kills eggs, larvae and adults.

If you have ever had a moth attack, you will put them in your drawers or wardrobe as well. Introducing moths to your home means you will have a terrible job getting rid of them.

It is not a persistent insecticide and breaks down in sunlight or a ventilated room, so you have to use it in a closed container.

I love my cashmere! Most are second hand. I always wash on cold and dry on a radiator. I find it pretty resilient!

I recently found this website, for second hand cashmere! Yet to buy, but looks pretty good.

www.nearlynewcashmere.co.uk/collections/womens-cashmere

Anyone else think M&S Cashmere quality has plummeted? Bought one this year and its gone straight back, it felt really thin and not as soft as it used to be.. I've two from previous years which I live in..

Ordered a John Lewis one to see if its any better..

Cashmere is made from the soft undercoat of goats who are cruelly abused and violently killed. But so long as you’re happy @LifeInAHamsterWheel I guess that’s all that matters!

Just discovered a market stall selling second cashmere and got a really snuggly black cardigan for £25, and a beautiful duck egg blue Bora jumper for £10!

I always machine was. Delicate cycle with wool detergent

I have a few of the turtle dove wrist warmers. I sent in some old/shrunken cashmere and got them in exchange...they're lovely.

I agree M n S quality has gone down
I rate jaeger, pure, some designer brands via tkmaxx or outlet
I got an amazing DKNY cardigan for £30 from Bicester a few weeks ago
Also a Paul smith sweater for £50 from tkmaxx
Uniqlo also good

I love cashmere. I'm skinny with an underactive thyroid and stay in Scotland so constantly cold and it's the only thing that keeps me warm. I always ask for cashmere at Christmas from family who are looking for gift ideas for me and over the years have built up a great supply of cashmere jumpers, hats and scarves. I also buy jumpers from eBay, usually M&S. will jumpers seem so scratchy in comparison!

John Lewis cashmere is far better quality than M&S in general.

I'm enjoying this discussion so much, will check out all the brands/places mentioned. I'm definitely a convert!