Women's cashmere sweaters: how to choose for autumn
A cashmere sweater is autumn's most worn piece if you pick the right quality. Here is what ply, gauge and fibre length actually mean — and how to find a knit that works for golf and everyday wear.
What ply and gauge mean
Cashmere is measured in ply (yarn strands) and gauge (knit fineness). A 2-ply, 12-gauge knit is the most useful weight in Scandinavia: warm enough for October, thin enough to wear under a windbreaker.
Single-ply feels luxurious but loses shape faster. If you want a sweater that lasts ten seasons, 2-ply is the baseline.
Fibre length decides pilling
Cashmere pricing follows fibre length, not the logo. Long fibres (34 mm and up) give a smoother surface that pills far less.
A quick test: rub the fabric between thumb and finger for ten seconds. If lint appears immediately, the fibre is short.
Fit for golf
For golf you want extra mobility in the shoulder and armhole, but a clean line over the hip so the knit does not bunch in the swing. Crewneck or half zip works best under an outer layer.
Wearing it as a mid layer: take your usual size. Wearing it over a polo as an outer layer: size up.
Colors that last more than one season
Off-white, gray and navy work with the whole golf wardrobe and will not look dated next year. Save bold colors for accessories like neckwarmers and caps.
Care in short
Air rather than wash, hand wash in lukewarm water with wool detergent, dry flat and store folded. We have a longer cashmere care guide if you want the detail.
