News — buying guide
Are Wool Sweaters Itchy? How to Find Soft, Comfortable Knits
Wool's reputation for itchiness puts some people off — but the right wool knit can feel soft and comfortable all day. Here's why itch happens and how to avoid it.
Why some wool itches
Itch usually comes down to fibre thickness. Coarser, thicker fibres have stiffer ends that prickle the skin. Finer wool fibres bend instead of poking, so they feel soft. The knit and finishing matter too.
How to choose soft wool
- Feel before you commit — a quality fine-gauge wool should feel smooth, not scratchy
- Look for soft-handle finishing and a clean surface
- Cashmere blends add...
How to Tell If Cashmere Is Good Quality
Not all cashmere is equal. A few simple checks help you tell a quality knit from a thin, short-lived one — whether you're shopping in person or online.
1. Feel: soft, not fuzzy
Good cashmere feels soft and smooth straight away, not overly fluffy. Excessive surface fuzz can signal shorter fibres that will pill quickly. Quality fibres feel clean and dense.
2. The stretch test
Gently stretch a section and let go. Quality knit springs back to shape. If it stays stretched or feels flimsy, the knit is loose or the yarn is weak.
3. Knit density
Hold it to...
Is Cashmere Worth It? An Honest Buyer's Guide
Cashmere has a reputation for luxury — and a price to match. So is it actually worth it? Here's an honest look at what you get, where the value is, and when wool might serve you better.
What makes cashmere special
Cashmere fibres are finer and lighter than most wool, which is why a cashmere sweater feels so soft and weighs so little while still keeping you warm. It drapes beautifully, layers easily, and — cared for well — lasts for many years, often getting softer with age.
Where the cost comes from
Each cashmere goat produces only a small...
How to Choose the Perfect Sweater: A Buyer's Guide
A great sweater is an investment you reach for again and again. Whether you are choosing cashmere or wool, a few simple checks will help you buy something that looks refined and lasts. Here is what to look for.
1. The fibre
Natural fibres — cashmere and wool — breathe, insulate and age beautifully in a way synthetics cannot. Feel the fabric: it should be soft without feeling thin or fuzzy, and spring back when you gently stretch it.
2. Gauge & weight
Gauge is how fine or chunky the knit is. A fine gauge gives a sleek, layerable sweater;...
Wool vs Cashmere: Which Sweater Is Right for You?
Wool and cashmere are both natural, warm and beautiful — but they feel and behave differently. If you are deciding between them, here is a clear, practical comparison to help you choose.
What they are
Wool comes from sheep. It is springy, resilient and naturally insulating, with a fibre that holds its shape well. Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats. Its fibres are finer and lighter, which is why cashmere feels so soft against the skin.
Warmth
Cashmere is remarkably warm for its weight — lightweight yet insulating, ideal for layering. Wool is also very warm and...