The Ultimate Guide to Wool vs Cashmere Jumpers

Differences, Care Guide, Styling Advice & Brand Picks (UK & USA)

Wool and cashmere are both natural fibres, widely used in knitwear for warmth, durability, and timeless style. But while they may look similar on the surface, the feel, price point, and care requirements differ significantly.

In this definitive guide, we break down the technical, practical and styling differences between wool and cashmere jumpers, compare high street vs designer options, and provide a complete UK/US care guide. Plus, we show you how Tellar.co.uk ensures a perfect fit—whether you’re buying a Uniqlo wool blend or a designer cashmere rollneck.

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What is Wool?

Wool is a natural protein fibre harvested from the fleece of sheep. It’s prized for its resilience, warmth, and moisture-wicking properties. Wool types vary, including:

• Merino Wool – ultra-soft, lightweight and odour-resistant

• Lambswool – from a sheep’s first shearing, softer than standard wool

• Shetland Wool – thicker and more rustic in texture

• Boiled Wool – felted, dense and wind-resistant

Wool is thermo-regulating, making it wearable across seasons. It insulates well but also allows breathability, especially with loose or open-knit weaves.

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What is Cashmere?

Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily in Mongolia, China and Nepal. The fibres are extremely fine, soft and warm, yet lightweight.

Compared to wool:

• Softer feel – cashmere is silkier to the touch

• Better insulation per weight – up to 8x warmer than standard wool

• More expensive – due to limited supply and labor-intensive harvesting

Cashmere is more delicate than wool, making it a luxury material that requires gentle care and handling.

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Key Differences: Wool vs Cashmere

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Wool & Cashmere Jumper Care Guide (UK & USA)

🧼 How to Wash:

• Wool: Cold hand wash or gentle machine cycle in a mesh bag. Use wool detergent.

• Cashmere: Hand wash only, with lukewarm water and a cashmere-specific soap.

🧺 Drying:

• Lay flat on a towel. Never wring or hang dry—this distorts shape.

🧵 Storage:

• Fold jumpers (don’t hang), and use lavender sachets or cedar blocks to deter moths.

🧹 De-pilling:

• Use a fabric comb or cashmere stone. Pilling is normal—especially for cashmere.

For more care and fit tips, see:

👉 Finding Your Clothes Size: The Ultimate Guide

👉 The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide Instruction on Posts

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High Street vs Designer Jumpers: UK & US Picks

🛍 High Street (Under £150 / $200)

• Uniqlo – HeatTech wool blends & 100% Extra Fine Merino

• Marks & Spencer – affordable lambswool and cashmere blends

• Arket – sustainably sourced wool/cashmere mixes

• Everlane (US) – Grade-A Mongolian cashmere at mid-range prices

Find your size in each:

👉 What Size Am I in Next?

👉 UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes Instruction on Posts

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💎 Designer (Premium to Luxury)

• Joseph – fine gauge cashmere knits, chic neutrals

• Brunello Cucinelli – ultra-luxury Italian cashmere, timeless cuts

• Theory / Vince – minimalist styling, clean wool blends

• Totême / Max Mara – soft structure, refined tailoring

All are searchable via Tellar’s size lookup for accuracy by fabric type and silhouette.

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Styling Advice: Wool vs Cashmere Jumpers

🧣 For Everyday Comfort:

• Wool: Try relaxed-fit ribbed jumpers with denim or midi skirts.

• Cashmere: Lightweight v-necks pair well with tailored trousers for a refined smart-casual feel.

Explore styling shapes:

👉 The Ultimate Guide to Smart Casual Blazers

👉 The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Tuxedo Suits Instruction on Posts

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🌨 For Cold Weather:

• Wool: Thicker Aran or Fair Isle knits provide heritage charm and warmth.

• Cashmere: Layer under coats for insulation without bulk—perfect for city wear.

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🧳 For Travel:

• Choose modal-wool or cashmere blends for wrinkle-resistance and compact warmth.

👉 See: The Ultimate Guide to Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape

👉 Best Jeans for Petites: UK + US Guide Instruction on Posts

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Why Fit Is Crucial for Knitwear

Both wool and cashmere respond to washing and wear—fitted pieces can stretch, oversized ones can drown your shape.

Tellar.co.uk solves this with body‑matched sizing.

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What Is Tellar.co.uk?

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool, matching your exact body measurements to the sizing systems of 1,500+ brands in real time.

How it works:

1. Enter your bust, waist, and hips, or your known brand size.

2. Use the Store Size Lookup tool to find your best size in brands like COS, Reiss, Everlane, M&S, Totême and more.

3. Shop knitwear with confidence—fewer returns, better fit, no guesswork.

🎯 It’s always free, browser-based, and requires no downloads.

Get started:

👉 Create your free profile

👉 Use the Store Size Lookup

👉 Print your free measuring tape

Plus, explore Tellar’s Fashion Hub:

• Thousands of free posts on fit, fabric, style and brand comparisons

• Honest. Unbiased. Independent.

• Always free.

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Explore the Free Tellar Fashion Hub:

• 🔗 The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

• 🔗 Finding Your Clothes Size

• 🔗 UK vs USA vs EU Sizing Explained

• 🔗 Flattering Jeans for Every Body

• 🔗 Best Jeans for Petite Women

• 🔗 Smart Casual Blazers Guide

• 🔗 Women’s Tuxedo Suits Style Guide Instruction on Posts

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Follow Tellar for Styling Deep Dives, Fit Science & New Wardrobe Trends

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Twitter/X: @TellarSizing

• Facebook: Tellar Sizing

• Pinterest: TellarSizing

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Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Start here: https://www.tellar.co.uk