Cashmere is luxurious and timeless, but to keep it looking and feeling its best, a little TLC goes a long way. Cashmere is a noble fibre, yes, but it is also incredibly robust if well-looked after. At Alabaste, we believe in making your cashmere last for life, and here’s how you can care for it:
Washing Instructions
• Use your machine’s hand-wash cycle at 20–30 degrees.
• Choose a gentle detergent—no softeners or tumble dryers, please!
• After washing, re-shape and lay your garment flat to dry out of direct sunlight.
• For a quick refresh, steaming works wonders. A good steamer is an excellent item to have in your wardrobe arsenal. Avoid ironing directly on high heat.
Storage Tips
• Always fold your cashmere—never hang it—and store it in a drawer with cedar blocks, naturally scented soaps, or lavender sachets to deter pests.
• Want to take extra precautions? Place your, completely dry, cashmere in a ziplock bag and pop it in the freezer for 24 hours. This helps eliminate any lurking moth eggs and is also just a safe space to store your favourite pieces over the warmest months. If you do have a moth problem, it’s best to call in the experts to decontaminate your closet space.
Managing Pilling
Even the best-quality cashmere can pill over time. A simple defuzzer or cashmere comb can gently remove any unwanted fuzz, keeping your piece looking as good as new.
At Alabaste, we are committed to using only certified A Grade Mongolian cashmere. Known for its exceptional softness, warmth and durability. Our cashmere is harvested ethically and responsibly from the world’s finest herds. Unlike mass-market alternatives, our pieces are naturally superior, free of toxic dyes, and hand-finished to perfection – making the, as kind to the planet as they are to your skin.
When cared for properly, cashmere is an investment that will last for years. At Alabaste, we design each piece to be worn every day, not just saved for special occasions. Treat it well, and it will return the favour.
Visit alabaste.com to explore our sustainable and hand-finished cashmere collection.
We’ve all been there: standing in front of a wardrobe that’s full, sometimes overflowing, yet the feeling is the same: nothing to wear.
It’s a universal frustration. And the mistake is always the same: assuming more will solve it. More clothes, more trends, more noise. In reality, more only makes things harder.
The real end of “nothing to wear” comes from refinement.
Why more isn’t the answer
A wardrobe without direction creates fatigue. Too many options lead to hesitation, and when most of what you own doesn’t serve you, the entire wardrobe feels like a mess.
The truth is, a successful wardrobe is not about volume but about three pillars: comfort, confidence, and clarity.
The three pillars of a working wardrobe
Comfort – Clothes must feel effortless to wear. The fabric, the cut, the ease of movement; without this, you’ll always reach for something else.
Confidence – Pieces that consistently enhance your shape, proportions, and presence. When you feel assured in what you’re wearing, it changes how you show up.
Clarity – A wardrobe that works together seamlessly, reducing second-guessing. Every item should connect with at least two or three others, creating natural flow.
If something fails all three, it doesn’t deserve the space.
A Sundayreset
Here’s a simple exercise: remove five pieces that no longer deliver comfort, confidence, or clarity. They might not fit quite right, they may feel dated, or they never quite work with anything else.
Space creates calm. Calm creates clarity. And clarity is the end of “nothing to wear.”
Investment pieces that anchor your wardrobe
Once you edit, the next step is choosing with intention. This is where investment pieces come in.
Think of a well-cut cashmere sweater: soft enough for comfort, designed to flatter proportions for confidence, and versatile enough to move from weekend to work for clarity. One piece, three pillars, endless wear.
That’s why my Alabaste cashmere is designed as an anchor. Not about owning more, but about owning better.
The true end of “nothing to wear”
The solution doesn’t lie in shopping endlessly. It lies in building a wardrobe around comfort, confidence, and clarity, supported by pieces that are practical and purposeful.
When every piece earns its place, you no longer face the daily question. Instead, you open the wardrobe and find it already working for you.
That’s the true end of nothing to wear.
Discover how my styling services can bring comfort, confidence, and clarity to your wardrobe or explore Alabaste Cashmere here.
Gents, if you haven’t yet discovered the joys of cashmere, it’s time to level up. From boardrooms to weekends away, cashmere is the ultimate secret weapon for effortless style and timeless luxury.
There’s a reason cashmere has long been a byword for luxury. It’s warm without being bulky, sophisticated without trying too hard, and somehow—almost magically—perfect for any setting. For men, cashmere is more than just a winter staple; it’s a wardrobe investment that transcends seasons and occasions. From a suave dinner date to an easy Sunday stroll, cashmere has you covered, quite literally, with class.
Alabaste Cashmere Beanie, a good starter item for your cashmere collection.
1. Effortlessly Cool Comfort
Cashmere isn’t just for ski resorts and fireplaces (though, we admit, it’s perfect for both). What makes it a staple is its remarkable ability to adapt. A light cashmere sweater over a collared shirt is smart enough for a meeting yet relaxed enough for after-work drinks. Need something for the weekend? Cashmere jumpers are excellent company for casual outings—understated yet hinting at that “I know my fabrics” level of style.
2. Warmth Without the Bulk
Here’s the dilemma for most men’s winter wardrobes: warmth vs. style. Cashmere solves it. Unlike wool, which can feel heavy, cashmere offers a fine layer of insulation without any bulk, giving you a refined silhouette. Whether you’re heading to a black-tie event or layering up for the daily commute, cashmere keeps you warm while maintaining a sharp look.
3. Versatile Luxury
Cashmere is truly seasonless. Wear it solo in spring, layered in autumn, or under a coat in winter. And here’s the kicker: while cashmere is luxurious, it’s also surprisingly easygoing. Pair a neutral cashmere jumper with jeans, chinos, or even tailored trousers, and you’re set. The softness, breathability, and elegance of cashmere make it the ideal match for almost any wardrobe essential.
4. Perfect for Every Occasion
Cashmere’s refined texture and natural warmth bring understated luxury to every scenario. Heading to a countryside weekend? A cozy cashmere pullover is a must. Got an important meeting? A cashmere sweater layered under a blazer will do the trick. And here’s the clincher: it can be the SAME sweater!
The Unisex Le Sweatshirt: Designed for Everyone
Let’s talk about one of our most versatile pieces—the Le Sweatshirt. Thanks to its raglan-cut shoulders, this cashmere staple offers an effortless fit for everyone. Men love its slim silhouette that enhances without clinging, while women appreciate its slightly looser, laid-back appeal. Designed for comfort over rigidity, the Le Sweatshirt is the perfect go-to, whether you’re lounging at home, layering up for a chilly day out, or elevating a casual look.
And because we know versatility doesn’t stop at fit, the Le Sweatshirt comes in our classic palette of timeless colors. Whether you opt for a rich navy, an understated grey, or a clean cream, there’s a shade to suit every style. It’s the piece that proves cashmere isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Why Alabaste Cashmere is Your New Go-To
At Alabaste, we craft our cashmere for men and women who value timeless, wearable luxury. Each piece is made from the highest-quality, ethically sourced cashmere and designed with versatility in mind. Whether you’re after the sleek, tailored look of our jumpers or the adaptable ease of the Le Sweatshirt, our collection offers modern elegance with every stitch.
Let’s be honest: there’s a lot of “fluff” in the world of cashmere, and I’m not talking about the soft kind. Myths, half-truths, and marketing spin make it difficult to separate fact from fiction. With all the so-called “Grade A” cashmere claims, “pure” this, and “finest” that, it’s time we pull back the cashmere curtain. So, here’s the truth straight from someone who lives, breathes, and (almost) eats cashmere.
Myth #1: Cashmere Production Is Cruel to Animals
Kashmir Goats
Cashmere often gets unfairly lumped in with angora in terms of ethical concerns, but they’re worlds apart. Cashmere goats, usually raised in Mongolia, China, and sometimes India, naturally shed their soft undercoat in the spring. This precious fibre is then carefully combed, a process that doesn’t harm or distress the goats. In contrast, angora is sometimes harvested through painful methods. So, if you’ve been staying away from cashmere out of ethical concerns, you can rest easy knowing that cashmere production, when done responsibly, is a non-cruel process.
Myth #2: Only Micron Matters in Cashmere Quality
Under the microscope: comparing fibres.
Here comes the geeky part. One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that the quality of cashmere comes down to just the micron count (a measure of the fibre’s diameter). Sure, micron matters, but it’s not the only factor that determines cashmere quality. In fact, top-quality cashmere is based on three main factors: micron, fibre length, and colour.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
• Micron: This is the thickness of the fibre. For Grade A cashmere, the thinner the fibre, the softer it feels.
• Fibre Length: Longer fibres contribute to a stronger, less pill-prone fabric.
• Colour: Naturally white fibres are most prized because they don’t require heavy bleaching or dyeing, which preserves the fibre’s softness.
Myth #3: All Grade A Cashmere Is Created Equal
The reality? “Grade A” cashmere isn’t a universal standard—there’s variation depending on the origin of the cashmere. For example:
• Chinese Grade A Cashmere: Maximum 16-micron thickness, 36mm average fibre length, usually white.
• Mongolian Grade A Cashmere: Maximum 17-micron thickness, 40mm average fibre length, usually white or light grey.
Even within these “Grade A” classifications, Mongolian cashmere generally has a slight edge in durability thanks to its longer fibre length. So, if you’re after durability and longevity, go for Mongolian Grade A cashmere. On the other hand, Chinese Grade A cashmere is known for its finer texture (prone to more pilling).
Myth #4: Anything Labeled Cashmere Is Top-Quality
Do your research on brands.
There are various grades of cashmere, and “cashmere” doesn’t automatically mean “high-end.” In fact, lower grades like Grade B or C can be courser, shorter, and often come in darker colours (brown or dark grey). Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the differences:
• Grade A: Fine (16-17 microns), long (36-40mm), and usually white or light grey.
• Grade B: A bit thicker (up to 19 microns), shorter (around 34mm), and may come in light grey or light brown.
• Grade C: Similar thickness to Grade B but shorter (28-34mm) and often dark brown. The shorter the fibre, the more likely it is to pill and lose shape.
Myth #5: Indian and Afghan Cashmere Are Perfect for Knitwear
Not all cashmere works well for knitwear, and here’s why: Indian and Afghan cashmere, like that from the Ladakh region, may boast incredibly fine micron counts (think 14.5-15um), but the fibre length is shorter, averaging around 24mm. This length is ideal for woven products like shawls and scarves, which is why the region is famous for producing pashmina. But if you try to knit with this shorter fibre, you’ll end up with a garment that pills almost immediately.
So, How Do You Verify Quality?
Alabaste Cashmere tracksuit
Short of sending a sample for lab testing (which is admittedly a little excessive for most of us!), the best way to ensure you’re getting high-quality cashmere is to go with brands you trust. Some reputable suppliers provide lab test reports to verify the raw fibre’s micron and length. Here at Alabaste, for instance, we test every batch of fibre for micron and length before it even touches our knitting machines. We only use cashmere with a micron count below 17 and an average fibre length of 40mm, so you can be sure that any piece you buy from us is built to last.
In summary, don’t be fooled by marketing jargon or labels alone. When it comes to cashmere, there’s more to quality than meets the eye—or the label. With this insider knowledge, you’re now armed to shop for cashmere like a pro.
When it comes to true indulgence, we often think of cashmere sweaters or scarves—but what if we told you the real cashmere game-changer might just be socks? That’s right. Cashmere socks are one of life’s best-kept secrets, offering comfort, warmth, and a dash of everyday luxury that’s often overlooked. So, are cashmere socks worth it? Let’s break down the benefits of keeping your toes in top-tier style.
Cashmere is famously soft, so imagine that heavenly feel on your feet, of all places. Cashmere socks are perfect for chilly days or relaxing at home, bringing serious warmth without that bulky, scratchy feeling that can come with wool. Cashmere fibres naturally trap heat, so your toes stay toasty without breaking a sweat.
Durability That Defies the Odds
One concern people have with luxury socks is durability. Sure, cashmere is known for being delicate, but if crafted well—like Alabaste’s cashmere socks—they hold up brilliantly (but aren’t made for hiking!) Our socks are spun with just the right balance of cashmere and expertise, meaning they’re thicker than your average pair.
Breathable Bliss
Made for lounging.
One surprising benefit of cashmere is its breathability. Cashmere fibres naturally wick away moisture, so even when temperatures fluctuate, your feet stay comfortable. Unlike synthetic socks, which can trap moisture, cashmere socks allow your skin to breathe. This means less chance of those mid-day sweaty feet (a win in our book) and the perfect choice for wearing to bed. Nothing else needed!
Why Alabaste Cashmere Socks are a Step Above the Rest
At Alabaste, we’ve elevated the cashmere sock experience. Our socks are crafted from the highest-grade Mongolian cashmere, ethically sourced and knitted for longevity, with a thoughtful design that’s made to last. Alabaste cashmere socks are unisex and versatile, perfect for pairing with boots, sneakers for travel, or for kicking back by the fireplace.
Alabaste Cashmere socks in Cygnet.
Here’s why they stand out:
• Sustainably Sourced: Alabaste cashmere socks are crafted from ethically sourced cashmere, so you can feel good about indulging.
• Designed for Life: We don’t believe in single-season pieces. Our socks are durable enough for everyday wear, year-round.
• Unisex and Timeless: These socks are versatile, simple, and stylish—whether you’re taking them for a morning walk, a quick coffee run, or relaxing at home.
In short, cashmere socks are more than just a luxury—they’re a necessity for anyone who appreciates true comfort. When you choose Alabaste, you’re stepping into a world of carefully crafted cashmere that’s designed to elevate the everyday. So, are cashmere socks worth it? Absolutely. And Alabaste cashmere socks? Unquestionably the crème de la crème.
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, where trends come and go with the speed of a New York minute, one item has stood the test of time, emerging as the Sherlock Holmes of the sartorial world: clever cashmere. This isn’t just your average knit; it’s the wardrobe equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, blending utility with a dash of panache.
Why, you may ask, does one need cashmere? Well, in the same way that a good book transports you to another world, a clever cashmere piece effortlessly takes you from a cozy brunch to an upscale dinner party without missing a beat. It’s the chameleon of textiles, adapting to every occasion with the ease of a seasoned socialite.
First off, let’s talk about the unparalleled components of our cashmere. Alabaste isn’t just any cashmere. Oh no, it’s been gently hand-combed from the goats in Spring, made its journey through the best factory, processed expertly, dyed using non-toxic dyes, hand-finished by world-class technicians and boasts super-long Mongolian fibres that resist pilling, making it the James Bond of jumpers. Robust but soft, these pieces will work hard everyday under any circumstances. They are also very easy to clean, at home, without stepping foot inside a dry-cleaning store.
But the brilliance of cashmere doesn’t stop there. It possesses a year-round versatility that makes it indispensable. In the chilly embrace of winter, it’s your warm hug in the form of a sweater. As spring tiptoes in, it transitions to a lightweight wrap, perfect for those cool evenings. Even in the heat of summer, a cashmere sweater can be your best friend in air-conditioned indoor environments. And let’s not forget Autumn, when layering is the name of the game, and our hero garment plays well with others, from denim jackets to wool coats.
Moreover, our cashmere speaks the language of sustainability, coming from a source that prizes ethical farming and production practices. It whispers sweet nothings about longevity and quality, promising to be a pillar of your wardrobe for years to come, rather than a fleeting fashion fling.
In the fashion court of law, cashmere stands accused of being too perfect, and the evidence is overwhelming. Its versatility, durability, and timeless elegance make it a must-have for any wardrobe. Guilty as charged, it’s the piece you didn’t know you needed until now.
So, as you stand before your wardrobe, contemplating the mysteries of the universe and what to wear, remember that clever cashmere is not just an item of clothing; it’s a lifestyle choice. It’s the wise old sage of your wardrobe, offering comfort, style, and a dash of ingenuity. In the grand tapestry of fashion, cashmere is, indeed, the fibre you can’t afford to be without.
1. Timeless Style: Classic cashmere sweaters have enduring appeal and can be worn season after season without looking dated.
2. Versatility: They can be easily dressed up or down, making them suitable for various occasions.
3. Investment Piece: Classic styles tend to have better longevity, offering better value for money in the long run.
4. Superior Quality: Alabaste Cashmere sweaters are made with lab-tested, certified Pure Mongolian cashmere and expert craftsmanship, ensuring low-pilling, durability and comfort.
5. Reduced Environmental Impact: By choosing timeless pieces, you contribute to reducing fashion waste and promoting sustainability.
6. Personalized Style: Classic cashmere sweaters allow you to express your personal style without being dictated by fleeting trends.
7. Ease of Coordination: They pair effortlessly with a variety of wardrobe staples, simplifying outfit selection and coordination.
8. Time and Cost Savings: Investing in timeless pieces means less frequent shopping and lower overall expenditure on clothing.
9. Resale Value: Classic cashmere sweaters typically retain their value better than trendy pieces, offering potential resale opportunities in the future.
10. Confidence and Comfort: Wearing a classic cashmere sweater can evoke a sense of confidence and comfort, knowing you’re wearing a timeless and elegant garment. Plus they’re machine-washable for easy-care luxe.
And a last word about our cashmere: it is hand-combed from the goats in Spring, when they would naturally shed, so not at all cruel to the animals. An infinitely better choice than highly polluting acrylic blends for knitwear. READ THE CARE LABEL.
Choose well, wear more.
Ava x
Eager to become a cashmere connoisseur?
Dive deeper into its luxe world and discover why choosing the right cashmere is a testament to your style and values.
In a world where time is our most precious commodity, finding the perfect outfit can be a daunting task. That’s where personal styling services come in. Regardless of your gender, a personal stylist will streamline this process so that you can feel confident in any situation.
Image: Pinterest
Streamlined Wardrobe: a personal shopper/stylist will curate your closet, ensuring every piece is versatile and suits your lifestyle.
Time-Saving: Say goodbye to those hours spent pondering your daily attire. The end result will have you covered, so you can focus on what truly matters.
Create impact: whether you’re updating your wardrobe, have a new job or you’re heading to an event, you will be dressed
Before The donation pileAfter: space to breathe.
What I offer
Expert Guidance: As a trained image consultant and experienced stylist, I offer tailored advice to enhance your unique style and boost your confidence.
After a wardrobe edit, you’ll have a list of items to replace/update gaps in your wardrobe. I do this a little differently: I shop and bring to you, as your time is precious!
Discreet & Confidential: Your personal style journey is our secret. I provide discreet services that respect your privacy.
Let me simplify the art of dressing for success. Discover the freedom of a well-curated wardrobe and reclaim your precious time.
As with all things worth anything, your time and commitment are needed. Commitment is not a dirty word, not at all. Fast-fashion on the other hand… Even clothing rental has me pondering the level of ease in which we can wear something new each time we have an event or a social function; no commitment needed, not even a dry-clean; just return it and someone else will worry about that! I’ve been wondering lately – what happens to those clothes when they’re no longer fashionable? Being so bored with one’s wardrobe is a fate we have been destined for with the arrival of social media, where everything is shiny and new; celebrities showing off their (borrowed) wares, its only natural that we could get caught up in the allure of newness.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve been seduced by the bright lights of Zara and come away with something I didn’t necessarily need, but these are usually in moments of me not feeling, altogether, content. When I buy clothes in a non-emotional state, I have a clear list of what is needed and what, out of my wardrobe, must be replaced. I do this for styling clients and it’s a total pleasure to shop because no time is wasted, no random sale items bought and, ultimately, you have a wardrobe that rotates easily with an abundance of outfits to wear as a result.
“Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over very quickly. Style is forever.”
Ralph Lauren
Fashion has become a sort of unrelenting machine that makes you feel you need to keep buying to stay relevant. Style is something that you create, because you are unique, not because you’re part of a global trend factory. Impeccable style is attainable, perhaps even more so, with items that have been a part of your wardrobe for years. I love following accounts that create amazing outfits with “old” (for want of a better word) clothes. It shows creativity, ingenuity and commitment towards creating one’s own style. There’s one particular page I love to follow for her sheer commitment to repurposing long-forgotten and rejected items and that’s @convertedcloset. Genius! There’s not one little box that can or should define anyone’s style, but there are some items that are essential to creating a working wardrobe. Namely: the category of knitwear.
Now obviously, I am slightly biased towards cashmere (because I launched my own cashmere brand), but having specialised in knitwear, as a buyer and designer for many years, it is safe to say that I am slightly obsessed. My passion for natural fibres knows no bounds and I have many dreams about how this will ultimately manifest… For now, I want to share some handy tips about how to care for your knitwear.
10 Easy Ways to Keep Your Knitwear Pristine
Folding, as opposed to hanging, your knitwear prevents it from growing (longer).
For some of you, you’ll be in the throes of Winter and will be making good use of your warm knitwear; others, you’ll have packed away your knitwear during the warmer months. Regardless, here are 10 ways to keep your cashmere (or wool) knitwear in excellent shape, year after year.
1. Cashmere does not need to be washed after each wear due to its natural antibacterial properties. It’s does not absorb odours and is naturally breathable and temperature regulating. If your cashmere does need a wash, pop it into a laundry bag (or pillow case) and into the washing machine – it’s far less abrasive than hand-washing and cashmere shouldn’t be left to soak in a bowl. Use a delicate detergent (not pods) and NO SOFTENER, place on a hand-wash cycle at 20-30 degrees. Dry flat, out of direct sunlight. When dry, you can steam it into shape and perfect fluffiness! Do not flat iron.
Machine-washable cashmere. Easy-care luxe.
2. Never dry-clean your cashmere. The chemical are harsh and should be avoided at all costs!
3. If your cashmere needs a freshen-up, but not a full wash, place fully-dry cashmere into a ziploc bag and into a freezer overnight.
4. Never store soiled cashmere – moths are attracted to oils and will happily nibble away. If you do have moths, wash your knitwear immediately, dry and store in the freezer. Have a team come in and fog your house – where there’s one moth, there’ll be more.
5. Defuzz when little balls appear – it keeps your sweater looking chic. The little balls will always appear in areas of high abrasion. The level of pilling depends on the length (quality) of the cashmere fibres. *Mongolian cashmere is known for its superior length and performance (this is what we use!) I prefer the Pilo defuzzer (stocked on our website) to a cashmere comb as I find it very effective, yet gentle. Note: defuzzers WILL NOT work on synthetics or synthetic blends. Another reason not to buy them!
*Inner Mongolia is not Mongolia, but China – some brands knowingly or not, use this term to insinuate high quality yarn, but nothing compares to genuine Mongolian cashmere. It’s a deceptive tagline, understandably difficult to know if you, like me, are unfamiliar with Chinese geography!
6. Don’t buy synthetic blends (or pure synthetics). You cannot neaten these up when they pill, and believe me: pill, they will! Basically anything that contains nylon, polyester, acrylic, spandex, Lycra, lurex. There are many other ecological reasons not to buy them – I’ll save this for another post.
Naturally-scented lavender soaps work wonders and smell infinitely better than mothballs!
7. Always fold or roll knitwear when storing, never hang. Place a naturally-scented soap bar (lavender is excellent), lavender sachets or cedar blocks/balls in drawers/storage boxes or on shelves. You can place acid-free tissue paper on shelves/in drawers too, if you really want to go all out. Cashmere (wool and fine cotton knits too) can be stored in the freezer (place into a waterproof storage bag – check these out from Lakeland UK- or a ziploc if that’s what you have to hand). I have a dedicated chest freezer for mine, as they can be stored all summer-long!
8. Invest in a steamer. A good hand-held one will do. These keep your cashmere looking perfect. A quick way to freshen up your knitwear; gentle and effective. A quick steam also brings the sweater back into shape and gives that feathery surface extra oomph and, what I like to call, the “halo” effect, unique to cashmere. Check out these steamers.
9. Accept no imitations. Cashmere is a uniquely superfine and hollow fibre, which gives it its signature lightweight and warm properties. And whilst man-made synthetics may try and simulate this lofty fibre, it never comes close – acrylic “cashmere” has a slightly sticky quality when touched and will definitely make you sweat (and smell). Much like silk, cashmere has inherent, and wonderful, organically-produced properties that synthetics simply cannot replicate. A (polyester) satin pillowcase is oft misrepresented as the real deal – satin is a weave, not a fibre and polyester, like a latex balloon, will give you static, not luscious hair!
10. Browse our collections, online now. Hehe! Just a cheeky way to introduce you to my small, but no less luxurious, cashmere brand: ALABASTE (pronounced A-luh-bast) . Each piece comes in its own cotton storage bag – they also double-up as great organisation bags for small items when travelling. Cashmere is not as delicate as one might be led to believe – its softness is misleading, because it is an extremely robust and tenacious fibre; I wear my cashmere sweaters to hike in, walk the dogs in, cuddle-up-and-sleep-on-an-airplane in and head to dinner in. I literally wear my sweaters like t-shirts and they’re all in excellent condition. If cashmere is looked after, your sweaters will happily last a lifetime.
Le Sweatshirt in Lilacs. Pure Mongolian Cashmere, made for life.
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Many of you are travelling abroad for the holidays and whilst some of you are in the Northern hemisphere and enjoying blissful warmth, this travel outfit formula still applies, as I’ve never been on a plane where the temperature hasn’t dipped to polar extremes.
One thing is certain, and I’ve learnt this over the years, temperatures will rise and fall massively when travelling by air. Arrive at airport (cold), lugging bags and herding kids (or colleagues 😆) -hot, grab a drink – cold, walk 5 miles to boarding gate – hot, sit in plane for an hour – baking, mid-air – arctic 🥶 arrive at destination (if UK, cashmere stays on 😆)- heatwave.
I’ve got you covered. It just takes a little planning and a backpack / tote with the essentials to hand. I prefer the former because I like to be hands-free with the kids in tow, but if you’re only heading away for a weekend, you can rest either bag on your carry-on suitcase for easy-wheeling.
Your outfit and items are planned for ease of layering, when needed, and ease of being folded and put away whilst on the move. As my kids have grown my carry-on has become smaller and smaller: a carry-on suitcase was really handy for baby supplies during mid and long-haul flights, but now I just want to travel as light as possible.
Add a small toiletry bag with teeny-tiny essentials (lipstick – essential for the illusion of a fresh face upon landing) so that overzealous security don’t confiscate anything beloved. On that note, always buy or fill your water bottle after the security gate. Place all travel and itinerary documents into a stylish wallet for ease of use and getting through immigration, boarding gates, etc. Put your electronics (kindle, ipad, laptop, chargers,etc.) at the front of your bag & that way you’ll be organised when you get to security and when you’re on the plane and sat down. Sunglasses should always be carried inside their case and I find it easier if they’re at the side of the bag for when needed. Cashmere scarf is best placed, rolled up, at the top of your bag so you can grab it when the cabin temperature plummets.
Optional extras are cashmere socks and beanie. For long haul, I pull the beanie down over my face and go to sleep!
Now to order a drink, wrap up in your cashmere scarf and read a magazine cover-to-cover. This outfit works across all sections of the plane; granted, if you’re in the First cabin you have plenty of room to change into your sleepwear 😆
The Cashmere Connoisseur 