Cosy season is officially here and Christmas is fast approaching, which means, in no particular order: marshmallow-loaded hot chocolates and mulled wine; festive films under warm blankets; and – perhaps our favourite thing about winter – the welcome re-introduction of our knitwear wardrobe.
But when it comes to knitwear that will keep you warm, looking stylish and stand the test of time, there’s a wardrobe non-negotiable: good-quality cashmere. As soon as you invest in a warm yet feather-soft cashmere knit, you’ll wonder what took you so long. But so often, quality cashmere comes with a hefty price tag.
That’s why our fashion editors have been hitting up Uniqlo for top-quality cashmere at actually accessible price points. There’s a versatile range of everyday pieces – from turtleneck and crewneck jumpers to cardigans, vests and accessories – that all have that incredibly soft, super-lightweight and luxurious cashmere feel, but at high-street prices. Cashmere knits start at £79.90, while accessories – including tasselled scarves, ultra-soft beanies and cosy gloves – start at £34.90. “Uniqlo's price point is super reasonable across the board, but especially when it comes to more luxe fabrics such as cashmere,” says senior commerce writer Georgia Trodd. “You wouldn't dream of being able to pick up a cashmere jumper for less than £100 elsewhere on the high-street (let alone from a designer brand), yet that's exactly what you'll find at the Japanese label.”
Our favourite thing about Uniqlo’s cashmere range, aside from the affordable price point? The choice of colourways. There are over 30 to choose from, including neutrals, jewel tones and on-trend shades like this delicious forest green and this sure-to-sell-out chocolate brown.
“I love colour, so the diverse range of colours really speaks to me,” says Londiwe Ncube, European fashion editor. “I almost wear them as neutrals.”
Plus, if you’re someone who really feels the cold (same girl, same), look to Uniqlo’s thermal Heattech cashmere, which is 1.5 times warmer than its regular Heattech but made with extra-lightweight cashmere yarn, so it’s soft and gentle on the skin.
So just how are our editors styling their cashmere pieces? “I love how a turtleneck jumper can be dressed up so easily with a satin skirt and coat for an evening event,” says fashion editor Rosie Lai. “It helps me look put-together and stay warm.”
"I love layering the knitwear, be it with a jumper around the shoulders, a scarf under the collar of my coat, or a sweater vest over a rollneck,” says Georgia. “Uniqlo's cashmere pieces are lightweight enough that I don't need to worry about them ever looking too bulky."
As for Londiwe, she loves how the beautiful layers of colour pop underneath her favourite utilitarian silhouettes. “A hint of red or yellow helps me brighten up any outfit.”
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If you’re in Christmas shopping mode, then Uniqlo is also offering in-store personalisation from just £10 – nothing says ‘thoughtful’ like getting your loved ones’ initials embroidered on a cashmere jumper.
