Top Cashmere Tees for Stylish Layering
We’ve had a few gorgeous spring-like days this week, which inspired me to put together some transitional season outfits. For those days that can fluctuate between “a little chilly” and warm, a cashmere tee is the perfect lightweight layer.
Spring outfit with a cashmere tee
The one I’m wearing here is from Banana Republic. I really like the fit, as it’s not too long, not too fitted or oversized, and has set-in, almost elbow-length sleeves. It’s available in several colors, sizes XXS-XXL. (I also purchased the bright Lime Green.)
I’ve styled here with a French Kande gold pearl and vintage medallion necklace, Ruti short utility jacket and (my favorite) jeans. The gold loafers call back to the necklace.
More cashmere tees
I wasn’t able to find anything with a v-neck or boatneck in cashmere with short sleeves but will keep looking. Everlane has a polo-style tee in a cotton-cashmere blend, and Banana Republic offers one in some really pretty colors. Those of you who are taller may have some good options in the men’s department.
I find lighter cashmere and cashmere-silk blends are wearable in a range of temperatures, and I’ll wear mine well into spring. Cashmere is lightweight, and great for travel. I wash my cashmere in the machine: in a lingerie bag, on the delicate cycle, reshape and dry on a rack.
I found this article on the quality of less expensive cashmere (and how it’s tested and graded) very interesting. https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/fashion/2025/02/19/cashmere-quince-uniqlo-naadam/
What’s your favorite brand for cashmere?
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Everlane!
I like your lipstick and see it’s by Jane Iredale, the maker of my favorite cream blush. Does this lipstick have any kind of scent or taste, that you can tell?
Hi Bette, I don’t notice any scent or taste.
The cashmere quality article is behind a paywall! Boo–can you summarize?
I found it on MSN and also LinkedIn. Just a note, readers of the Post thought the article ended abruptly, with no conclusion. But the testing process was super interesting!
Try this!
https://wapo.st/4ifqeKw
Thanks, Lee — that was interesting, despite the lack of clear conclusions drawn by the author. I think one point is “luxury” may be equal to “delicate”, so though the Uniqlo sweater was most robust, it wasn’t necessarily the softest/fluffiest??
I never find a lot of cashmere. Must be looking in the wrong shops. Plus, I wash it by hand and I hate washing by hand.
The delicate cycle…is that the wool one?
Greetje
Probably so, yes. You just want to be sure it’s cold water.
Thank you for searching for v-neck options, Susan. I find it very difficult to find petite v-neck sweaters with set-in sleeves. Crew necks or the current v-neck sweaters with dropped shoulders don’t flatter my larger bust and thick waist!
Hi Barb, I’ll be sure to share any I come across.
Susan, fyi your links past the one for the gold shoes also go to the shoe page, not the Everlane & BR pages
Thanks, I’ve fixed. Here are the links. Everlane Polo: https://bit.ly/4hQq24F Banana Republic polo: https://bit.ly/43cqmpU
Susan,
Great post as usual. I’m trying to discern the color French Rose Pink in the BR cashmere tee and polo. Suitable for us springs?
Thanks,
Linda
Thanks! I haven’t seen the solid pieces in person, but online they look close to Spring’s “Flamingo Pink,” and the pink stripes in this tee are also Flamingo, so yes, I’d think so.
Speaking of the BR cashmere T I am wondering if the Surf Spring Green would be a good color for summers ? Thanks so much !
Hi Colette, yes, that color is a good one for Summers!
Great outfit. I saw your video of the outfit on instagram. LOVED IT! And you turned around, showed the back… until I saw the video I didn’t realize what a help it was to see outfits “in motion”
Please do more!! It was great….
Also, I would never have thought to put that jacket with the sweater or the necklace. But it works since it’s all in your color palette. Just goes to show…..no worries about items blending if it’s all in your color season
Thanks so much, Linda!
My favorite cashmere piece is a light weight hooded cardigan from Quince. I wore it everyday on a trip to SoCal a few weeks ago. It worked with a tee and layered under a jacket. Plus, it was small enough to tuck into a tote bag. It’s pretty much the perfect travel garment!
Very inspiring! Especially love the lime green you mentioned from Banana Republic. Noticing BR also has a striped cotton ivory/green bandana in the same green. Love for spring!
Thanks, Kathy!
I love the combination of golden brown with coral pink. I am a “spring” – medium, golden brown hair, hazel green eyes, and very fair golden ivory skin. I am now 70. When I was younger I found it difficult to wear pink. Pinks were either too pastel for me, or they were blue based. It took me a long time to figure out that I needed pinks with some depth and warmth. I love to pair medium, coral pinks with golden brown, chocolate brown, golden khaki beige, and yellowish ivory. Those are my best neutrals. I will occasionally wear coral pink with blue jeans, but it is not my favorite combo. I find that denim blue “cools off” the look too much for my very warm coloring.
Hi Kathy, thanks! And yes, isn’t it amazing how well the colors in a seasonal palette work together. I’m with you on the effect of blue jeans with coral (or pink) and find adding some warm brown tones counteracts the cooling effect.
I love that lime green!
I love a cashmere tee; however I was really disappointed in the Quince one. It looked nice but was not good quality. I only wore a couple times and was sad to discover small holes in it like you get in tee shirts.
My best cashmere buys have been from Garnet Hill. I have tried Quince and Lands End and found the sweaters from both to be somewhat coarse in texture, while all my Garnet Hill cashmeres are buttery soft. I’ve had some for over 15 years! I used to buy Talbots cashmere pieces years ago but have also found their quality to have suffered.
Sometimes you really do get what you pay for. Since cashmere is expensive, I wait for good sales!