Where to Shop for Premium High Quality Cashmere and Wool Knitwear

Find Better Alternatives to High Street & Designer Brands, Ethically Made and Built to Last. Discover the truth behind cheap cashmere and where to shop for truly premium knitwear.

You’ve seen it. That “100% Cashmere” tag for 149 CHF. Or wool jumpers for under 100 CHF, stacked by the dozen in retail stores.

And you’re not alone if your first thought is: “Wait, how is that possible?”

As much as I appreciate the fact that big brands are adding certified materials, claiming better sourcing, and offering natural fiber basics at accessible price points, the truth is: someone or something is always paying for your low price.

And usually, it’s a mix of all three: the animals, the workers, and you (in quality).

Let’s break this down.

Why Cheap Cashmere Isn’t the Steal You Think It Is

If a brand is selling a 100% cashmere sweater for under 150 CHF at scale, it’s almost always made from low-grade, short-staple fibers. That means:

• It pills excessively even when brand new
• It feels soft at first but wears down fast
• It’s often semi-transparent
• And it rarely lasts more than a few seasons

I recently reviewed the Coop City Cashmere Collection after several of you asked in the comments. And here’s what I found: while the sweaters are certified through the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (which is great), the quality still showed major signs of shortcutting like pilling everywhere, even straight off the hanger.

Now, pilling is normal for all woolen products to some extent. But this much, and it’s brand new, usually points to cheap fiber selection, rushed manufacturing, or both.

Why It Matters: Because This Isn’t Just About Aesthetics

Cashmere and wool are natural fibers. They’re breathable, temperature-regulating, biodegradable, and when sourced responsibly, actually good for your skin and body.

But when brands chase volume instead of quality, you end up with clothes that look worn out after a few wears, don’t hold their shape, and sit in your wardrobe like “regret purchases.”

So if you’re here because you want to dress better, buy less, and actually enjoy your clothes, then welcome.

The full list of 18+ ethical knitwear alternatives is reserved for members of my private shopping club. To protect the integrity of these ethical small brands and give members an unfair advantage when building their forever wardrobe…

Behind the paywall:

• Independent brands using Grade A cashmere and certified wool
• Brands that use low-impact dyes and production
• Direct links to premium knitwear under 500 CHF

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