For many, cashmere’s inherent nature as a wool conjures images of roaring fires and frost-flecked mornings, more a way to beat winter’s chill than essential packing for summer vacation. But those of us better acquainted with the fabric know it needn’t be tucked away the moment spring appears. In fact, when chosen carefully, cashmere proves itself not only suitable for spring and summer, but quietly indispensable.
A versatile fabric to add to your wardrobe
What sets cashmere apart in warmer weather is not simply its softness, but its rare ability to balance warmth and breathability with effortless elegance. Good quality cashmere doesn’t stifle; it responds. The natural thermoregulating properties of the fibre mean you’re kept comfortably warm on cooler mornings, yet never overwhelmed when the sun chooses to make an appearance.
This is not the dense, weighty knit you reserve for January afternoons - make the switch from 8-ply to 4-ply, and you’ll find this lightweight, fine-gauge cashmere is altogether more nuanced - just as comforting as a thicker ply when you need it to be, but offering a reduced profile that makes layering possible without adding bulk. You might choose to wear it under a jacket while exploring your local countryside, or as insulation while enjoying alfresco fine dining on the coast.
Cashmere travels well
For those accustomed to travelling well, whether to the Cotswolds or the Côte d’Azur, cashmere is a companion worth its space in your case. It folds with grace, resists creasing, and offers just enough warmth when the sun dips or the sea breeze picks up. A fine-knit crew neck or long-sleeved polo in summer-weight cashmere elevates even the most relaxed ensemble. You’ll find little need for fuss or layering.
A rare investment for life
Quality cashmere is never a passing fancy. When properly cared for, it becomes a staple, worn year after year, improving with time. And for the gentleman who values longevity over novelty, few materials reward their owner quite as faithfully.
So, while others might be folding away their knits until October, there’s no need for you to follow suit. Lightweight cashmere has its place firmly in the warmer months—if anything, it shines all the more brightly for being unexpected. Let’s look at some of our favourite options:
Black Highclere Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater
Our Highclere cashmere jumper is knitted in 2-ply, making it even lighter than our 4-ply items when it comes to summer layers. Available in black or dark navy, it will pair with almost anything, giving you a new favourite item in your wardrobe.
Coast Blue Tiree 4ply Crew Neck Cashmere Sweater
Our Coast Blue Tiree jumper is a thicker 4-ply knit, giving you additional insurance against the risk of chilly evenings in early spring and summer. If bright blue isn’t in your wardrobe palette for this season, it is also available in a wide variety of colours that range from Dakar Pink to Holly Green.
Charcoal Beaulieu Cashmere Sleeveless Cardigan
Approaching the pinnacle in versatility, our Beaulieu sleeveless cardigan in 2-ply cashmere offers a range of utilities. It can be worn over a shirt or jumper, buttoned or unbuttoned, and easily layers under a coat.
Dark Navy Cawdor 2ply Cashmere Cardigan
A lighter version of our Mallaig cardigan, the Cawdor is perfect for the spring to summer transition. The 2-ply cashmere construction will add warmth and help to regulate temperature, and the subtle dark navy colour is adaptable enough to blend into almost any outfit.
Summer doesn’t mean leaving your favourite fabric behind
Hopefully one of our curated pieces has caught your eye, but we’d like to leave on the note that the adaptability of cashmere isn’t to be underestimated in any season - that’s why it’s been a staple of our range for over 100 years, and will continue to be for many summers to come.
