Where to buy brilliant cashmere on any budget

As the mercury plummets, and with Storm Brian due imminently, we’re taking stock of our knitwear. Cashmere is a great base for an autumn wardrobe; it’s lightweight, super soft and will see you through many winters if looked after properly.

While it’s pricier than your average high street knit thanks to its costly production process, the softness is worth the investment and there are great cashmere pieces out there to suit all budgets.  

From Uniqlo to Madeleine Thompson, here are the best cashmere brands for every budget - all of which have TheTelegraph fashion team's seal of approval...

Eric Bompard

Best for: Classics with a quirky twist

Red turtleneck, ￡270, Eric Bompard; Fox crew neck, ￡220, Eric Bompard

If you have a bit more to spend, Eric Bompard is our go-to for long-lasting knits with modern details. This red turtleneck is very of-the-moment but can be worn year after year with everything from navy trousers for work, and dark denim and trainers for the weekend, and this blue crew neck embroidered with tiny foxes would look great with a sweet frilled collar peeping out.  

The best bit? They can be hand or machine-washed on a wool programme, too. 

Prices: From ￡115 to ￡565

Marks & Spencer

Best for: Timeless styles 

Tie-side short sleeved jumper, ￡99, M&S; Bow back jumper, ￡119, M&S

M&S's Pure Collection is a fashion editor favourite - the minimal feel makes everything look a lot more expensive than its price tag. Its classic styles in easy-to-wear shades of navy, camel and grey (and red, cobalt and pink if you're after something punchier) are in stock year round so nothing feels outdated. 

Prices: From ￡30 to  ￡199. 

Chinti & Parker

Best for: Playful prints and fun slogans

Abra Cadabra sweater, ￡350, Chinti & Parker; Cat sweater, ￡375, Chinti & Parker

At the pricier end of the cashmere spectrum sits Chinti & Parker who can count the likes of Olivia Palermo and Alexa Chung as fans. 

Think you won't wear a printed number as much? Think again. Our style writer, Olivia Buxton Smith, has hardly taken off her heart print knit. "You would think a heart print jumper would be difficult to incorporate into your wardrobe," she says, "but it's ideal for layering, is super-soft and is still in perfect condition." 

The bright knits teamed with loose denim are ideal for weekend wear, while layering the colour block or chunky knits over a shirt will keep you warm in the office. 

Prices: From ￡225 to ￡450.

360 Cashmere

Best for: Heavy-duty knits 

360Cashmere colour block knit, ￡325, Trilogy;  360 Cashmere turtleneck, ￡340, Selfridges

If you're after a warmer knit, head to 360 Cashmere where chunkier casual styles are emblazoned with chic stripes or colour block accents.  The family-run business specialise in luxury knits - they're an investment but will see you through several winters. We particularly like the belted cardigans which are perfect for right now with a long sleeved T-shirt underneath, then layered under an oversized coat when the temperature plummets. 

Prices: From ￡220 to ￡350 

50 of the best knitted jumpers to buy now to see you through autumn and beyond

ASOS White

Best for: Classic styles that are easy to look after

Turtleneck jumper, ￡90, ASOS White

ASOS’ premium line ASOS White has some of the best affordable cashmere going. They stick to a small collection with a minimal aesthetic, which includes block colour turtle necks, crew necks and v-necks in staple shades like burgundy and navy.

I own three cashmere knits by the brand, all in different styles and which I’ve had for years and have only ever washed in a machine on a cool quick setting, and I’m pleased to say they’ve stood the test of time. Ideal if you aren’t keen on racking up a string of dry cleaning bills over winter...

Prices: ￡90 for a jumper

Uniqlo

Best for: Great quality at an affordable price

Short sleeve, ￡49.90, Uniqlo; Long sleeved v-neck, ￡69.90, Uniqlo 

Uniqlo’s ever-expanding cashmere collection (which currently has around 65 styles online) will have you spoilt for choice. Expect classic styles in every colourway from lilac and powder blue to burgundy and camel.

They’re fine and lightweight so ideal for stashing at your desk for those inevitable chilly spells. Although they wear well, they’re such a great price that you need not feel guilty about wearing them out and replacing them next winter.

Prices: ￡49.90 to ￡69.90

Madeleine Thompson

Best for: Knits with a splash of colour

Madeleine Thompson rainbow sweater, ￡280, Selfridges; and joggers, ￡280, Selfridges

British designer Thompson is known for her slouchy knits that ooze effortless chic. They’re popular among our fashion team, too. "My rainbow stripe cashmere jumper is the perfect pick me up for cold rainy days," says our fashion assistant, Harriet Elton.  "I wear it tucked into baggy jeans for maximum comfort. "  

While Thompson’s cream tracksuit with rainbow stripes is the dream outfit for a long haul flight, it’s her versatile roll neck sleeveless dresses that we want to wear over everything this season.

Prices: From ￡120 to ￡435

How to care for your cashmere