CASHMERE is a real luxury because of its soft, cosy texture.
Made from the wool of predominantly cashmere and pashmina goats - although there are others that also join the party - it originated in Asian countries like India and Nepal.
Creating a homely and stylish living space means picking out the right pieces is important. And one of those pieces which not only looks and feels great but is perfect for snuggling up under is a cashmere blanket.
Cashmere is known for being seriously soft which is what makes it feel so luxurious. But it is also known for being spennier than regular wool.
Pure cashmere can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds, but don't worry, there are plenty of more affordable options, especially if it's blended with other materials.
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But try not to throw your cashmere blanket into the washing machine, as the material often needs to be dry cleaned or hand washed otherwise it might transform into a cashmere duster rather than a blanket.
What is cashmere?
Cashmere is a type of wool that is derived from goats including cashmere goats and pashmina goats.
It's often associated with soft, non-scratchy pieces and is particularly good for scarves, jumpers and, of course, blankets and throws.
Best cashmere blankets at a glance:
- Best travel cashmere blanket: Love Cashmere
- Best cashmere blanket colour options: Gobi Cashmere
- Best baby cashmere blanket: Graham Cashmere
- Best cashmere blanket with merino wool mix: Lime Lace
- Best Italian-made cashmere blanket: Fenwick
- Best lambswool cashmere blanket: Edinburgh Cashmere
- Best blended cashmere blanket: The Cotswold Company
- Best cashmere blanket for beds: The White Company
- Best designer cashmere blanket: Erdem
- Best for gifting: John Lewis
- Best cashmere blend: M&S
Love Cashmere
- 100% cashmere travel blanket, £199 from Amazon – buy here
Made in Hawick from the best four-ply Scottish cashmere, this 88x165cm blanket is luxuriously soft and light, perfect for wrapping around yourself on chilly flights.
One five-star Amazon reviewer said of their Love Cashmere blanket: “Gorgeous and warm. My new fabulous travel companion”.
We're sold.
Gobi Cashmere
- Medium Blanket with Fringe, £149.50 (was £299) from Gobi Cashmere - buy here
Cashmere has been manufactured in Asia for thousands of years, and this beautifully soft throw is a fine example of Mongolia's age-old craftsmanship.
Available in yellow, camel, charcoal and taupe, it's a block colour with matching fringing.
Whether you use this blanket as a throw for the sofa or a travel blanket, it’s an everyday luxury that you’ll treasure forever.
Lime Lace
Luxurious Cashmere and merino throw, £100.80 from Not On The High Street – buy here
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If you’re after a design with more of a timeless elegant feel to it, then you won’t go wrong with this lovely grey blanket from Lime Lace.
Made up of a blend of wool and cashmere woven in a contemporary, the blanket is finished with smart white tassels and will look terrific draped over the arm of your sofa or bed in winter.
Snuggle up under it with a mug of cocoa when it’s howling a countryside gale outside.
Graham Cashmere
- Knitted cashmere baby blanket, £109.99 from Amazon – buy here
Also produced in Hawick on the Scottish borders is this beautifully soft baby blanket from Graham Cashmere.
It’s available in grey, soft pink or natural and if you’re thinking it would make a lovely present for a baby shower, you’re absolutely right.
“Wow! So pleased with the baby blanket”, said one Amazon reviewer, “The gift box is more than I expected and my friend will be delighted. I can't wait to give her it”.
Fenwick
- Tuscan throw cashmere, £175 from Fenwick – buy here
If you’re looking for a top quality piece that you can treasure for years, then this could be the one for you.
Crafted in Italy from 100% cashmere, it’s a blanket you’ll reach for time and time again when you want to cosy up at home in the colder months.
Edinburgh Cashmere
- Pure Wool Blanket, £75 (was £300) from Edinburgh Cashmere– buy here
This smooth fine cashmere blanket looks as good draped over the end of a bed as it does folded over the arm of a sofa.
It's a bold colour choice, but the cheery red is a great option for adding a little splash of brightness to your living room or bedroom.
One of the most affordable options, it's been reduced from a steep £300 to a doable £75. What are you waiting for?
The Cotswold Company
- Home Accessories Throw with Cashmere, £99 from The Cotswold Company - buy here
Made from a blend of wool and cashmere, this throw is perfect for sofas, the back of cars or anywhere that needs a little bit of warming up.
The light grey colour-block with tassels will add an elegant and fashionable touch to any sofa.
The White Company
- Pure Cashmere Throw, £365 from The White Company - buy here
ERDEM
- Intarsia merino wool and cashmere-blend blanket, £980 from Net-a-Porter - buy here
If you're looking for a statement piece throw that will draw all the attention in your living room, you can't go wrong with Erdem.
The design and texture represent Erdem's outstanding taste in art and interiors and is a piece you'll never get tired of. Made from a merino and cashmere blend, this floral navy throw will look stunning draped over the arm of a sofa, chair or armchair.
The throw is also available in green.
John Lewis
- 100% Cashmere Throw, £250 from John Lewis - buy here
If you're stuck for a really thoughtful gift for someone you love and you've got a pretty healthy budget then this cashmere throw from John Lewis needs to be on your radar.
Made from 100 percent cashmere, it's a neutral colour so will fit in with most decors and is as soft as you'd expect.
Whoever you gift this too will love it, because what's not to love?
M&S
- Cashmere Blend Throw, £149 from M&S - buy here
Although still expensive at nearly £150, this cashmere blend throw is more affordable than some of the other options on this list because it melds together cashmere and merino wool.
Still seriously soft, it's also warm and cosy, which makes it ideal for throwing over the back of the sofa ready to be reached for when settling in for an evening in front of the tv.
Because it's a wool blend, you can wash it at home but don't put it in the tumble dryer if you want to keep it in a useable condition.