Chic, Timeless and Pure Luxury—These 14 Cashmere Coats Are the Ultimate Fashion Investment

It’s true that while trends come and go, materials are forever. Of all the fabrics to invest in, cashmere is a sumptuous and enduring classic that adds an element of refinement and elegance to even the most humdrum of ensembles, and the most premium piece you can invest in in this fabrication has to be a cashmere coat.

Injecting your current or capsule wardrobe with this luxurious wool is as simple as throwing on a gorgeous cashmere coat, saving the final layer of your outfit for a touch of sophistication, without compromising on cosiness.

Not only has this staple been heralded by Who What Wear UK's editors as one of the best cashmere pieces to own, but it's also graced the shoulders of some of the most stylish women, from Alexa Chung to Adwoa Aboah, making it a modern must-have for the ages.

What is Cashmere?

For the uninitiated, cashmere is sourced from the undercoat of cashmere goats, making it a highly lucrative and increasingly rare material. Not only that, it’s regarded as one of the most lush and supple textiles to shop because of how durable and breathable it is.

While fleece is a catch-all term for any textile taken from mammals, if it's long-lasting and opulent natural fibres you're after, there are plenty of types of wool worth adding to your vocabulary. As a starting point, we'd recommend familiarising yourself with merino wool, which is typically derived from Australia, and mohair, a kind of fabric found on Angora goats.

Are Cashmere Coats Worth it?

When it comes to any new purchase, the first point of call is typically to consider the price. Given the desirability of the material, cashmere coats have traditionally erred on the more expensive side.

While there are plenty of affordable options to shop these days, the purchase still begs the question: Are cashmere coats worth it? When factoring in cost per wear, cashmere boasts the ability to remain in great shape for decades, meaning this is a forever item you really need only purchase once.

Is Cashmere Good for Winter Coats?

While this piece is regarded as the ideal chilly companion and a cornerstone of easy winter outfits, the ultra-fine fibres have made cashmere coats an indispensable part of city dressing, irrespective of the climate or season.

Of course, a cashmere coat is practical enough to survive cold snaps, withstand freezing temperatures and even tackle London’s mercurial downpours. This is because of cashmere's ability to regulate temperature and provide insulation. The fibres are lightweight and trap air, making the silky fabric warm without suffocating.

These qualities alone make it a worthy contender for your new go-to jacket, but the best cashmere coats also offer endless styling options thanks to their versatility and timelessness.

How Long Will a Cashmere Coat Last?

Each season may bring about a new crop of iterations to the market, but one of the best things about cashmere coats is their ability to last the test of time, surviving storms and wet weather with polish and aplomb.

What Do You Wear Under a Cashmere Coat?

Whether you’re trotting to after-work drinks at a wine bar or bracing the morning at your local farmer markets, the elevated silhouette and smooth-as-butter feel ensures you always appear put together.

As for what you can wear under a cashmere coat, the oversized nature of the piece provides endless styling options. For evening outs, pull a cashmere coat over a tailored mini-dress à la Tom Ford’s time at the helm as creative director for Gucci. Slide on top of a pair of ballet flats and a vintage-inspired silk slip dress for a more romantic look.

Or, for those seeking to bring a bit more structure to their street style, opt for a double-breasted design or a cashmere coat that ties at the waist. The most daring pairing comes in the form of matching an elongated cashmere coat with micro shorts and a cropped t-shirt, something we’ve seen It Girls like Camille Charriere gravitate to.

I, for one, love making my cashmere coat the centrepiece of my outfit, adding a simple kitten heel like these pointed-toe python print options from St Agni, one of the best Australian fashion brands, to truly make the outerwear the hero of my look.

With a multitude of styles available at a modest price point, we’ve covered all bases and compiled your comprehensive guide to the best cashmere coats currently available to shop. Bundle up with flair, below.

THE BEST CASHMERE COATS TO SHOP

• Best Overall Cashmere Coat: Ralph Lauren Cashmere Blend Wool Reefer Coat, £419
• Best Tie-Up Cashmere Coat: Colombo Cashmere Fringe-Detail Wrap Coat, £5175
• Best Affordable Cashmere Coat: John Lewis Double Breasted Cashmere Blend Wool Coat, £299
• Best Investment Cashmere Coat: Toteme Signature Wool and Cashmere-Blend Coat, £1100
• Best Oversized Cashmere Coat: Loewe Double-breasted coat in cashmere, £5704

1. Toteme Signature Signature Wool and Cashmere-Blend Coat

2. Hush Meridah Wool Blend Coat

3. John Lewis Double Breasted Cashmere Blend Wool Coat

4. Marcéla London Enza Cashmere Blend Robe Coat Ash

5. Max Mara Madame 101801 Icon Double-Breasted Wool and Cashmere-Blend Coat

6. Ralph Lauren Cashmere Blend Wool Reefer Coat

7. Loewe Double-Breasted Coat in Cashmere

8. The Row Garth Oversized Cashmere and Silk-Blend Bouclé Coat

9. Colombo Cashmere Fringe-Detail Wrap Coat

10. Ralph Lauren Glenna Cashmere Coat

11. Boss Slim-Fit Coat in Virgin Wool and Cashmere

12. Khaite Filip Cashmere Coat

13. Valentino Garavani Double-Breasted Casshmere-Felt Coat

14. Giorgio Armani Wool And Cashmere-Blend Coat