French Cashmere Brands You Need to Know (According to Parisians)
If you’ve walked around Paris in winter, you’ve seen it: softly brushed knits in calm neutrals, immaculate ribbing, and — this year — the signature Kujten cashmere bandana tied on every stroller handle in Saint-Germain. Below is a curated list of French cashmere brands, from heritage maisons to new-gen direct-to-consumer labels, plus the high-street favourites Parisians actually buy.
Whether you’re investing in a sweater that lasts for years or picking up a refined accessory, this guide will help you shop smart, choose quality, and understand what’s really worth paying for.
What Makes High-Quality Cashmere?
Before we dive into the brands, a quick checklist for spotting real quality:
- Label claims: Look for “100% cashmere” — not “cashmere blend.”
- Fibre length: The longer the fibre (around 14–16 microns), the softer and more durable.
- Stretch and recovery: Pull the knit gently — high-quality cashmere springs back.
- Pilling: All cashmere pills, but long fibres pill less. Small, tight stitches = better quality.
- Density & knitting: A tighter gauge lasts longer and holds shape better.
- Finish: Smooth seams, structured ribbing, no fuzzy patches.
A well-made piece can last a decade if cared for — making luxury cashmere cheaper on a cost-per-wear basis than fast fashion.
If you love quality wardrobe staples, explore: 10 Parisian Style Staples You Can Add to Your Closet Right Now
The Best French Cashmere Brands
1. Éric Bompard
The benchmark in French cashmere. Classic crews, travel wraps, timeless colours. Robust knits that age beautifully and hold shape for years.
2. Alexandra Golovanoff
Luxurious neutrals, dense premium knits, “face-flattering” colour philosophy. A splurge — but a forever piece.
3. Loulou de Saison
A newer Parisian favorite known for soft, minimal silhouettes and refined everyday knits. Their cashmere sweaters and cropped cardigans feel feminine without fuss, with just enough structure to elevate denim or tailoring. Quiet, wearable luxury — the kind Parisians love for real life.
4. Le Kasha
Quiet luxury with minimalist silhouettes and feather-light yarn. Longline cardigans and sweaters with couture finishes.
Pair with French Scarf Style: The Best Winter Scarves From Parisian Brands
5. Kujten
Paris-born, 100% cashmere, playful colours — and the cashmere bandana everyone in Paris is wearing right now.
6. Hircus
Transparent sourcing, fair pricing, modern cuts. A great first investment cashmere.
7. FROM FUTURE
Pop colours, Grade-A fibres, sporty silhouettes. Good quality for the money.
8. NOTSHY
100% cashmere, feminine shapes, soft palette, Parisian lounge-meets-street vibe.
9. absolut cashmere
Everyday shapes, rich colours, reliable quality. Strong price/value ratio.
10. Rodier
French knitwear house with excellent seasonal 100% cashmere capsules. Under-the-radar, very Parisian.
For a full Parisian wardrobe edit, see: Must-Know French Fashion Brands Parisians Love
Designer & Concept Labels to Watch
Not cashmere-only, but strong seasonal pieces:
- Lemaire
- Soeur
- Fête Impériale
- AMI Paris
- American Vintage
- Rouje
Often styled with tailored trousers and masculine coats — a very Left Bank look.
Also read: 5 Parisian Handbag Styles Every Woman Needs
Sézane
Not every piece is 100% cashmere, but their cashmere sweaters nail the relaxed Parisian silhouette.
Uniqlo
Not French — but very French-approved. Reliable, affordable, ideal for layering.
COS
Scandinavian-French adjacent in spirit: minimalist cuts, clean palettes, and good-quality wool and cashmere blends at accessible prices. Not every knit is pure cashmere, but their sweaters and cardigans are staples you’ll see all over Paris in winter.
Monoprix
A true local tip. Solid men’s and women’s basics each winter at low prices.
Quick Style + Care Tips
- Choose neutral tones, pick one “pop” colour for seasonal refresh
- Fit: mid-hip length sweater, minimal bulk, visible under a camel coat
- Care: hand-wash cold or dry clean, roll in towel, dry flat, store folded not hung
- Rotate your knits—cashmere needs rest to maintain shape and appearance
- Cost per wear: a €300-450 sweater worn 100 times becomes €3-4 per wear—not a splurge but a smart piece
How to choose (quick buy rules)
- Feel & density: Light doesn’t mean flimsy. Compress the knit; it should spring back.
- Ply & gauge: 2-ply (or more) resists holes/pilling; a tighter gauge = smoother surface.
- Seams & ribbing: Clean seams and resilient ribbing at cuffs/hem are the first durability tell.
- Pilling happens: It’s fiber length + friction. Use a sweater stone; avoid rubbing against bags.
- Fit for Paris: Slightly cropped or straight through the body, clean crew or mock neck, neutral tones (ecru, camel, navy, charcoal) + one “pop” color.
FAQs
What’s the best French cashmere brand?
For timeless quality, Eric Bompard. For new-gen value: Hircus, Kujten, FROM FUTURE.
Is French cashmere better?
Quality depends more on fiber length, ply, and knit density than nationality. French brands often excel in finish and fit.
How do Parisians style cashmere?
Straight-leg denim or tailored trousers, trench or mensy coat, simple sneakers or loafers, minimal jewelry. A scarf or beanie in the same fiber ups the polish.
Final Word
Choosing the right French cashmere brand means balancing quality, style, and longevity. One well-made sweater will out-last and out-perform a dozen cheaper ones. From Bompard’s heritage knits to Kujten’s colour-pop sweaters and Lemaire’s minimalist silhouettes, there is a French cashmere house for every style and budget.
