Cozy and oh-so-soft cashmere clothing is one of my favorite everyday luxuries when the weather starts to cool, but it can cost a pretty penny, hence why you’re probably reading this NAADAM cashmere review.
Cost aside, cashmere can be stressful and difficult to upkeep. I can barely remember to send my evening wear and outerwear out for dry cleaning, much less the handful of everyday essentials I find myself wearing weekly despite my very full closet.
Basically, the idea of dry clean-only cashmere sweatpants and sweaters meant for lounging and everyday use sounds like an impractical oxymoron and laughable fantasy instead of a reality for anyone with a busy lifestyle.
With cashmere’s prohibitive pricing and impractical maintenance in mind, viral brand NAADAM’s promise of fairly priced, ethically made, and—gasp—machine-washable cashmere is enticing, if not too good to be true.
I’ve purchased a few NAADAM cashmere pieces for myself to see if the brand lives up to its promises (and can keep me warm from fall to winter without getting suffocatingly hot).
Is NAADAM cashmere worth it, or as flimsy as a fake bag on Canal Street? Keep reading my honest NAADAM cashmere review to find out.
Click below to shop the best NAADAM cashmere clothing:
Note: NAADAM did not provide any clothing or direct compensation in exchange for this review. However, this review may have affiliate links, of which I make a small commission at no expense to you, which helps support publishing regular reviews.
What is NAADAM Cashmere?
Declaring itself “the world’s fairest cashmere,” friends Matthew Scanlan and Diederik Rijsemus founded NAADAM in 2013 after a trip to Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, one of the best cashmere sources in the world.
During their trip, the pair realized that cashmere traders were inflating prices and taking the profits, causing the material to be so expensive. Scanlan and Rijsemus decided they could cut out the middlemen to benefit everyone. Herders would get paid more, and consumers could pay a lot less for luxury cashmere.
NAADAM prides itself on being ethical and sustainable, focusing on quality wardrobe pieces to last decades rather than fast fashion trends. The brand’s clothing is made of natural materials. In addition to Mongolian cashmere, NAADAM also uses merino wool, organic cotton, and silk, amongst others. These materials provide natural benefits such as being hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking.
NAADAM’s flagship product, The Essential $75 Sweater, went viral for solving many of the common issues people have with cashmere. Though the sweater is now $98, it’s still a far cry from the price of those that typically grace the shelves at Saks.
NAADAM Cashmere Sizing: Is NAADAM True to Size?
NAADAM cashmere generally runs true to size. I’d almost lean towards sizing down, as knitwear is stretchy and often stretches out over time.
Size up if you prefer a more relaxed or oversized fit, as NAADAM clothing tends to have a slimmer cut.
If you’re between sizes in bottoms that have an elastic waistband, I’d consider taking the larger size. Though I would say that all of my NAADAM cashmere pieces are true-to-size, I’ve noticed that the skirt I have is a little more snug in the waist than others I own.
For sizing reference in this NAADAM cashmere review, I typically wear an XS and my stats are as follows:
- Height: 5’6”
- Dress size: 00 or 0
- Jean size: 24
- Bra size: 32D
- Alpha size (top and bottoms): XS, occasionally XXS
NAADAM Cashmere Quality
Is NAADAM’s cashmere quality worth the price?
Overall, it’s a resounding yes from me, but with a few caveats.
NAADAM’s cashmere quality and construction are fair. It strikes me a lot like the Everlane of cashmere—solid quality and nice materials, but not mind-blowing or absolutely exceptional in a way that would make me want to pay full price season over season because it’s just that good. You know what I mean?
However, NAADAM’s cashmere is super soft, and pieces definitely don’t feel fragile or like they’ll fall apart after just a few wears. My NAADAM cashmere pieces are so comfortable that I’ve practically lived in them while traveling, and they still look good as new. Promises of little pilling seem to be true.
I have to mention in this NAADAM cashmere sweater review that some of my non-cashmere NAADAM pieces have gotten stiffer and less soft after being machine-washed, which has been disappointing. I would stick to handwashing for the best results.
Be wary of lighter-colored pieces—I noticed that the pale yellow pieces I have from NAADAM are a little bit see-through, even when wearing nude-colored intimates.
Shop my favorite NAADAM cashmere sweaters below:
NAADAM Cashmere Pros
In case you couldn’t tell from this NAADAM cashmere review already, there are a lot of reasons to love the ethical clothing brand.
Here are a few pros to consider before you purchase:
- Fair pricing
- Mongolia-sourced, quality cashmere
- Many styles are machine-washable
- Tons of color options, both core and seasonal
- Best affordable cashmere sweater for a flattering, slim-cut fit
- Soft and comfortable pieces
- Not as itchy as cashmere from brands like Everlane
- Classic styles that won’t go out of fashion quickly
- Lots of knit varieties ranging from light and airy to thick and warm
- Slow to pill, even with regular wear
- Breathable and temperature-regulating
- Clothing is sustainably and ethically made
NAADAM Cashmere Cons
Although I do really love my NAADAM cashmere clothing, in the wise words of Hannah Montana, “Nobody’s perfect” (someone take away my keyboard, please).
Truthfully, my gripes with the brand are minimal, but these cons are worth considering before you purchase:
- Light colors can be see-through
- Not Grade A cashmere
- Pricing is much higher than other affordable options that are Grade A
- Quality is not quite as luxurious as competitor affordable Mongolian cashmere brands like Gobi
Let’s talk about those last two cons: how NAADAM stacks up to competitors.
When NAADAM still had The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater, its pricing was solidly between popular direct-to-consumer cashmere brands Quince and Gobi. Now that the sweater is $98, it’s similar in price to Gobi’s $99 hat and sweater combo.
Don’t get me wrong—$98 is still a really good price for a cashmere sweater, but keeping in mind that Quince’s crewneck or v-neck sweaters are just $50 and are Grade A quality, NAADAM’s price point feels difficult to justify if you’re just looking for a basic sweater.
The brand’s sweaters are thicker and have a cleaner, slimmer fit than Quince but aren’t quite as luxurious as Gobi or NakedCashmere. NakedCashmere has a much higher price point than NAADAM, but for something as timeless and essential as a neutral cashmere sweater, I’m willing to invest a little more for quality.
I think where NAADAM really shines is in its trendier styles that feel more youthful and contemporary than styles from competitors. For example, I really love the Cashmere Button-Loop Cardigan and have been eyeing the Boiled Throw in Fuchsia.
Is NAADAM Cashmere Ethical and Sustainable?
Does NAADAM actually live up to its promise of being ethical and sustainable, or is it another classic case of greenwashing in fashion?
I’m not an environmental expert by any means, so I turned to sustainability directory, Good On You, as well as NAADAM’s Social and Environmental Impact Report to investigate.
The answer is yes, but there’s room for improvement.
Good On You ranks NAADAM as “It’s a start,” or three out of five.
NAADAM offers a line of recycled cashmere pieces but doesn’t use recycled fibers widely across its products. All of the brand’s materials are natural or biodegradable, which is definitely far better than many retailers at a similar price point.
The brand helped found the Gobi Revival Fund, a Mongolian NGO, to help improve conditions for Mongolian farming communities and animal health. To this day, NAADAM purchases fibers directly from more than 1,000 individual Mongolian herder families.
Clothing is made in a closed-loop system to reduce water and is shipped in recyclable packaging. NAADAM’s entire supply chain is monitored for total oversight.
Considering that NAADAM will likely never receive a perfect score in ethics and sustainability due to its use of animal products, I think the brand is making strides to be taken seriously in the sustainable fashion space in spite of this. I feel comfortable buying from NAADAM, knowing that they are trying to minimize their footprint and support local Mongolians who often are taken advantage of in the cashmere industry.
NAADAM Cashmere Shipping
NAADAM ships domestically and internationally with DHL. Standard orders within the continental United States are processed in three to seven days, and express orders ship out the same day or next day.
International orders take 10 to 15 days to process.
NAADAM’s shipping costs are steep, especially when compared to retailers like REVOLVE and Amazon, which offer free two-day shipping. Free ground shipping is only offered for orders over $175.
Shipping costs are as follows:
- Domestic Ground Shipping: $9.95
- Domestic 2-Day Express Shipping: $25
- Domestic Overnight Shipping: $35
- International shipping: $45 regardless of order size, plus any additional duties
NAADAM Cashmere Returns
NAADAM accepts returns up to 30 days from the delivery date, as long as the product hasn’t been worn or damaged and the original tags are still attached.
Returns processed online incur a $12.75 return fee, which I frankly can’t get over. A $12.75 return fee on a $98 sweater? Please. It’s not like we’re restocking refrigerators here, people.
Returns that are made for store credit are not charged the fee, nor are exchanges. International customers with returned items due to refusal to pay duties are charged an additional fee of $35 on top of the $12.75.
Permanently discounted items can’t be returned or exchanged at all.
Luckily, I haven’t needed to return any of my NAADAM items, so I haven’t had to deal with the brand’s return process. To get a feel for whether it’s easy, I scoured my favorite source of honest feedback—Reddit.
Customers who have had to process returns report lengthy wait times for responses and poor customer service policies that make returning items difficult and frustrating.
Where to Find NAADAM Cashmere on Sale
NAADAM cashmere reviews never mention just how easy it is to find the brand’s clothing on sale. I mean, seriously, given NAADAM’s generally fair pricing, I thought clothing would never get marked down.
I’ve purchased NAADAM cashmere pieces for over 75% off, making buying an absolute no-brainer. Here are a few of my favorite pieces to find NAADAM on sale, aside from the brand’s own website and stores in New York City and Los Angeles:
- Otrium – Best markdown overall, my favorite retailer to buy NAADAM
- The Outnet
- Saks Off Fifth
- Sample sales – Yes, NAADAM does sample sales! If you’re in NYC, keep an eye out for NAADAM’s periodic in-person sample sales
Washing NAADAM Cashmere
One of the biggest appeals to buying NAADAM cashmere sweaters and sweats is that they’re hand-washable. Many styles are machine washable also, but a few are not—check before you wash!
That’s right, no expensive trips to the dry cleaner needed to care for this cashmere (though it can be dry cleaned if that’s what you prefer).
Handwashing NAADAM Cashmere
NAADAM recommends hand washing your NAADAM cashmere sweater using shampoo—set aside that detergent.
The brand recommends using baby shampoo specifically. Using lukewarm water, let your sweater soak in the shampoo for 30 minutes, gently swirling it.
Pro tip: Make sure your sweater is supported at all times when wet, including when it’s being rinsed (don’t hold it from the shoulders!). Water weight will cause it to stretch out.
Dry your sweater by softly rolling it in a bath towel, allowing the towel to absorb the excess water fully.
Machine Washing NAADAM Cashmere
To clean your washable NAADAM cashmere pieces in the washing machine, turn them inside out and place them in a mesh washing bag (this is super important—you don’t want the tumbling of the machine to stretch them out or for them to get snagged).
I recommend splurging a little on The Laundress’ Wool & Cashmere Shampoo to make your cashmere look new even longer.
Always wash your cashmere using cold water on the delicate or hand wash cycle.
Even though NAADAM cashmere is machine-washable, never put it in the dryer. Dryers cause cashmere to shrink and warp. Instead, use a bath towel to gently press the water out by hand, rolling the sweater in the towel like you would after handwashing.
Lay your sweater flat to dry. Never twist or wring it out.
Most Popular NAADAM Women’s Cashmere Products
NAADAM offers core styles that are always in stock and a few seasonally rotating styles as well. Most styles are offered in multiple colors. Keeping up with new products is easy since the brand takes a slow approach to fashion, but diving in can be overwhelming because of all the options!
I spent so much time reading NAADAM cashmere reviews before purchasing, trying to decide if I was making a smart purchase or not. If you’re not sure where to start, these are the best NAADAM cashmere pieces for women:
Shop top Women’s NAADAM clothing:
NAADAM The Original Cashmere Sweater
The sweater that started it all! Once known as The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater, The Original Cashmere Sweater is a staple layering piece you’ll wear for years. You really can’t go wrong with a basic pullover sweater, especially one that’s 100% cashmere.
The Original Cashmere Sweater is available in nine neutral core colors and tons of trendy seasonal colors.
The price of the NAADAM sweater is $98—very reasonable for a 100% cashmere sweater. If you buy two sweaters at the same time, they can be bundled for $150, making them just $75 each.
Though NAADAM shirks away from admitting that the cashmere quality is not Grade A, the company does claim that their cashmere fibers are 30% longer than Grade A fibers. It’s really soft and cozy for the price.
The Original Cashmere Sweater is machine washable (a win!) and has a slim, tailored cut that makes it great for wearing to work or a casual dinner.
NAADAM recommends sizing up in this size as it runs small. Personally, I think you’ll be safe taking your regular size, especially if you prefer a slimmer fit. Sweaters are forgiving—many size down for a tight fit and size up for something more relaxed.
NAADAM Off-Duty Cashmere Jogger
Nothing says luxury like cashmere sweatpants. Back when I was working retail, I’d always eye the cashmere sweats at the store I worked at—they were oh-so-soft but oh-so out of my budget.
At $135, NAADAM’s Off-Duty Cashmere Jogger makes what was once an off-limits luxury into perfectly attainable loungewear (plus, they have pockets!).
The joggers are available in six core colors and a small selection of limited edition shades.
Unfortunately, the joggers are not machine washable but can be hand washed.
NAADAM Cashmere Duster with Side Slits
Duster sweaters are my favorite type of sweaters to buy. They are the best sweater style for travel because they can easily be worn as a blanket on a cold plane, as a polished layer while sightseeing, or while lounging in your hotel room.
The open-front NAADAM Cashmere Duster Cardigan with Side Slits features a shawl collar, side slits, and pockets for keeping your essentials close. The cardigan is machine-washable (again, did I mention it’s great for travel?) and available in three core colors.
Cashmere Cropped Zip Up Hoodie
Featuring a cropped cut and just-right fit that isn’t too tight or relaxed, the NAADAM Cropped Zip Up Hoodie feels fresh and stylish without being overly trendy.
The heavenly soft, 100% cashmere hoodie gives effortless luxury. It’s available in six colors that would be cute styled with athleisure on travel days or with cashmere sweatpants for lounging around.
Customers recommend sizing up for a more relaxed, loungey fit.
Best NAADAM Cashmere Products for Men
NAADAM offers several of the same bestselling styles for men that they do for women, including The Original Cashmere Sweater. It’s a true testament to their commitment to offering timeless, lifelong pieces.
The Original Cashmere Sweater aside (we already know this is a great choice), this is the NAADAM men’s clothing you should know about:
Shop NAADAM men’s sweaters:
NAADAM Cashmere Cable Knit Crewneck
The cables of this pullover cashmere sweater make it feel like the elevated older brother of NAADAM’s The Original Cashmere Sweater. It’s far more stylish than the smooth knit of the $98 favorite.
Light, soft, and machine washable, The NAADAM Cashmere Cable Knit Crewneck is available in Oatmeal and Dark Navy.
NAADAM Fancy Cashmere Short Sleeve Polo
Something about a cashmere polo just screams “quiet luxury.” At $135, this one comes without the old money price tag, so you can cosplay Kendall Roy without breaking the bank.
The supersoft polo is woven from 100% premium, extra-fine cashmere on Italian machinery. It’s available in four neutral colors—you might just want them all.
The NAADAM Fancy Cashmere Short Sleeve Polo runs small. Reviewers recommend sizing up.
NAADAM Off-Duty Cashmere Hoodie
You might just want to live in this soft pullover hoodie. The NAADAM Off-Duty Cashmere Hoodie’s thin knit has been compared to feeling “like wearing a cloud” in the rave reviews for it.
At $145, it’s easy to see why this machine-washable, 100% cashmere hoodie is a hit with men. Choose one of the seven available neutral shades and pair it with the NAADAM Off-Duty Cashmere Jogger for the ultimate cozy day fit.
NAADAM Cashmere Long Sleeve Polo
I’m adamant that one of the best pieces a man can have in his wardrobe is a quarter zip or button pullover.
When I worked for Vineyard Vines, we’d sell countless pullovers like this because they were just so versatile. Many of our customers owned several, collecting them in every color of the rainbow, like how I collect Lululemon Define Jackets (I wish I was kidding).
NAADAM’s version of this classic men’s style is the NAADAM Cashmere Long Sleeve Polo. The pullover’s thick button placket and collar help it look far more expensive than its $195 price tag.
This pullover has been known to run on the tight side, especially in the arms. Although NAADAM claims this style runs true to size, several reviewers recommend sizing up.
NAADAM Cashmere Review: The Bottom Line
All-in-all, is NAADAM cashmere worth it?
I’d say yes, definitely. If you’re looking for a cashmere brand that balances modern trends, timeless design, tailored fit, and an attainable price point, few other direct-to-consumer cashmere labels even come close.
Though I don’t feel like NAADAM is a phenomenal deal or incredibly outstanding, I do love my NAADAM cashmere pieces and will definitely be coming back for more—I’ll just be holding off for when I can find them on a good sale, which luckily, is frequently.
Right now, I can’t justify paying full price when luxury cashmere brands with higher quality often mark down pieces to NAADAM’s price point at the end of the season, which just comes down to personal preference. If I needed a basic cashmere staple in a pinch, I’d absolutely turn to NAADAM.
NAADAM Cashmere Review: FAQ
NAADAM is able to keep its cashmere prices cheap by working directly with Mongolian herders instead of purchasing cashmere through middlemen. This allows NAADAM to pay herders more while charging customers less.
NAADAM does not use Grade A cashmere. The brand claims that its cashmere is 30% longer than Grade A cashmere.
NAADAM cashmere is sourced from Mongolia from the Zalaa Jinst white goat. Clothing manufacturing for the brand is in China.
NAADAM uses long-fiber cashmere, which ensures its cashmere is soft and not itchy. I haven’t experienced any itchiness with my NAADAM cashmere clothing.
NAADAM is an affordable luxury brand. The brand uses luxury textiles like cashmere, silk, and wool. NAADAM does not, however, use luxury construction techniques and offers its products at an attainable price.
Looking for more style reviews? Click the links below:
An HONEST Monday Swimwear Review: Is This Viral Swim Brand Worth It?
8 Online Formal Dress Rental Services for Any Special Occasion
xx,
E
Pin My NAADAM Cashmere Review!
Pin the image below to save this NAADAM cashmere review for work wardrobe planning.
