J.Crew says that they have improved their cashmere sweaters for this Fall. I went to the store this week to see for myself.

Last year, I bought 3 of J.crew’s cashmere sweaters. 2 long sleeve tees and one argyle. I was pleased with them.. at first. Looking back I think I was too generous with my opinion of them. I didn’t really mind when I found a few small pills on the underarms of the sweaters. However, after a season of wearing them, there is now much more than small pills. On my most loved dark peony sweater there are now large pills over the entire sweater, it’s very fuzzy, and honestly pretty scraggly looking. The sweater is covered in white wiry shaped threads. As I said, my sweater is not white, it is peony….So what are these white threads? They have the texture of polyester but maybe they are the coarse hairs that are suppose to be removed in quality cashmere. Whatever they are, I am not pleased.
Besides the pilling, all of my sweaters are stretched out and baggy. My argyle sweater looks 2 sizes too big and I paid $140 for that sucker. I think I am going to give them all a soak in warm water. Has anyone tried this or have any other tips for shrinking up cashmere?

Well after last year’s disappointment I am not willing to risk my money on J.Crew’s cashmere. I will say though, this year’s material is different than the sweaters I have. I can’t say how it compares to lasts year’s solid colored v-neck. But the texture is different than the tees and argyle v-neck I have. This season’s have a tighter, matter weave. They are definitely not as fuzzy as last year’s sweaters. But they are a little less soft as well. I tried on the cashmere V-neck in what I think was sweet guava. I am very happy that they have raised the neckline on the V-neck! Last year’s were so low, you could practically see my belly button. I tried on the XS and the fit in the arms is quite snug. However, the chest and upper waist fit was boxy on me. It didn’t look uber baggy and unflattering. But it gave me a rectangular figure which I don’t have. The sweater fit long, just above the widest point of the hip on me.

The material on the new cashmere is thin but the weave is tight. The guava color, which is quite light, is not see through but just. The material is thin enough to show every pocket, zipper and button on my jeans. But, I had it pulled snugly down instead of left to gather around the hips.

Another thing I liked about the new sweaters, is that they have a finished hem. I know some people like the rolled hem, they think it is more casual and modern. But I really dislike how the hem keeps rolling higher and higher the longer you have the sweater. And honestly I don’t need anymore rolls around my waist, thank you very much.

So, I found J.crew’s new cashmere promising but I am not convinced. After spending 100s of dollars and being fooled before I cannot take the risk. In my opinion, if J.crew want to convince it’s loyal customers that it has heard the concerns and disappointment and taken steps to improve quality, they are going to have to be the one to take on a little risk and cost this time. I’d like to see J.Crew make an effort to win us back by sending out a couple of samples to their huge blogger fan base. No, not necessarily to me lol. I trust the quality opinions and reviews of any of the JC bloggers and until I hear good things from them about how J.Crew cashmere wears, I won’t be buying.

Have you seen the new J.Crew cashmere? What are your thoughts?

PS-Pardon my irl pic quality. My little camera over exposed the pic and left it looking shadowy and grainy around the chest. I wanted to share anyway so you can see the fit.