Lisa Armstrong Reveals the Best Affordable Knitwear – Luxe Cashmere Finds from Just £79

The small but powerful knitting revolution is gaining serious momentum—or perhaps we should say, it's stitching its way forward.

In an ideal world, I'd be reporting a British fashion boom, with young creatives rushing to master traditional crafts and the industry unveiling a guilt-free path to shop with abandon. But, as you've likely noticed, these are far from ideal times. Still, one flicker of hope remains: the knitwear renaissance. Admittedly, the combined revenue of the independent labels featured here wouldn't even register compared to the retail behemoth that is Shein. Yet, even small ripples can signal meaningful change.

Lisa Armstrong's Style Picks Matter

As a leading voice in British fashion, Lisa Armstrong has earned a loyal following thanks to her savvy fashion sense and ability to spot high-quality pieces that won't break the bank. When she highlights a trend—or better yet, a product—it typically becomes a must-have.

In a world where fast fashion dominates, Armstrong's eye for investment-worthy, affordable fashion offers a refreshing approach. Her latest knitwear recommendations focus on durability, sustainable sourcing, and cost-per-wear value, ensuring you get the most out of every pound spent.

Take &Daughter is the decade-old label founded by Buffy Reid. There's so much to admire—premium yarns, rich color palettes, and timeless silhouettes subtly updated with a relaxed drape, an unexpected collar, or a well-considered raglan sleeve where a standard set-in might have sufficed. The only shortcoming? A lack of physical retail presence means you have to shop online, where the nuances of those hues and cuts can be more complex to appreciate fully.

When I recently visited & Daughter's headquarters—housed in a former Peek Frean biscuit factory in south-east London—Buffy Reid was preparing to head to the U.S. for a pop-up event. This has become a familiar strategy among our homegrown indie labels. With European consumers tightening their belts, it's American shoppers who are keeping the tills ringing—snapping up four cashmere cardigans in one go, then tossing in a fifth for the nanny.

Fortunately, American customers have developed a genuine affection for British knitwear—a welcome shift. Not so long ago, UK-made wool (cashmere aside) had a reputation for being about as comfortable as sandpaper. But the introduction of Bluefaced Leicester sheep has revolutionized British wool. Even I, a confessed princess with a chronic case of pea syndrome (I can't even be in the same room as mohair—I'm allergic), have come to love a bit of lamb or sheep's wool.

The best affordable Luxury: Cashmere Finds That Feel Premium

Cashmere is the crown jewel of knitwear. Renowned for its feather-light softness, insulating warmth, and longevity, cashmere pieces are often considered luxury splurges. However, Lisa Armstrong's curated collection proves that premium cashmere knitwear is now more accessible than ever.

Brands like M&S, Uniqlo, John Lewis, Boden, and COS are prominent in her selection. These retailers combine craftsmanship with affordability, offering high-quality cashmere sweaters, cardigans, and accessories at prices starting from £ 79 .eces are still niche, crafted to endure, and thoughtfully designed for repair. Navy grey, for example, now offers an elbow-patch service on select styles, using leather sourced from pasture-fed British cattle. This approach supports a richer ecosystem, which in turn yields superior leather. "A bespoke steel knife was created to cut the leather to the ideal shape, minimizing waste and perfectly cupping the elbow," explains founder Rachel Carvell-Spedding. "Each patch is then hand-sewn by knitters here in London."

You won't find this level of craftsmanship or care at the big luxury fashion houses—despite their habit of charging four times the price.

That said, I've included some mass-produced knits in this round-up because, let's face it, price matters. Not everyone can afford to spend £350 or more on a single jumper. Brands like Uniqlo, M&S, and Boden deliver solid value for money. I do still worry about the welfare standards associated with large-scale production, though M&S is reputed to hold itself to higher standards than most.

And if your beloved knitwear ever needs rescuing, The Seam offers exceptional invisible mending for all kinds of garments—including knits. So treat them with care. These pieces aren't just wardrobe staples; they're genuine things of beauty, well worth preserving.

Lisa Armstrong's Knitwear Edit: Luxe Cashmere for Less

Fashion lovers rejoice—Lisa Armstrong, the highly respected fashion director and columnist, has done it again. Known for her impeccable taste and practical style tips, Lisa has curated a stunning selection of affordable knitwear, proving that luxury doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.

This season, her latest edit focuses on elegant, wearable, and surprisingly wallet-friendly cashmere knitwear pieces. With prices starting from just £79, these finds are set to become wardrobe staples for fashion-conscious individuals looking to invest smartly in timeless style.

Lisa wears a wool-blend cardigan, £259, Sandro; a wool-blend and satin kilt, £150, Jaeger; leather shoes, £325, Russell & Bromley; and gold vermeil and sterling silver earrings, £148, Astley Clarke.

Left hand: Brass and pearl ring, £95, Sessùn; smoky quartz ring, £500, Jean London.

Right hand: Gold and silver-plated ring, £78, Shyla; yellow quartz ring, £345, Jean London. Emerald cuff, £115, Edge of Ember.

Hair and makeup: Oonagh Connor at Joy Goodman uses hourglass cosmetics and Color Wow Hair.

• Styling: Sophie Tobin.
• 
  
• Stylist's assistant: Alice Dench.
• 
  
• With thanks to The Old Sessions House.
• 
  

Best Affordable Cashmere Brands Recommended by Lisa Armstrong

1: Marks & Spencer (M&S)

A long-standing British favorite, M&S has elevated its game in the cashmere department. Lisa recommends their Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper (£79), available in classic shades like grey, camel, and navy. The fit is timeless and ideal for layering in colder months.

2: Uniqlo

This Japanese brand is beloved for its minimalist style and high-quality basics. Lisa praises Uniqlo's Cashmere Turtleneck Jumper (£89.90) for its sleek design and surprisingly luxurious feel. Uniqlo also scores points for its sustainable cashmere sourcing practices.

3: John Lewis

Known for quality at a fair price, John Lewis's ANYDAY cashmere line is one of Lisa's top choices. Look out for the Relaxed Fit Cashmere Cardigan (£85)—a versatile piece that works equally well at the office or lounging at home.

4: Boden

With a flair for color and fun details, Boden delivers cashmere pieces with personality. The Boden Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper (£98) is soft, cheerful, and made with responsibly sourced materials—a combination that earns Lisa's seal of approval.

5: COS

For fashion-forward shoppers, COS offers modern, clean-cut cashmere pieces that feel elevated. Lisa highlights the Oversized Cashmere Blend Jumper (£99) as a standout choice for its slouchy elegance and seasonless appeal.

What to Look for in Affordable Cashmere Knitwear

Lisa Armstrong emphasizes a few key tips when buying budget-friendly cashmere:

• Check the ply: Two-ply cashmere tends to be more durable and less prone to pilling.
• Feel the fabric: It should be soft but not too fluffy—that can indicate over-processing.
• Inspect the stitching: Well-made knitwear will have tightly bound seams and a consistent knit pattern.
• Look for certifications: Labels like "Responsibly Sourced" or "Sustainable Cashmere" indicate ethical practices and better longevity.
• 
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lisa Armstrong, and why should I trust her recommendations for knitwear?

Lisa Armstrong is a renowned British fashion journalist and the Fashion Director at The Telegraph. With decades of industry experience and a keen eye for quality, style, and value, her recommendations are trusted by fashion insiders and everyday shoppers alike.

What makes Lisa Armstrong's cashmere picks affordable?

Lisa focuses on brands that offer high-quality cashmere at lower price points—starting from just £79—without compromising on style, fabric, or craftsmanship. Her picks blend luxury appeal with real-world budgets, making timeless pieces accessible to more people.

Is affordable cashmere lower quality than high-end designer cashmere?

Not necessarily. Many affordable cashmere options offer excellent quality at lower prices due to efficient production, responsible sourcing, and minimal branding markups. Lisa recommends checking for things like ply, softness, and knit construction to ensure you're getting value for money.

Where can I buy the affordable cashmere pieces featured in Lisa Armstrong's edit?

You can shop these knitwear pieces directly from the official websites of brands like M&S, Uniqlo, John Lewis, Boden, and COS or visit their physical stores in the UK. Many of these items are also available through department stores and online retailers.

Are these cashmere pieces ethically and sustainably sourced?

Yes, many of Lisa's recommended brands have sustainability initiatives in place. For example, Uniqlo uses sustainably sourced cashmere, and John Lewis's ANYDAY line often includes ethical sourcing information. Look for tags or labels like "Responsibly Sourced" or "Sustainable Cashmere."

Can men wear the knitwear pieces recommended by Lisa Armstrong?

While Lisa's focus is primarily on womenswear, many of the brands she features—like Uniqlo and M&S—also offer affordable men's cashmere collections. The same principles of value, quality, and style apply.

Conclusion

Lisa Armstrong's expert eye for style proves once again that luxury doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Her curated selection of affordable knitwear—featuring chic, high-quality cashmere pieces starting at just £79—offers the perfect blend of elegance and value. Whether you're refreshing your wardrobe or investing in timeless staples, these luxe knits are a smart and stylish choice. Embrace warmth, comfort, and sophistication without compromising your budget—because great fashion should be accessible to all.