Is This $445 Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cardigan Worth the Splurge?
Olivia Dubyak/Jenni Kayne/Dasha Burobina
Appearance: 20/20
Comfort: 20/20
Fit: 20/20
Value: 15/20
Quality: 19/20
TOTAL: 94/100
The people want to know: Is the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan worth the $445 price tag? From my favorite Longchamp bag to my beloved Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, I love indulging myself every now and again, and a cashmere sweater is a great staple to have in your wardrobe. After wearing my Cocoon Cardigan nonstop over the last few months, I can attest to the brand’s claims that you’ll never want to take it off.
Meet the Expert: Brenna Stout, Customer Experience Representative at Jenni Kayne
What Do I Need to Know About The Cocoon Cardigan?
For starters, this sweater is 100 percent Mongolian cashmere. So, the fibers are very fine, which means less pilling over time, and it’s constructed with a tight weave that’s less prone to snagging and has a warmer feel overall. It’s available in nine colors ranging from everyday neutrals to soft pastels. Obviously, my biggest (and possibly only) qualm with this cardigan is the hefty price, but the adage is true in this case: You get what you pay for.
These pieces are designed to last. With proper care, which includes seasonal storage, you can get years and years of wear out of this piece. “Our sweaters are investment pieces that will stand the test of time. They’re made from materials of the highest quality, and the construction of each piece is unparalleled. They’re classic and effortless,” says Stout. And the Cocoon Cardigan is one of the brand’s best-sellers, garnering a 4.8-star rating with more than 1,200 reviews.
Olivia Dubyak
The Fit
I’m happy to report that the sweater has a slightly oversized fit, which I love. I grabbed a size medium (my normal size) and it’s just right. Usually, I find that a lot of oversized items tend to drown you in fabric, but this one is well-proportioned thanks to its overall length (it hits just below your hips) and the sleeves aren’t too long either. The extra room is in the width of the sleeves and bodice, which makes the sweater great for layering, too. For reference, I’m 5-foot-7-inches and a size medium (or six to eight).
The Aesthetic
I’m not going to lie; I feel fancy when I wear this sweater. I always want to style it as the key piece of my outfit because I know how high-quality it is. If I could walk around telling strangers “This California-inspired cardigan is artfully made with 100 percent Mongolian cashmere, you know,” I totally would, but that’s obnoxious, so I’ll just think it to myself. It’s truly become my go-to piece when there’s a little nip in the air, and it’s very versatile.
Olivia Dubyak
That one point I knocked off for quality was because there were a couple of loose threads hanging from the buttons that kind of irked me considering the cost, but I was able to carefully trim them away.
How to Care for It
If you’re a cashmere expert, then you already know this material requires some extra love and care and you can’t just toss it on a hanger in your closet. “We recommend storing your Jenni Kayne sweaters by folding them instead of hanging them, as hanging can stretch the items out,” Stout warns. She also recommends storing them in an “enclosed container with cedar sticks” to prevent any moths getting in and creating holes in the fabric. “I regularly run the Sweater Stone (or any sweater shaver) over my pieces to help prevent pilling and fuzziness,” she adds.
According to Stout, a good wool and cashmere spray is a must to keep it feeling and smelling fresh between washes, which is what I’ve been using and it smells delightful. Clean your sweater scarcely; you don’t want to cause any damage from frequent washing. If you have the means to dry clean your items, that’s a great option, but if not, Stout says she washes hers at home—inside out, in a mesh bag, on delicate cycle with The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo.
Overall Thoughts
I don’t want anyone to get it twisted: This is definitely a splurge and cashmere sweaters don’t have to cost this much. If you’re on a budget, you can try another brand like Nadaam or Quince, which offer more affordable cashmere items. However, if you are someone who has the means to invest in a few staple pieces that will last for years, don’t lose value, have a timeless appeal and feel luxurious, I consider this piece a must-buy.
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