Spoiler alert; the moment this soft, snuggly knit arrived on my doorstep, I knew it was going to be a winner. I found myself reaching for it almost daily for a few reasons. It’s cosy and warm (perfect as we hurtle towards mid-winter), I adore the colour (I have the russet brown), and I love the way the slouchy fit either complements or adds a shapely component to my outfits. Of course, I’m talking about the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan.
Get 15% off any Jenni Kayne purchase with the code ‘JamieLee15’
Having seriously put this cardigan through its paces, I thought now was as good a time as any to share some thoughts. On price, quality, sizing and wear and tear. So, let’s dive in for a Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan Review.
Worn above: Jenni Kayne pocket tee (size S); Arket denim shorts (size 26); Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan (size S); Saben bag (15% off with JAMIELOVESSABEN); Boden slides (size EU40)
QUICK FACTS
Price: $445 USD
Available in 11 colours: black, camel, carbon, cinnamon, taupe, oatmeal, ivory, grey, russet, navy, and moss
Made in: China
Fabric: Mongolian cashmere
Sizing: XXS through to 3X
SIZING
For reference, I’m a size AU8 (US4/26 in jeans), and 172cm tall (5’8”). I took the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan in a size S – my usual size. One thing I’ve found, since trying out a number of styles from the brand, is that their silhouettes are generously cut. If you’re at the taller end of the spectrum, there shouldn’t be any issues in carrying that additional volume, but if you have a petite frame you may like to size down in their clothing across the board.
You’ll be able to see from the photos that the cardigan is slouchy on me. Just like on the model, the shoulders are dropped, and the sleeves fall past my wrist. To me, this is the intended fit; designed to be worn oversized.
PRICE & QUALITY
At $445 USD (approx $645 AUD at the time of writing), the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan will set you back a pretty penny. Though, you can get a cheeky 15% discount using the code JamieLee15. For most, this is going to be a splurge. One of the few key pieces you choose to spend your budget on for the season, and I guess the key question to ask is; is it worth it?
For years I’ve been trying to find an alternative to a To Sir With Love cardigan I own. It’s slouchy, oversized, and to me, the perfect cosy winter knit, and it set the benchmark quite high (as high as its ~$1200 NZD price tag…).
Jenni Kayne’s take on this slouchy style is the first cardigan I’ve owned which has even come close. And that’s saying something. The style is pretty similar, minus the patch pockets on the front, and the cashmere is a slightly thinner ply. Otherwise, it is almost equal. The cashmere is lush and soft, and it feels special to wear.
Arguably whether it’s worth it will come down to what you personally value in a knit, but for me, it ticks all the boxes. For full transparency, I was gifted this cardigan, but I wouldn’t hesitate spending my own money to repurchase it in another colour, or if it went mysteriously missing. That’s when you know you’re onto a winner; if an item becomes a ride or die that you couldn’t imagine your closet without.
WEAR & TEAR
The last point I wanted to touch on is the wear and tear. This ties back into concepts of value, and whether an item is worth spending your hard earned money on. Especially if it’s a more expensive piece. You want to know it’ll last the distance.
I’ve been wearing mine on regular rotation for the last two months, and the only sign of wear it has is some very minor pilling. Easily resolved with some regular maintenance running a cashmere/wool comb over the yarn. For the record, pilling on a knit isn’t a sign of poor quality. Often – particularly with cashmere – you’ll find that it sheds. Despite the rather frequent wear, the pilling has been limited to the back sides of the cardigan, and it’s been minimal at that.
For me the main things I’m looking at are; is the yarn thinning in any particular spots? Has a hole developed anywhere? Are the trimmings and buttons still intact? From that lens, it’s immaculate. This is even with my two-year-old trying his utmost best to tear a hole in it with his teeth. Needless to say, I’m very happy with how its holding up.
WOULD I RECOMMEND IT?
If you’re looking for a relaxed cardigan, then yes, absolutely I would say that the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan is worth considering. Cashmere knits tend to sit at the higher end of the price spectrum, especially good quality ones.
It holds a candle to my more luxurious cashmere knits, is incredibly warm despite being lightweight to the touch, and it feels luxuriously soft. If that’s not a rave, then I don’t know what is. If you have the budget (because no wardrobe staple is worth going into debt for) and are looking for something that’s nice and a step below “luxury”, then this is it.
Have any other questions? Leave them down in the comments section below and I’ll do my best to answer them.
