Is it a faux pas to wear cashmere in the spring time?

[LunaticVillage]

It still is chilly here on the East Coast in the States. Like temperatures in the 40's when factoring windchill, especially in the mornings and evenings. But this is that awkward time of year where people still dress like it's winter.

I have a Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater that I love to wear over a button up with a camel colored Barney's 100% cashmere sportcoat. I only wear the combo once or twice a year because in the fall, you feel pressured to wear something like a camel topcoat as opposed to a cashmere sportcoat unless the occassion calls for nothing less than a proper looking suit jacket. High quality cashmere is historically one of the biggest sartorial flexes of all time, but you feel like you can only wear it from October to early March. I'd say you can get away with wearing cashmere in the early spring, but you are pushing it wearing most cashmere garments designed for fall and winter in May.

 

[comrade]

You may wear it whenever you wish.

 

[hbk320]

Short answer, for your case, no faux pas.

Long answer below.
I believe faux pas happens when you wear a garment that either serves no purpose (function) or is counterproductive.
Say, heavy tweed during Southern summer.
In your case, I believe it's great that your cashmere knitwear serves a good purpose (function). Hence, no faux pas here.

I still wear my tweed jackets, heavier flannel trousers at the moment because temperature starts at 30F in the morning then peaks at 55-60F in the afternoon.

 

[mak1277]

Let the thermometer guide you, not the calendar.

 

[othertravel]

There is cashmere summer suiting available. I’ve seen swatches of fabric at 6.5 ounces, so very light.

 

[LunaticVillage]

I think color matters as well to a degree. Ralph Lauren cashmere cable sweaters selling right now are typical spring colors like pastel yellows or bright colors like blue and green. If cashmere sweaters were out of season altogether those items would be probably on sale for a steep discount right now. It is worth noting that some of the most trademark spring items like cricket jumpers are almost always cotton/cashmere mixed fabrics when they are better quality.

 

[smittycl]

Changing climate has upended the already long-stale NYT Style Section rules. I wear linen as long as it's warm and cashmere as long as it's cool.

The only thing I find myself unable to do is wear a piece of clothing as a contrivance. Hats, gloves, scarves, etc. only worn for the weather rather than as an accessory.

 

[aj_style]

I wore cashmere last evening in North Florida hahaha.

 

[volcanotristate]

I have a cashmere sportcoat by isaia. It’s so light that I wear it all year long. Wool keeps you cool as well as warm. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true

 

[LA Guy]

Around here, we are still having days with highs in the 40s some days, so definitely still cashmere knits. I know people who grew up to very hot places who wear cashmere nearly the entire year after having moved to much colder climates.

 

[mhip]

Southern California year round cashmere wearer here...

Yesterday I wore a Todd Snyder cashmere long sleeve polo sweater with impunity, because it was in the 60s...

 

[BoydsShoes]

It still is chilly here on the East Coast in the States. Like temperatures in the 40's when factoring windchill, especially in the mornings and evenings. But this is that awkward time of year where people still dress like it's winter.

I have a Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater that I love to wear over a button up with a camel colored Barney's 100% cashmere sportcoat. I only wear the combo once or twice a year because in the fall, you feel pressured to wear something like a camel topcoat as opposed to a cashmere sportcoat unless the occassion calls for nothing less than a proper looking suit jacket. High quality cashmere is historically one of the biggest sartorial flexes of all time, but you feel like you can only wear it from October to early March. I'd say you can get away with wearing cashmere in the early spring, but you are pushing it wearing most cashmere garments designed for fall and winter in May.

The answer is no.

None of my friends know what cashmere is.

 

[jdgershbein]

I live in the Midwest, where the hawk can rev up any time of year. I run cold and wear Merino wool year-round, but cashmere?

I travel in my professional speaking business and can spend a fair share of the warm season in hotels with the A/C jacked up so high that my teeth chatter. I have to wear cashmere to walk around the lobby. I have a few cashmere layers (crewnecks and hoodies) in spring/summer shades that serve me well and keep me warm.

 

[LunaticVillage]

I think the general consensus that Fall is the best season for style is correct. Many typical spring styles are a bit garish. Pink suits and seersucker are not really my thing but I could make it work. Too much pastels make people look like big Easter baskets too.

Something like a bright cobalt blue suit or sportcoat of high quality fabric is good spring style to me. I don't think I could pull off wearing a purple suit without looking like the Joker. Or a green one without looking like the Riddler.

I wore my cashmere sweater with my cashmere sportcoat on Friday. I won't lie as a bit warm late afternoon when the temps peaked around 64, but was glad I wore it by the time I was at the bar later that evening once the sun dropped and it was windy.

 

[double00]

Southern California year round cashmere wearer here...

Yesterday I wore a Todd Snyder cashmere long sleeve polo sweater with impunity, because it was in the 60s...

hang on this is the nub : did you wear it next-to-skin ?

good cash should easily be next-to-skin soft . in the spring do wear apres-surf and bike to your next rendezvous . yes spring cashmere