info on how to judge quality of cashmere blankets/throws?

[cheessus]

im thinking about getting my gf a cashmere blanket or throw for christmas/her birthday. itll most likely be an online purchase since i really dont live in an area where i could find such a thing...easily.

my budget is ~$200, but im hoping for more in the $150 range as ive seen a few on gilt for that price.

i just want to know some info on what brands to look out for, where, and how i can judge quality (from online descriptions, or if i do go out, touch), such as weight...etc. they all just feel soft to me, and i dont want to buy some ****** blanket that will pill right away.

ideally id like a nice thick, heavy one, but they will probably be out of my price range, so ill consider wool and any other luxurious fabrics too. she lives around the chicago area and her birthday is in january. as for size, i think 70ishx60ish is perfect.

thanks for any info.

 

[magogian12345]

Be wary of wool/cashmere blends. I've tried a few different ones, and they were all scratchy.

 

[GQgeek]

Originally Posted by cheessus

im thinking about getting my gf a cashmere blanket or throw for christmas/her birthday. itll most likely be an online purchase since i really dont live in an area where i could find such a thing...easily.

my budget is ~$200, but im hoping for more in the $150 range as ive seen a few on gilt for that price.

i just want to know some info on what brands to look out for, where, and how i can judge quality (from online descriptions, or if i do go out, touch), such as weight...etc. they all just feel soft to me, and i dont want to buy some ****** blanket that will pill right away.

ideally id like a nice thick, heavy one, but they will probably be out of my price range, so ill consider wool and any other luxurious fabrics too. she lives around the chicago area and her birthday is in january. as for size, i think 70ishx60ish is perfect.

thanks for any info.

you're not gonna get a quality cashmere throw for $200 unless you find a fantastic sale. Just sayin'... It'll be mixed with other fibers or use the short/coarse hairs from the wrong part of the animal and pill a lot.

 

[Rambo]

Just get her one of those squishy fleece blankets, or the fur ones, and spend the rest of the $200 on a nice cashmere sweater. She'll get more use out of both.

 

[nerdykarim]

There's a Gucci cashmere blend throw blanket on DSW.com right now for $99. It's pretty gaudy, but if the GF is into it, it would make a nice gift.

 

[JhwkMac]

not cashmere but it is absolutely superb: http://shop.theslanket.com/the-slanket

 

[MisterKarenina]

For a good cashmere blanket, you need to judge the gauge (heaviness) of the blanket, also pay attention to stitching and quality. I'm not sure you can get a good one for $200, I did get a relatively nice one for that price. But it was more like a travel throw rather than the full Monty. I would recommend Frette and RL for their throws. So Frette has an outlet at Woodbury Commons in NY. Just go here and call them to see if they sell cashmere throws at the time. That's where I got mine. Also, to cheap it out Restoration Hardware has some decent ones. I felt them so here are the links and good luck! http://www.restorationhardware.com/c...=1291173945562 http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet...sting.asp?id=7 Good luck! Your gf is a lucky girl.

 

[cheessus]

thanks for the input so far guys. i kinda like the restoration hardware ones.

but what about the ones for sale on gilt right now? anyone have experiences with Armand Diradourian or johnston's cashmere?

 

[CunningSmeagol]

Pratesi also has an outlet at Woodbury, and usually has throws. They're in the $600 range though.