NAADAM Cashmere Review: Sustainable Luxury from Mongolia to Your Closet
When it comes to cashmere, NAADAM is a brand that is shaking up the industry and making waves with its commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and incredibly high-quality products. Founded by friends Matt Scanlan and Diederik Rijsemus in 2013 after a life-changing trip to Mongolia, NAADAM has a unique origin story and mission that sets it apart from other luxury cashmere brands on the market.
In this comprehensive NAADAM cashmere review, we‘ll take a close look at the brand‘s background, best-selling products, customer feedback, and more to help you decide if their cashmere goods are worth the investment. Does NAADAM live up to the hype? Let‘s find out.
About NAADAM: From the Gobi Desert to the Fashion Capital
The story of NAADAM begins in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, where co-founders Matt and Diederik met with goat herders and discovered the concerning reality behind the cashmere trade. These herders were being shortchanged by traders and not receiving fair compensation for their valuable cashmere wool. Matt and Diederik decided to do something about it.
By working directly with Mongolian herders and cutting out the middleman, NAADAM is able to pay 50% more than traditional traders, supporting the livelihoods of these nomadic people. They also invest in veterinary care for the goats and breeding programs to ensure the health of the animals and future of the industry.
From there, the materials are sent to family-run factories in Mongolia, China, and Italy to be turned into the luxurious cashmere garments NAADAM is known for. The entire supply chain is traceable and transparent.
With a name that means "festival" in Mongolian, NAADAM celebrates the joy and adventure of sustainable fashion. The company is based in New York City, where it has gained major fans like Karlie Kloss and Leonardo DiCaprio, and has been featured in Forbes, Vogue, InStyle and more.
NAADAM‘s Sustainable and Ethical Practices
In addition to paying herders fairly and providing veterinary care for cashmere goats, NAADAM is serious about its commitment to sustainability and ethics at every stage of production.
The brand uses 100% clean energy in its offices and retail stores, and has set an ambitious goal of being completely carbon neutral by 2025. NAADAM uses non-toxic and eco-friendly dyes for its garments, as well as recycled and organic materials in its packaging.
As a member of the Fair Labor Association, NAADAM ensures that all of its factories and production partners maintain safe and ethical working conditions. The company regularly visits and audits its facilities to monitor compliance.
Animal welfare is also a top priority. NAADAM‘s cashmere comes exclusively from Zalaa Jinst white goats that roam freely in the Mongolian countryside. The brand has close relationships with its herders and works with them to improve their livelihoods while ensuring the wellbeing of their animals.
By 2030, NAADAM plans to use only recycled cashmere in its collections, significantly reducing its environmental impact. Fashion with respect for people, animals and the planet – that‘s the NAADAM way.
Quality & Construction: What Makes NAADAM Cashmere Special
So what exactly is the deal with NAADAM cashmere? Why does the brand claim to offer the "world‘s fairest cashmere" and "the best 100 bucks you‘ll ever spend"? It all comes down to the quality of the material and construction of the garments.
NAADAM specializes in Grade-A cashmere from Mongolia, which is considered the highest quality in the world. Cashmere fibers are incredibly fine, soft, and strong – but not all cashmere is created equal.
At 15.5 microns, NAADAM‘s cashmere fibers are finer and longer than traditional cashmere, which results in stronger and more pill-resistant sweaters. The brand uses a unique 3-ply construction method, which means the yarns are twisted together tightly to prevent pilling and increase durability.
Most of NAADAM‘s pieces are made from 100% pure cashmere, but some also incorporate silk, merino wool, or stretch fibers for added texture and performance. Everything is exquisitely soft with a lush, cozy feel you‘ll want to wrap up in all winter long.
While definitely a luxury, NAADAM actually offers its cashmere at prices as much as 50% less than traditional retailers. By controlling their supply chain and materials, they can cut out excessive markups to make this premium product attainable.
When you slip on a NAADAM piece, you can immediately feel the difference. These are substantial, well-made garments that are built to last season after season. From classic crewneck sweaters to on-trend puffer jackets, NAADAM cashmere is something special.
Best-Selling NAADAM Products for Women & Men
Now that you know what makes NAADAM stand out, let‘s take a look at some of the brand‘s most popular pieces that customers rave about. Whether you‘re shopping for yourself or looking for a gorgeous gift, these cozy cashmere essentials are sure to impress.
FOR WOMEN
The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater: The sweater that started it all. For just $75, treat yourself to this classic and ultra-versatile crewneck made from heavenly soft cashmere. Available in a rainbow of perfect shades and cuts for every body type. Once you try it, you‘ll wonder how you ever survived winter without it.
The Cashmere Rib Oversized Turtleneck: Meet the turtleneck of your dreams. Subtly oversized with a relaxed fit and toasty ribbed fabric, this sweater is like a warm hug every time you put it on. Dress it up with slacks for work or pair it with leggings for the ultimate cozy day off outfit.
The Cashmere Cropped Hoodie: Whoever said hoodies can‘t be luxurious clearly hasn‘t met The Cashmere Cropped Hoodie. This cool and modern take on a lounge essential features a slightly cropped silhouette, generous hood, and NAADAM‘s signature soft cashmere. The perfect layering piece for casual days or post-yoga coziness.
Café Leggings: While not made from cashmere, NAADAM‘s Café Leggings deserve an honorable mention on this best-seller list. Crafted from soft and sustainable TENCEL™ Lyocell fabric, these leggings smooth and sculpt in all the right places for a put-together look. Dress them up with a cashmere sweater and boots or wear them on their own for pilates class.
FOR MEN
The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater: Guys need a great go-to sweater too. NAADAM‘s budget-friendly version for men offers the same 100% Mongolia cashmere and quality construction as the women‘s counterpart. An elevated basic you‘ll reach for again and again.
The Cashmere Hoodie: A cold-weather staple that every man needs in his closet. NAADAM‘s cashmere hoodie is effortlessly cool with a modern slim fit, rib cuffs and waistband, and heavyweight fabric. Choose from a range of handsome neutrals that pair perfectly with jeans, joggers, and more.
The Boyfriend Cashmere Crew: Inspired by classic menswear, this slightly oversized sweater is a chic and comfortable choice for the woman who likes to borrow from the boys. With raglan sleeves and a longer length, it‘s the ultimate in effortless style.
The Recycled Cashmere Sweatpant: For the eco-conscious man on the go, these ultra-comfy sweatpants are made from both recycled and virgin cashmere for a feel-good, look-good moment. With a slim fit, convenient pockets and elastic waist and cuffs, they‘re the perfect balance of put-together and laidback.
What Customers Are Saying About NAADAM Cashmere
NAADAM has earned some serious street cred amongst fashion editors, celebrities, and everyday shoppers alike. Take a look at what customers are loving about the brand:
"I bought The Essential Cashmere Sweater in both black and camel and wow – these are the only sweaters I need for fall and winter. The quality is unreal for the price and they‘re so soft and comfortable." – Sarah P.
"I was a little hesitant to spend so much on the Cashmere Rib Oversized Turtleneck but it was so worth it! I love how it‘s roomy without being sloppy and the cashmere has held up beautifully after multiple washes." – Jenna S.
"The Recycled Cashmere Sweatpants are my new weekend uniform. They‘re super soft and I love that they‘re made with sustainable materials. I‘ll definitely be buying more NAADAM!" – Mike R.
"I gifted my mom a NAADAM scarf and beanie set for the holidays and she adores them! The cashmere is incredibly soft and luxurious. I might have to get a set for myself now." – Rachel M.
Overall, customers appreciate NAADAM‘s superior cashmere quality, modern designs, and transparent sustainability practices. While the prices are definitely an investment, many shoppers say the pieces are well worth it and will be wardrobe staples for years to come.
Shipping, Returns and More: What to Know Before You Buy
Ready to treat yourself or someone special to NAADAM cashmere? Here are a few more things to know before you checkout:
Pricing: Individual women‘s and men‘s sweaters start around $75 for the Essential Cashmere Crew and go up to around $345 for specialty items like puffer jackets. Sets and bundles are also available.
Sizing: NAADAM‘s pieces tend to run true to size, but some items like the Boyfriend Sweater are meant to have a looser, oversized fit. Check the product description and size guide before ordering.
Shipping: Shipping is free on all U.S. orders over $150 or a flat rate of $10 for smaller orders. The brand also offers worldwide shipping starting at $25.
Returns: If you‘re not satisfied with your purchase, NAADAM accepts returns within 30 days for a full refund (minus a $10 return shipping fee if applicable). Items must be in new and unworn condition with tags attached. The brand also offers free size exchanges.
Promotions: NAADAM occasionally offers discounts and promotions, especially around major holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can also get 10% off your first order by signing up for the brand‘s email newsletter.
Final Thoughts: Is NAADAM Worth the Splurge?
For sustainably made, ultra-luxe cashmere basics that will keep you looking chic and feeling cozy all season long, NAADAM gets our emphatic seal of approval.
The brand‘s transparent and ethical production practices, high-quality Mongolian cashmere, and timeless designs make each piece a worthwhile investment that you can feel good about wearing. While the prices are higher than your typical mall brand cashmere, NAADAM‘s direct-to-consumer model keeps costs down compared to other luxury labels.
If you‘re looking to build a capsule wardrobe of elevated essentials or simply want to treat yourself to a little everyday luxury, NAADAM cashmere is the way to go. These pieces are sure to become cherished staples you‘ll reach for year after year.
Have you tried NAADAM cashmere? What are your thoughts on the brand and its mission? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out our other fashion reviews and guides for more style inspiration.
