Last year, I tried on a puff sleeve sweater from Nordstrom and fell in love with the silhouette. It was thin, yet warm, elegant and easy to wear. But, as I wrote in a review, I returned it. Why? Because it was half acrylic and I’m really trying to avoid synthetic fibers — which are made out of fossil fuels — whenever possible. At the end of the review I wrote, “Fall is coming, so I’m sure other brands will make puff sleeve sweaters too. Pssst, Everlane. I have an idea for you!”

And what do you know? This fall, Everlane came out with a puff sleeve sweater — the Cashmere Lantern Sweater. Now, I don’t know if Everlane reads my little blog, so I can’t claim credit. But, hey, can we at least agree that great minds think alike?

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The Cashmere Lantern Sweater – $120

I was happy to see it on the website. It comes in six colors: black, heather gray, rose pink, brass, indigo donegal, and rust (the lovely orange-red color above). I ordered one in brass to try on even though I had my doubts. From past experience, I knew that Everlane cashmere is too prickly for my sensitive skin.

Here’s a size S on a 5’9″ model.

And here’s the brass color, in a size S, on 5′ 4″ me.

Cashmere Lantern Sweater // Uniqlo Jeans [ethical option] // Blondo Ankle Boots

I’m a size 4 and usually wear an XS in Everlane tops because they tend to have relaxed fits. But reading the size guide, I realized I should order the Cashmere Lantern Sweater in S and indeed it’s the right size. The sleeves are a little longer on me than on the model because I’m petite. But I still find it petite friendly because the cuffs are banded. You can easily scoot the sleeves up and they’ll stay in place, more or less.

Styling this is easy because it’s so effortlessly elegant. Since the balloon sleeves convey a bit of drama, I like to keep the rest of the outfit simple. The sweater looks good with slim pants and I especially like it tucked into a pencil skirt.

Cashmere Lantern Sweater // Banana Republic Pencil Skirt [ethical option] // Eileen Fisher Pumps [similar]

The weight of the sweater is on the lighter side. It’s thin enough to tuck into pants or skirts without bulk. It’s also warm and cozy. I love everything about this sweater except the scratchiness. It’s a slow-developing irritation that seems manageable at first, but bothers me more over time. Though I want to keep this sweater, I know I have to take it back.

Pssst, Everlane. I have an idea for you. Make a version of this sweater in a fine cotton knit!

I don’t know what it is about Everlane cashmere that makes it prickly for me. Other cashmere items from some other brands don’t bother me, though plenty also do. Does it have to do with how the cashmere is processed or how thick the fibers are? Apparently, thinner fibers make for a higher grade and more soothing garments. (Everlane cashmere is grade A, so it’s already rated the highest.)

I’m curious about Everlane’s ReCashmere line, where they turn old sweaters into new garments like this crewneck sweater or this relaxed stroopwafel sweater that has slightly puffy sleeves. Would these sweaters made from recycled cashmere and blended with merino wool work better for me? Or would they feel even worse? (UPDATE: I tried on some ReCashmere sweaters.)

There are other ethical brands making cashmere sweaters like Cuyana, Naadam, Grana, and Mott & Bow. I wonder how they compare. (Have you tried these brands? Let me know in the comments.) Of course, there’s always thrifting. The one cashmere sweater I’ve had success with I thrifted from a Goodwill.

By the way, for those of you who don’t have a problem with Everlane cashmere, there’s a promotion going on now! For 365 hours, from 11/3 at Midnight PST through Tuesday, 11/5 at Noon PST Everlane is discounting nine different cashmere styles for women and men by $20 to $40. Basically, they’re on sale for $100. This lantern sweater is included.

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