Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men vs Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men: which one should you buy?

Where they differ

The Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men wins on baby cashmere crewneck. The Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men answers with Scottish cashmere crewneck. Yarn: Baby cashmere on the Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men, 2-ply cashmere on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men. Weight: Light on the Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men, Medium on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men. Fit: Regular on the Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men, Regular on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men. Made in: Italy on the Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men, Scotland on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men.

Reasons to buy the Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men

Exceptional. What to accept: very pricey. Usual price: $1,800–$2,400. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men review.

Reasons to buy the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men

Excellent value, Durable. What to accept: plain. Usual price: $400–$550. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best men’s cashmere knitwear has every other piece with its own call. Ply: 2-ply and heavier knits last longer and keep shape; very thin single-ply cashmere pills fast.

Also consider the Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Roll Neck ($1,800–$2,500): cashmere roll neck. Buy it if you want refined knitwear.

Also consider the John Smedley Merino Crew ($250–$320): sea Island-style fine merino crew. Buy it if you want fine knitwear that lasts.

Buyer tip

Buy in the January sales: knitwear is discounted heavily and classic colors (navy, gray, camel) are always there.

Buying in Europe: Italian tailoring uses chest sizes such as IT 48 or 50 (about a US 38 or 40), while knitwear and outerwear use S–XL or IT sizes depending on the house. A European tailor can adjust sleeves and hems on any jacket.

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.