Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men vs Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cashmere Cable: which one should you buy?

Where they differ

The Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men wins on Scottish cashmere crewneck. The Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cashmere Cable answers with cable-knit cashmere. Yarn: 2-ply cashmere on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men, Cashmere on the Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cashmere Cable. Weight: Medium on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men, Heavy on the Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cashmere Cable. Fit: Regular on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men, Regular on the Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cashmere Cable. Made in: Scotland on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men, Italy on the Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cashmere Cable.

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.

Reasons to buy the Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cashmere Cable

Classic. What to accept: pricey. Usual price: $1,200–$1,600. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cashmere Cable 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 Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men ($1,800–$2,400): baby cashmere crewneck. Buy it if you want the softest cashmere.

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

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.