Naadam’s $98 vs Our $155 Cashmere Sweater
We’re often asked how our $155 Himalayan cashmere compares to the widely known $98 “Original” cashmere sweater. Both are 100% cashmere. Below is a straightforward look at price, material specs, construction, policies, sourcing, and impact—so you can choose what fits your values and wardrobe.
Quick comparison (at a glance)
Material facts (what the numbers mean)
- Microns = fineness. Lower micron = finer fibers and typically a softer hand. Independent guides generally describe <16 µm as “premium/very fine.”
- Context for this comparison:
Micron specs are one part of quality; yarn length, twist, and knit density also affect softness, durability, and pilling. Independent buyer guides commonly cite ~34–36 mm staple length and fine microns as hallmarks of top-tier cashmere.
How each is made
$98 cashmere sweater (NAADAM “Original”)
- 100% Mongolian cashmere; machine-knit; broad color runs and consistent seasonal availability.
- Manufacturing location is widely reported as China in independent reviews. (Third-party report.) Eva Darling
$155 cashmere sweater (Yes Helping Hand)
- Hand-crafted in Nepal by trained artisans; small-batch production with close attention to finishing.
- Our pieces are part of a social enterprise: 180+ artisans trained/employed since 2011.
Policies & logistics (clear and simple)
$98 sweater (NAADAM)
- Refund to original payment: online returns incur a $12.75 fee (exceptions for damaged/incorrect).
- Exchanges/store credit: no fee. Final-sale items not returnable; some products marked “exchange only.”
$155 sweater (YHH)
- Exchange-only policy (no returns). International exchanges: contact within 24 h of receipt; return within 15 days. Nepal domestic: 7 days. Our team helps make this smooth.
Which option suits you? (choose by what you value)
Choose the $98 machine-knit option if you prefer:
- The most widely available under-$100 100% cashmere crew with many color choices and quick availability.
- An exchange pathway (no fee) with a known $12.75 fee only when returning for a refund online.
Choose the $155 YHH hand-crafted option if you prefer:
- Hand-crafted Himalayan cashmere with small-batch attention to detail and artisan finishes.
- A purchase that directly supports a social mission—skills training and employment for 180+ artisans in Nepal.
- Brand education on fiber fineness (~12–16 µm) and warmth (our “up to 8× warmer than wool” explainer). (Brand claims, with context.)
A note on warmth & care
- Warmth: Cashmere is naturally insulating for its weight. Multipliers (like “up to 8× warmer than wool”) are brand claims, and real-world warmth also depends on yarn, gauge, and fabric weight. Compare the knit density and feel in person when possible.
- Care: Both options recommend gentle care. We publish practical hand-wash and storage guides to help your sweater last.
Checked: Prices & policies verified September 8, 2025 (Asia/Kathmandu).
Note: The above comparison is based solely on publicly available data from brand websites, customer reviews on verified platforms (Trustpilot, Cheryl Shops), independent product testing reviews (Eva Darling, Cotton Cashmere), and official policy documents.
All information respects trade rules and labeling requirements under the U.S. Wool Products Labeling Act and avoids proprietary claims. No fabricated or unverified data is included.
