Design 
Quality of Materials 
Value for Money 
Craftsmanship 
Customer Service I’ve always considered cashmere to be an old man’s game.
My mental movie went something like this: after a long and lucrative career in trading stocks, I’d retire to my renovated estate in the hills of Scotland, drink afternoon tea, and be dressed to the nines everyday in fine cashmere as I play fetch with my sheepdogs.
My understanding was that only the old and wealthy had the finances to afford such soft and expensive clothing, so I never bothered to consider adding it to my wardrobe.
That all changed when a friend of mine came into work, looking very comfortable and quite stylish, and said, “Check out this cashmere I just got.”
To my knowledge, he and I made similar salaries, so how the heck was he affording cashmere if I couldn’t?
I asked, and he answered with one word.
“Gobi.”
I took to the internet, and my previous assumption that cashmere was only for the wealthy and tenured was quickly turned on its head.
What Is Gobi Cashmere?
Gobi was founded in 1981 on the premise that cashmere should be comfortable, sustainable, humane, and affordable.
Through the last 40 years they’ve proved that cashmere can be all of these things, and have crafted a simple business model that cuts out the middleman, giving them full control of the production process and lowering costs.
The brand aims to preserve ancient tradition by working in close partnership with nomadic goat herders on the vast steppes of Mongolia to produce exclusively 100% Mongolian cashmere.
This practice also lets Gobi use fair business practices, which means that the herders are paid more and won’t struggle to make a living, and the resulting products cost less.
Gobi is currently working to construct an end-to-end traceability system that ensures ethical practices around their production. When finished, each garment will have data that shows the herd of goats the fabric came from, where the yarn and fabric is produced, and the machines used to manufacture the garment.
These ethical practices also extend to the humane treatment of the goats that provide the base material for cashmere. The Mongolian herders opt to hand-comb the goats, which yields a higher quality product.
In the words of Gobi EU’s CEO, Amarsaikhan Baatarsaikhan, “We can proudly say that we are the only cashmere brand that can trace sourcing, procurement and production phases to one party—Gobi.”
Things to Consider Before Buying
The main consideration with Gobi is your budget.
Their basic, pull-over sweater comes in at $149. If that seems like an absurd amount to pay for a sweater, maybe now isn’t the right time for you to buy cashmere. Many other cashmere companies offer products at comparable prices, or slightly more expensive.
On the other hand, if you’re tired of shelling out over $200 for a basic cashmere garment, Gobi will be a sight for sore eyes, since most of their pieces come in below $200.
The brand also has a wide selection of garment styles. From polo sweaters and cardigans, to joggers and turtlenecks, Gobi has a greater offering of pieces than most competing brands. Most cashmere manufacturers are only set up to produce one type of garment, but Gobi’s factory is designed to produce a large variety of items.
If you love the feel of cashmere and want it in more than just pull-over sweater form, Gobi has lots for you to check out.
Lastly, if you’re passionate about supporting companies that practice sustainable business practices, Gobi is easily the best in the business.
They use humane animal practices, product traceability, and work with nomadic herdsmen to preserve ancient cashmere production traditions.
Gobi brings sustainable business practices and quality craftsmanship to cashmere production. I love how soft and durable their sweaters are, and I’m impressed by the number of styles they have and the fact that they partner with nomadic, Mongolian herdsmen to source their cashmere. I didn’t find their garments to be much more affordable than competing cashmere brands, but their quality justifies their price.
My Hands-On Review
To get a good taste of Gobi’s varied products, I picked up their Basic Crew Neck Sweater, Polo Sweater, Basic Turtle Neck Sweater, and Zip Hoodie.
Shipping starts at $7.90, which is a little expensive, but is done through Priority USPS for a quick delivery time of 1-3 days. These were being shipped to me during my 3-month stint in Paris, so I was particularly excited to try on my cashmere and be enrobed in comfort. I was happy the delivery time wasn’t the typical 5-7 business days.
Within a few days, a sleek package from Gobi was on my doorstep.
Basic Crew Neck Sweater
Gobi’s Basic Crew Neck Sweater checks all my boxes of what a quality sweater should be.
It’s ridiculously soft, lightweight and flexible, yet cozy, and flattering to my frame. This sweater is made with 100% Mongolian cashmere, is single ply, and is cut to have a regular fit.
I like the regular fit here, as it’s not too tight and not too baggy. I’ve had too many sweaters that are “slim cut” and behave like shrink wrap—basically a male corset.
The Basic Crew Neck allows for a variety of wearing options by being regular cut. You can wear it by itself for a slightly baggy, relaxed look, depending on your frame, or over a button-down shirt for a more sleek, formal look.
You can also throw a light turtleneck underneath if you’re looking to hit an old school style from the 90’s that’s making its rounds through popular fashion again.
The neck is round cut, and I like that the width is slightly narrow, which keeps my shirt collars tight together and doesn’t allow you to see the color of the tee I might be wearing underneath.
One of my pet peeves is a shirt collar that’s too wide and stretched out, where it pokes out underneath slightly and ruins the simple, clean look. You won’t have any similar issues with this sweater, especially if you take good care of it.
I’m surprised by how warm this sweater can be, given that it’s so light and thin. I’ve worn this out on the town a few times with a light jacket over top, and have had to take the jacket off every time after I get walking.
Cashmere is well-known to be warmer than wool, however, so I shouldn’t be surprised. Being so warm with such thin fabric feels efficient to me, which always wins points in my book.
Since the fabric is so thin and stretchy, I was curious if hanging it would do damage to the delicate structure and stretch out the fabric. I did some Google scouring, and confirmed my suspicions.
With delicate fabrics like cashmere, don’t use a hanger. The pull of the sweater can stretch out the fabric and ruin the original shape of the garment. This goes for all of the cashmere pieces I got from Gobi, not just the Basic Crew Neck.
One slight inconvenience to a delicate fabric like cashmere is the cleaning process. Most cashmere is too delicate to be thrown in the rough and tumble washing machine, so it’s recommended that you dry clean your garments or hand wash them.
These things aside, I love the Basic Crew Neck Sweater. It fits true to size, is light as a feather and surprisingly warm, and frames my torso well.
This bad boy checks all my boxes of what a quality sweater should be. It’s ridiculously soft, lightweight and flexible, yet cozy, and flattering to my frame. I like the regular fit here, as it’s not too tight and not too baggy.
Polo Sweater
I was pumped when I found the Polo Sweater on Gobi’s website.
I love long-sleeve polos, and finding it in cashmere sweater form sounded almost too good to be true.
This sweater has the same general structure as the Basic Crew Neck Sweater, except for the collar, which has a loose polo construction rather than the traditional round cut.
Depending on the size you order, the Polo Sweater comes with either three or four buttons at the neck, which helps the company to be slightly more sustainable. These buttons have a pretty, mother-of-pearl overlay which I appreciate as a subtle detail.
I ordered a medium, which came with four buttons. I like that these buttons give a few ways to style this sweater. If I wear it with only one or two buttons buttoned, it has a flowy, loose feeling that’s perfect for early fall and spring.
If I opt for three or four buttons buttoned, I’d likely tuck the sweater into my pants for a more sleek, formal look.
The fabric is once again 100% Mongolian cashmere, and is incredibly soft as expected. This sweater does a great job of framing my torso and chest, which I find flattering, and is one of my favorite pieces from Gobi.
The Polo Sweater is perfect for lounging around the house and reading a book in front of the fire, and it’s also great for going out to dinner and drinks. The versatility is awesome, and it’s warmer than it looks.
I had the same experience with the Polo Sweater as I did with the Basic Crew Neck: threw on a light coat over it, walked for a little while, and quickly got too hot.
This feature can work in your favor on a date, however. Put on that light jacket, knowing full well you’ll need to take it off, and then offer your jacket to your date if they’re cold. It’s the little things.
Overall, I love the Polo Sweater. It’s a bit more expensive than the Basic Crew Neck, but the versatility and style is well-worth the extra money to me.
Crafted from luxurious 100% Mongolian cashmere, the Polo Sweater is perfect for lounging around the house and reading a book in front of the fire, and it’s also great for going out to dinner and drinks. The versatility is awesome, and it’s warmer than it looks.
Basic Turtle Neck Sweater
Another favorite piece is the Basic Turtle Neck Sweater. I’m a sucker for turtle necks in the first place, so I’m obviously biased, but Gobi’s iteration of this iconic sweater doesn’t disappoint.
I don’t love all turtle neck sweaters. There are some, similar to the slim fit sweaters I mentioned before, where the raised collar portion around my neck is slightly too tight and feels like a toddler is slowly trying to choke me the entire day. Not pleasant.
A good turtle neck will be close to my neck, but not trying to throttle me. Gobi’s Basic Turtle Neck Sweater strikes this balance perfectly, which I’m sure is due to the cashmere.
Since the fabric is so light and soft, wearing the Basic Turtle Neck feels like wearing a nice sweater and cashmere scarf, with the convenience of being a single garment.
Similar to the Polo Sweater, the Basic Turtle Neck works in a few different settings with ease. In the colder months I’ll wear this during a lazy day around the house, but it can also be paired with dark wash jeans, a light coat, and some Chelsea boots for running errands or casual drinks.
It doesn’t stop there, though.
Pair this bad boy with a pair of chinos and sleek loafers, and you’ve got a quality date night outfit for most formal outings. If it’s really formal and you want to step it up a notch, throw a suit over it for a European, suave look.
The versatility of the Basic Turtle Neck is hard to beat. It’s cut to a regular fit, which puts it in the sweet spot of not being too baggy or too tight.
Like Gobi’s other pieces, it’s incredibly soft and warm, and easy to wear without an undershirt.
Overall, I love the way the Basic Turtle Neck Sweater looks and feels, and it frames my upper body well. This sweater is great for loads of different outfits, and is super soft and warm as well.
One of my favorite picks from Gobi, I love the way the Basic Turtle Neck Sweater looks and feels, and it frames my upper body well. This sweater is great for loads of different outfits, and is super soft and warm as well.
Zip Hoodie
I was slightly surprised to see the Zip Hoodie on Gobi’s best sellers list, but I decided to give it a shot.
I usually associate zip hoodies with tough, thicker fabric that can stand up to some wear and tear, but these aren’t attributes that cashmere is known for.
That said, I think this is a great zip hoodie and my perception of what these garments can be used for has been broadened.
No, you shouldn’t use this zip hoodie for yard work or working out, but it’s a great top layer for casual outfits or around the house. The zipper and hood give the Zip Hoodie a little more weight than the other pieces I got from Gobi, which makes it feel more cozy and snug.
While wearing a cashmere zip hoodie may sound pretentious, it doesn’t look overtly like cashmere. It looks like a normal, light zip hoodie, but it’s super soft and surprisingly warm.
I know, by now I shouldn’t be surprised by how soft cashmere is, but it’s still a nice feeling every time.
My go-to outfit with the Zip Hoodie is jeans and a tee, which is great for running errands or meeting up with friends in a casual setting. Like everything else that’s cashmere, it’s also great for hanging at home with a pair of sweatpants.
The Zip Hoodie is considerably more expensive than Gobi’s other sweaters, which surprised me, but it’s 100% Mongolian cashmere and feels pretty durable, so I think it walks the walk.
Overall, I love how comfortable and warm the Zip Hoodie is as a light jacket. It has a sleek profile and works great as a top layer for casual outfits.
I think this is a great zip hoodie and since owning it, my perception of what these garments can be used for has been broadened. I love how comfortable and warm it is as a light jacket. It has a sleek profile and works great as a top layer for casual outfits.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviews for Gobi are largely positive. Satisfied customers love the quality of the 100% Mongolian cashmere and the variety of styles and colors to choose from. Many positive reviews reported positive experiences with the fit and warmth of Gobi’s garments.
The majority of the negative reviews for Gobi have to do with customer service and returns. Quite a few customers got incorrect orders, and had difficulty returning and getting refunds.
Gobi’s customer service replied directly to many of these complaints, though, and it looks like returns were accepted and refunds given in most cases, it just took longer than some may have liked.
That said, the majority of customers don’t seem to have issues with order fulfillment or returns. I got all the items I ordered in a timely manner.
Gobi Cashmere Alternatives
J.Crew
This storied American clothier is well-known for its classic suits, dress shirts, and premium men’s basics.
J.Crew also has a line of cashmere garments, most of which are sweaters. These sweaters have a wider variety of patterns and colors than Gobi’s offerings, but not as wide a selection of styles.
Their cashmere pieces are similar in price, or slightly less than Gobi’s, but there’s no information about where the cashmere comes from or if it’s pure.
That said, J.Crew is part of the Aid by Trade Foundation, which supports responsible cashmere production.
The classic. Maybe J.Crew was the first place you went for your nice clothes. There's a good reason to make them the next, too.
Banana Republic
Another classic, American clothier, Banana Republic takes a more trendy, slightly rugged approach to its clothing.
They also offer a line of cashmere garments, which has a wide variety of styles, colors, and patterns. These pieces are typically equivalent in price to Gobi’s products, or slightly more expensive.
Banana Republic also has some specialty items that are considerably more expensive, like a Coastal Cashmere Cardigan that costs $450.
I’m impressed by Banana Republic’s cashmere lineup, but like J. Crew, there’s no information on where the cashmere is sourced, or its purity.
Banana Republic has been around forever (that should tell you something right there). In general, guys who are looking to step up their wardrobe and try a variety of different clothes are pleased with Banana Republic.
My Thoughts Overall
What I Like
- The brand has made massive internal efforts to provide traceability to their cashmere production, which helps ensure sustainable business practices through the entire supply chain.
- Gobi works with nomadic, Mongolian herdsmen to source the highest-quality cashmere.
- The brand and the partnering herdsmen practice humane animal treatment, and opt to hand-comb the goats, which yields a better cashmere.
- Their sweaters and sweatshirts fit true to size, are incredibly soft, and are warm.
- They have a wide selection of garment styles, so you can have more than just cashmere sweaters in your wardrobe.
What I Don’t Like
- Their prices aren’t that much cheaper than competing cashmere brands.
Who is Gobi Cashmere for?
Gobi Cashmere is a great choice for any guy who wants to add some luxury sweaters, sweatshirts, joggers, or coats to his wardrobe. The brand prioritizes sustainability and traceability, which makes them a great choice for the environmentally-conscious.
The Verdict
Gobi Cashmere succeeds in offering sustainable, ethical cashmere at prices that won’t make your eyes water.
They have a great selection of styles to build out your cashmere wardrobe, which includes polo sweaters, turtle neck sweaters, joggers, and sweatshirts. These styles come in a wide variety of colors, and each garment is made from 100% Mongolian cashmere.
I love that they partner with nomadic, Mongolian herdsmen to source the finest-quality cashmere possible, and have cut out the middlemen in their business structure to ensure these herdsmen are fairly paid, and the garments are offered at reasonable prices.
Despite claiming to offer affordable prices due to their streamlined production, I didn’t find their garments to be much cheaper than competing cashmere brands. That said, they still have reasonable prices considering the direct sourcing and quality of their products.
If you’re looking for well-made, ethically-sourced, stylish cashmere pieces to refine your wardrobe, I recommend checking out Gobi Cashmere.
Gobi brings sustainable business practices and quality craftsmanship to cashmere production. I love how soft and durable their sweaters are, and I’m impressed by the number of styles they have and the fact that they partner with nomadic, Mongolian herdsmen to source their cashmere. I didn’t find their garments to be much more affordable than competing cashmere brands, but their quality justifies their price.
FAQs
Where is Gobi cashmere made?
Gobi cashmere is made in their factory in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Is Mongolia cashmere good?
Mongolia cashmere is the best in the world because of the cold climate the goats have adapted to. Their fur is tighter, which results in a warmer cashmere.
How should you wash Gobi cashmere?
How you wash your Gobi cashmere depends on the garment. If the item is sewn or woven, like a coat, blazer, blanket, or scarf, you have to dry clean it. For knit garments, like sweaters, pants, and gloves, it’s recommended that you dry clean them, but you can also hand wash these items.
