Cashmere is one of those categories where photos can lie and product names can mislead. On the CNFans Spreadsheet, you’ll see plenty of listings labeled “cashmere,” “wool cashmere,” or “premium knit,” yet the actual garment might be a thin blend, loosely knitted, or finished with shortcuts that show up after two wears. The good news: knitwear leaves clues. With a little method, you can use the spreadsheet to narrow down the most promising cashmere sweaters and knitwear before you ever place an order.

Start With a Cashmere Reality Check

Before you filter anything, set expectations. “100% cashmere” is a claim, not proof. Many affordable options are cashmere blends (cashmere + wool, or cashmere + viscose/nylon) that still feel soft and wear well. In fact, a small percentage of nylon can improve durability and shape retention. Your goal isn’t to chase a label; it’s to find knitwear that looks consistent, feels good, and holds up.

How to Navigate the CNFans Spreadsheet for Knitwear

Use keywords that sellers actually use

Spreadsheet entries can vary by naming style. Try multiple searches to catch more listings:

• “cashmere” and “羊绒” (cashmere in Chinese)
• “wool,” “merino,” “羊毛” (wool)
• “knit,” “针织” (knitted)
• “cardigan,” “zip knit,” “half zip,” “turtleneck,” “crewneck”
• “14gg / 12gg / 7gg” (gauge references sometimes appear)

Filter by items with consistent documentation

Quality knitwear listings often have more supporting info: multiple photos, size charts, close-ups of cuffs/hem, and sometimes material breakdown. When the spreadsheet links to a product page, prioritize entries that don’t rely on a single glamor shot.

What “Quality” Looks Like in Cashmere Sweaters (Even From Photos)

1) Knit density and stitch clarity

One of the best tells is density. Look for stitches that appear even and tight rather than airy and stretched. If you can “see through” the knit in product photos, it may be overly thin or loosely knit. High-quality cashmere can be lightweight, but it should still look uniform with clean stitch definition.

• Good sign: consistent stitch size across body and sleeves
• Risk sign: visible gaps, uneven panels, or distortion around seams

2) Ribbing that looks firm, not floppy

Cuffs, hem, and collar ribbing are stress points. In QC photos, ribbing should look structured and slightly springy, not wavy. If ribbing appears stretched before the sweater is even worn, it often means weak elastic recovery or poor tension control during knitting.

3) Clean seams and matched panels

Many sweaters are made from knitted panels sewn together. Check whether side seams align neatly and whether sleeve joins look tidy. Misaligned seams or puckering can indicate rushed assembly.

4) Hairiness (halo) in moderation

Cashmere naturally has a soft “halo,” but excessive fuzz in new-product photos can suggest fibers that may pill quickly. A balanced halo is ideal: soft, plush, but not so fluffy that it looks like it will shed.

Reading Material Claims Without Getting Burned

Understand the common label language

On listings linked through the spreadsheet, you’ll commonly see terms like:

• 100% cashmere: best-case scenario, but verify with QC texture and seller reputation
• Cashmere blend: often more durable; assess softness and drape
• Wool/cashmere: usually warmer and slightly less soft; can be excellent for structure
• “Soft knit” with no fiber content: highest risk; treat as unknown

Prioritize listings with fiber composition and weight

If the product page includes composition percentages or sweater weight (in grams), that’s a strong sign the seller expects scrutiny. Weight isn’t everything, but it helps you compare options. A very light “cashmere” sweater may be fine for layering, but it’s more likely to be delicate and pill-prone.

QC Photo Checklist for Cashmere and Knitwear

When you request QC or review posted QC images, use this checklist:

• Collar shape: should be symmetrical, not twisted
• Ribbing rebound: cuffs/hem should look firm and even
• Panel alignment: seams straight; pattern/texture lines up
• Color consistency: no strange fading patches (can indicate dye issues)
• Surface texture: moderate halo is fine; heavy fuzz may pill
• Care tags: presence of tags suggests a more finished product; missing tags can be a red flag

Fit Strategy: Cashmere Looks Best When Fit Is Intentional

Cashmere drapes differently than cotton sweatshirts or heavy wool knits. To avoid disappointment, decide your fit goal first and then shop the spreadsheet accordingly:

• Classic fit: look for shoulder seams that sit near the shoulder edge and sleeves that taper gently
• Relaxed fit: prioritize sweaters with wider ribbing and slightly dropped shoulders (intentional drop, not sloppy)
• Layering knit: thinner gauge, tighter knit, minimal halo, and a cleaner neckline

Always cross-check the size chart with a sweater you already own. Knitwear can vary wildly by brand and batch, and “one size up” advice is often unreliable without measurements.

Seller Signals That Often Correlate With Better Knitwear

CNFans Spreadsheet entries can point you toward sellers who treat knitwear seriously. While no signal is perfect, the following tend to correlate with better outcomes:

• Multiple colorways and repeat runs: suggests stable production rather than a one-off batch
• Detailed product pages: size charts, fiber content, close-ups, and care notes
• Consistent QC across buyers: similar stitching and texture from order to order
• Clear photos of ribbing and neckline: indicates confidence in construction

A Simple Shortlist Method (So You Don’t Spiral)

Cashmere shopping can turn into endless comparisons. Use this quick method to keep it efficient:

• Step 1: From the spreadsheet, pick 8–12 listings that show clear knit close-ups.
• Step 2: Eliminate anything with vague fiber info and thin/see-through photos.
• Step 3: Keep 3–5 finalists and compare ribbing, seam neatness, and neckline shape.
• Step 4: Order one “test” sweater first before committing to multiple colors.

Final Thoughts: Shop the Knit, Not the Keyword

The CNFans Spreadsheet is powerful because it gives you options, but the best cashmere sweater isn’t always the one shouting “100% cashmere” the loudest. Focus on knit density, ribbing structure, clean seams, and credible seller documentation. With a QC-first mindset and a fit plan, you’ll consistently land knitwear that looks refined, feels comfortable, and wears like a staple rather than a gamble.