This Is Fashion’s Most-Wanted Cashmere Jumper—and the World’s Chicest Women Own It

The wool-and-cashmere-blend knit has long been considered something of a gold standard amongst fashion people, and it’s not difficult to see why. With its satisfyingly weighty feel, oversized proportions, ribbed neckline and signature bell sleeves, the Ophelia manages to make something as simple as a jumper feel incredibly luxurious. It’s cosy enough to throw on with jeans for everyday, yet polished enough to tuck into tailored trousers or pair with a midi skirt and ballet flats. Those exaggerated sleeves lend it the kind of effortless elegance that’s surprisingly difficult to replicate, which perhaps explains why you’ll spot some of fashion’s chicest women wearing theirs with everything from denim to skirts, or nonchalantly draped over their shoulders.

Jennifer Lawrence wearing The Row Ophelia jumper The Row.

It comes in an equally considered palette, spanning sleek navy and classic black to soft grey and neutral oyster. And after trying it on myself last year, I can confirm that the hype is deserved. The knit feels rich and substantial without being bulky, and despite its oversized proportions, it falls in that perfectly relaxed way The Row does so well. As a 5’2″ editor, I’m particularly conscious of length when shopping oversized knitwear, but the Ophelia is one of those rare styles that doesn’t swallow my petite frame. Instead, it looks intentionally slouchy, effortless and refined.

If you’re looking for the ultimate investment knit—and want to understand why some of the world’s most stylish women keep coming back to it—keep scrolling to shop the Ophelia jumper.

If I were investing in one colour, grey would be hard to beat.

Navy knitwear always feels inherently polished.

Unsurprisingly, the Ophelia looks impossibly chic in black.

Take a break from your darker winter palette with this soft sand knit.

If it’s the Ophelia’s relaxed proportions you love, COS offers a very chic high street alternative.

Reformation’s Cove has that same nonchalantly oversized feel I love about the Ophelia.

The pure-wool counterpart to COS’s cashmere style, this is a great option if you want the same sculptural silhouette for less.

Massimo Dutti is another brand I regularly rely on for expensive-looking knitwear.

If you love the Ophelia but want something a little different, allow me to introduce Pato.

M&S cashmere has earned cult status for good reason. This classic crew neck might be considerably simpler than the Ophelia, but its quality and longevity speaks for itself.

Another lesson in exceptional knitwear from The Row.

Never overlook Uniqlo when searching for beautifully simple knitwear.

Marina Avraam Senior Shopping Editor Marina Avraam is Senior Shopping Editor at Who What Wear UK, where she expertly navigates Zara, H&M, Toteme and Net-a-Porter (to name but a few) on a daily basis to unearth the most worthwhile pieces, while valiantly resisting the urge to add every single one to her basket. At Who What Wear, Marina is committed to curating a shopping experience that feels both aspirational and intentional, guiding readers to items—both affordable and investment—that will genuinely benefit their wardrobes.