Cashmere Tops & Lightweight Knitwear

Crafted from 100% Mongolian cashmere, these are the lightest pieces in the Onika Knitwear collection. Tops, polo shirts, and fine-knit sweaters and shawls designed for warm weather, travel, and the variable conditions of a European summer - cool mornings, air-conditioned interiors, and evenings where the temperature drops faster than expected.

The Cashmere Tops & Lightweight Knitwear Collection

The Cashmere Polo Shirt
A refined alternative to the conventional summer polo. Fine-gauge Mongolian cashmere gives the polo shirt its structure without stiffness - it holds a collar, maintains a clean silhouette, and sits against the skin with none of the friction or static that synthetic and blended fabrics produce in heat. Available in four colours, it moves effortlessly from morning to evening, from casual to considered. The answer to the question "what are you wearing?" that summer dressing rarely provides.
The Cashmere T-Shirt
The simplest piece and often the most versatile. A cashmere t-shirt worn in summer looks and moves unlike anything else at this weight - because fine cashmere at a light gauge has a drape and softness that cotton cannot replicate. Worn tucked into tailored trousers or loosely with linen trousers, it is the foundation of a summer wardrobe built around quality rather than volume.
Lightweight Cashmere Sweaters
Fine-knit cashmere sweaters designed to be worn lightly - over a silk top on a cool morning, draped over the shoulders on a summer evening, or packed into a bag for a journey where temperatures will vary unpredictably. A single lightweight cashmere sweater replaces the cardigan, the jacket, and the "just in case" layer - and does all three jobs with more elegance than any of them individually.

Materials & Craft

100% Mongolian Cashmere
Our cashmere originates from Mongolia - where winters reach minus 40°C and the Cashmere goat develops an undercoat of exceptional fineness in response to the extreme climate. It is that specific combination of altitude, cold, and the resilience of Mongolian herding communities that produces fibres unlike those from any other region.
Every piece in this collection is made from 100% Mongolian cashmere, selected for fibre diameter, staple length, and softness before a single yarn is spun.
The lightweight constructions in this collection are developed in collaboration with specialist cashmere artisans, with a focus on responsible sourcing from Mongolian herding communities and long-term quality over volume production.

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FAQ

Is cashmere good for summer?

Yes - fine-gauge cashmere is one of the most comfortable warm-weather fabrics available for mild to warm conditions. The Cashmere goat developed its undercoat to survive temperature swings of 40°C or more on the Mongolian plateau, which gives the fibre natural thermal adaptability. At a light gauge, cashmere does not trap heat the way a heavier knit would - it breathes, moves with the body, and stays comfortable across the variable temperatures that define a European summer. For extreme heat and high humidity, lighter fibres such as linen will feel more comfortable. For everything else - cool mornings, air-conditioned interiors, travel, and summer evenings - fine cashmere is an exceptional choice.

Can you wear a cashmere polo shirt in summer?

Yes. A fine-gauge cashmere polo shirt is specifically suited to warm-weather wear. The natural breathability of Mongolian cashmere means it does not cling or retain heat the way synthetic polo shirts do. The soft hand-feel makes it comfortable against bare skin without friction. It provides a level of refinement that cotton piqué rarely achieves - particularly in the evening when the temperature drops and a purely cotton piece feels insufficient.

What is the difference between summer cashmere and winter cashmere?

The fibre is the same - 100% Mongolian cashmere. What changes is the gauge and construction of the knit. Summer cashmere pieces are knitted at a finer, lighter gauge that allows more air circulation and produces a fabric weight appropriate for warm weather. Winter cashmere pieces use a heavier gauge and denser construction for maximum insulation. The quality of the underlying fibre determines how both perform over time.

How do I care for lightweight cashmere in summer?

Lightweight cashmere requires the same gentle care as heavier pieces - hand washing in cold or lukewarm water with a mild cashmere detergent, laying flat to dry away from direct sunlight, and storing folded rather than hung. The good news: summer cashmere pieces worn lightly and aired after each wear need washing less frequently than winter knitwear worn close to the skin in the cold. For full care instructions, see our Care Guide.

How many times can I wear cashmere before washing it?

The golden rule with cashmere is: air it often, wash it rarely. For summer tops worn over other layers or for a few hours, airing the piece flat for 30 minutes after wear is often sufficient. For pieces worn directly against the skin all day, washing after three to five wears is appropriate. Over-washing is one of the most common causes of premature wear in cashmere - each wash, however gentle, introduces friction to the fibres. The less frequently you need to wash while keeping the piece fresh, the longer it will last.