These Cashmere Perfumes Are the Epitome of Quiet Luxury, According to Fragrance Experts

Gentle and enveloping, this aptly-named fragrance combines musky cashmeran with bergamot, black pepper, and white amber for a your-skin-but-better effect. It’s one of those elusive perfumes that’s difficult to put your finger on—all you know is that it smells incredible. But if you’re seeking something stronger, it’s also available as an extrait de parfum.

Key Notes: Cashmeran, bergamot, black pepper, white amber

Size: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

An ELLE editor says: “As soon as I smelled this, I knew I would be reaching for it all year long. It’s one of the most cashmeran-forward scents I tested, giving it a delightful fuzzy quality. If you dislike fragrances that smell too ‘perfume-y’, this is absolutely worth a sniff.” —Lauren Gruber, associate commerce editor

The original “quiet luxury” perfume, Donna Karan’s Cashmere Mist is a signature scent-worthy fragrance that spans generations—after all, it’s been around since 1994. Come for the sculptural bottle, stay for the timeless blend of jasmine, lily of the valley, and sandalwood.

Key Notes: Lily of the valley, jasmine, sandalwood, cashmere woods

Size: 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

An Ulta reviewer says: “Has been mine and my mom’s signature scent for decades. It’s not overpowering and literally everyone compliments it. Fresh and floral with a warm overtone—clean and comforting.”

“Gourmands have been incredibly popular lately, and I wanted to reimagine a gourmand scent that is softer, more intimate, and truly wearable,” says Lim about Cashmere Skin, a follow-up to the viral (and editor-approved) Vanilla Skin body mist. “The creamy almond and touch of vanilla give it that addictive gourmand warmth, while the skin musk and woody santal base keep it grounded and close to the body.”

Key Notes: Almond, cashmere, vanilla, santal, ambrette, peru balsam

Size: 3.0 oz

An ELLE editor says: “I’m extremely picky about gourmands—I find many too sweet or heavy—but this one is anything but cloying. The cashmere gives it an airiness, which plays nicely with the almond and santal. And like other Phlur body mists, it impressed me with its longevity.”—Lauren Gruber, associate commerce editor

In a word, this perfume just smells sparkly. It’s an elevated take on a fruity floral, marrying quince and mandarin orange with jasmine and orange blossom. Supporting notes of black pepper and ginger pack a punch, adding to its effervescent quality. Make this your go-to for special occasions like black-tie weddings and holiday parties, and wait for the compliments to roll in.

Key Notes: Ginger, quince, mandarin orange, jasmine, orange blossom, cashmeran, black pepper

Size: 3.4 oz

A Bluemercury reviewer says: “I’ve never been a huge white floral fan, but that’s changed. When it’s done right, it’s addictive, and Pas Ce Soir is exactly that. Absolutely signature scent-worthy.”

Ode to Dullness is meant to romanticize the beauty in the mundane—such as the ritual of spritzing on a perfume each morning. Tonka bean, sandalwood, and a hint of warm, spicy star anise make this scent ideal for chilly winter days.

Key Notes: Star anise, freesia, tonka bean, cashmeran, sandalwood

Size: 1.7 oz

A Sephora reviewer says: “This smells like you’re cuddling up on the couch with a freshly washed blanket that’s still warm from the dryer while wearing a cashmere sweater. I need this fragrance in a laundry detergent, it is cozy in a bottle.”

Sur Tes Lèvres is inspired by the irresistible sensation of a life-altering first kiss, pairing delicate iris and jasmine with cashmeran and pink pepper. The perfume equivalent of wearing lacy lingerie beneath an oversized sweater, this scent is sensual yet discreet.

Key Notes: Iris, pink pepper, ambrette, jasmine, cashmeran, ambroxan

Size: 1.7 oz

An ELLE editor says: “I adore an iris note, and here, its buttery, almost vegetal aroma is the perfect complement to cashmeran. Spritzing it on makes me feel instantly put-together—think of it as Glossier You’s rich aunt that spends her weekends jetting off to Paris with her lover.”—Lauren Gruber, associate commerce editor

If you’re in search of a niche cold-weather scent that’s comforting and indulgent, consider this under-the-radar pick from indie fragrance house Gabar. With notes of cherry, apple, black tea, and sandalwood, it smells like tucking into a steaming mug of tea and a pastry on a rainy evening. There’s no wonder why it’s always selling out.

Key Notes: Black tea, orange blossom, cherry, apple, cashmere wood, sandalwood

Size: 1.7 oz

An ELLE editor says: “This is one of the most interesting scents in my collection, and I find something new to love about it each time. It’s sweet, smoky, and musky—and even though it’s not listed, I detect a hint of creamy coconut.”—Lauren Gruber, associate commerce editor

An homage to the island of Sicily, a spritz of Naxos is truly transportative. It starts off slightly sharp, with zesty lemon and bergamot at the top, before revealing aromatic notes of lavender and cinnamon. Hours later, it settles into a smooth-as-silk honeyed tobacco, offering a balanced scent profile that’s rich without being too heavy.

Key Notes: Lemon, bergamot, lavender, cinnamon, cashmere, honey, tobacco

Sizes: 3.4 oz

An ELLE editor says: “I’m not exaggerating when I say this perfume altered my brain chemistry. It’s beautifully blended, with an impressive sillage that will have you fielding compliments all day long. Plus, the packaging makes it worth the splurge, in my opinion.” —Lauren Gruber, associate commerce editor

Vanilla and cashmere notes are a natural pairing, and Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere is a shining example. Also one of our favorite lactonic perfumes, this popular fragrance brightens cashmere wood and vanilla bean with tangerine and heliotrope for a cozy, crowd-pleasing scent.

Key Notes: Vanilla, heliotrope, tonka bean, tangerine, musk, cashmere, orchid

Size: 2.0 oz

An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve been using this scent for about three years. It’s soft and sweet—just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. It lingers beautifully on my clothes.”

The secret to making gourmand scents still feel elegant? A touch of cashmere. Esplendor from Granado, a Brazilian fragrance house, is sweet yet sophisticated with prominent notes of rose, peony, and vanilla. Resinous ambers and cashmeran round out the base, giving it a lingering scent trail that lasts all day and night.

Key Notes: Rose, peony, lily of the valley, vanilla, amber, cashmeran

Size: 2.54 fl oz

An ELLE editor says: “This scent feels like a grown-up version of Victoria’s Secret body sprays, in the absolute best way. It’s sexy yet playful, and has an addictive quality that keeps me sniffing my wrist all day to catch another whiff.”—Lauren Gruber, associate commerce editor

Blending white musk and mimosa flower with unexpected notes like toasted sesame and steamed rice accord, this slightly savory take on cashmeran is unique yet wearable. It’s on the subtle side with an intimate sillage, making it a safe pick for almost every occasion.

Key Notes: White musk, steamed rice accord, toasted sesame, mimosa, blonde woods

Size: 1.7 fl oz, 3.4 fl oz

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is such a lovely understated fragrance! Great to wear anytime, with anything, and could be a signature scent. Sweet, smooth, light and clean mimosa with a sweet nutty creamy steamed rice that is slightly vanillic. One of the best fragrances for an effortless vibe.”

If you want to smell intoxicating on your next date night, reach for this sultry, spicy fragrance. Its top notes are tart, juicy black plum and cassis, but the real magic is in the dry-down; layers of pistachio, incense, and amber swirl together for a bold, unforgettable scent.

Key Notes: Cassis, black plum, pistachio, incense, cashmere wood, amber

Size: 1.69 oz

An Ulta reviewer says: “This is a very unique scent. The opening is a sweet and spicy pistachio and it dries down to a woody vanilla. This is perfect for a night out.”

Lauren Gruber is a commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience reporting on beauty trends, with a specialty in fragrance. For this story, she consulted a scent expert about cashmere fragrances. After conducting extensive research on the topic, she personally tested almost every scent on this list to round up the 12 best cashmere perfumes.