The best cashmere wraps – the most versatile travel accessory around

OK, I know what you're thinking: why on earth would I buy a cashmere wrap in the middle of summer? Surely it's just going to sit in a drawer? Well... no. Honestly, a cashmere wrap is one of the most versatile bits of clothing, even in a heatwave. Is your office aircon freezing you to the bone? Does your favourite beach in Suffolk get a bit chilly as soon as the sun dips down? Will you get through a four-hour flight to Crete without wishing you'd worn something a bit warmer on the plane? The answer to all of this is the cashmere wrap. Plus, it's far more compact than a folded cardie in your hand baggage. You're welcome.

Navy pashmina, main image, £187, The Wool Company

Featherlight and generously sized at 200cm x 90cm. Comes in ten colours. Ultrafine pashmina cashmere shawl, £195, N Peal

With a choice of 18 colours, this is a slightly heavier knit – it's just made for an unpredictable British summer. Cashmere travel wrap in Blue Mist, £249, Cashmere & Cotton

A cashmere-silk mix (15% silk) makes this supersoft jacquard weave stole very skin-friendly – and warm too. 213cm x 75cm. Confettis d'Ex-Libris stole, £1,040, Hermès

J.Crew understands better than anyone the role that colour plays in creating an understated wardrobe. This oversized cashmere wrap comes in seven versatile neutrals (this is Birch) as well as peppy red and emerald. 200cm x 84cm. £255

We're in love. This bridal shawl, crafted in the northern Himalayas, is a work of art. All the craftsmen involved are listed on The Wool Company's website, buy a round of applause for the embroiderer, Mohamed Mannan. Sir, we salute you. Embroidered cashmere pashmina 'Kashmir Bride Ambika', 208cm x 100cm, £1,167

The lightweight, gauzy feel belies the warmth of this Bamford Pansy wrap, which comes in a choice of colours and patterns – this is ivory with sage and pistachios stripes. There is also a fab navy one with red tassels. 180cm x 95cm. £395, Bamford

We're suckers for classic, timeless navy blue. But this supersoft, heavier weight Lola travel wrap comes in 13 other colours so you're not stuck with our colour palette. 200cm x 80cm. £162, Cove Cashmere

If you're going to a wedding this summer, this is the wrap for you: it comes in 11 pretty pastels and 14 stronger shades. Whatever colour your outfit, Cornelia James has a cashmere pashmina to match it. 200cm x 70cm, £150

Ring the changes with this glorious gingham stole woven in Scotland. 180cm x 50cm. £215, Brora

This is my cashmere wrap of choice, bought a decade ago and still in brilliant condition. It's been around the world with me. I've had boyfriends who were less well travelled. Raeburn stole, £395, Johnstons of Elgin

A whisper-light wrap that comes in six delicate shades. Italian cashmere doesn't come any more luxurious. Maxi stole, £1,350, Loro Piana

Reversible wrap that comes in three colour combinations: this one has a deep brown reverse, or there is charcoal/black or military green/olive. Double your colour-match options in one fell swoop. £240, Rise & Fall

Yes, yes, it's another navy blue one... but it's a classic that's not going to go out of fashion. This featherweight, gauzy travel wrap is likely to be my next purchase. 200cm x 80cm. Oh, it's also available in dove grey. £295, Vince

All products featured on have.kit.will.travel are independently selected. However, we may receive compensation from retailers for purchases of products through the links on these pages.