A new brand selling £50 cashmere jumpers has just launched in the UK -and it's proven to be better quality than Cos and Reiss

There are two things guaranteed to make a woman feel instantly richer: a healthy bank balance and a cashmere jumper that looks as though it cost considerably more than it did.Sadly, the first remains elusive to me. The second, however, may just have become more attainable.Meet Quince, the American retailer with a rather tempting proposition: why pay £150 for a cashmere jumper when you could get one for £50? Yes, £50. Not £250 in a boutique where the lighting is flattering and the sales assistant calls you darling. Just fifty quid.The online retailer, valued at $10.1bn (£7.6bn), has just launched in the UK, bringing its affordable approach to luxury essentials across the pond. With a 365-day return policy on most items and free standard delivery, it certainly makes a compelling case. Prices for womenswear start at just £12 for a cotton-modal tank top and climb to £250 for a cashmere quarter-zip jumper. I'm wearing the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper in Heather Grey in a size smallThe brand's Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck is made from 100 per cent Grade A Mongolian cashmere, according to Quince. With its classic crew neckline, ribbed cuffs and simple silhouette, it is hardly reinventing the wheel – but then, the best wardrobe staples rarely need to.Compared with the likes of Reiss and COS, Quince is making a rather compelling case for the cashmere-conscious shopper. COS’s cashmere jumpers start at around £129, while Reiss offers similar styles for approximately £130 – more than double the price of Quince’s £50 Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck. Both brands have a strong reputation for contemporary, minimalist wardrobe staples, but Quince’s appeal lies in offering a similar investment-piece proposition without quite such an investment. Quince's jumpers are 100% Grade-A Mongolian Cashmere and the crewneck has been through seven iterations, right down to the engineering of the yarn itself. Quince has developed the best mix of long, fine fibres, the twist in the yarn and the tension in the knit to achieve optimum softness, fit, and less pilling. Naturally, I was intrigued. Cashmere is one of those things that makes me feel like I have my life together, even when my kitchen drawer contains three takeaway menus and a mysterious collection of elastic bands.But can affordable cashmere really deliver the goods?My honest thoughts My first impression is that it feels far more luxurious than the price suggests. I was half-expecting bargain cashmere to feel disappointingly scratchy or thin, but the jumper has that lovely, gentle softness you want from a good knit. It feels cosy without being bulky, making it an appealing option for layering through the colder months. It is also surprisingly warm.And, crucially, it looks considerably more expensive than £50.The clean lines and understated design give it that quietly expensive appearance that will appeal to those who favour cashmere over conspicuous logos. There is also nothing fussy about it, which means it can be teamed with straight-leg jeans and loafers for the weekend, as well as being tucked into tailored trousers for the office.The colours, including classic neutrals like ivory and oatmeal and richer shades such as burgundy and navy, also make it an appealing wardrobe investment. And it isn't just for women: Quince offers cashmere crewnecks for men, too, (from £60) making it a good option for couples looking to upgrade their winter wardrobes without upgrading their spending.So, why so cheap you ask? Quince says its business model cuts out traditional retail mark-ups by selling directly to consumers. The result is a price that undercuts many premium cashmere offerings, although a lower price alone does not guarantee superior value or longevity.And cashmere, of course, comes with a catch.Even expensive jumpers can develop those irritating little bobbles, particularly around the underarms and sides where fabric rubs together. Quince describes its cashmere as pill-resistant, but that does not mean pill-proof. Repeated wear and proper care will determine how well it holds up over time.Nor is this a garment to fling thoughtlessly into a hot wash. The brand recommends hand-washing in cold water and laying it flat to dry. Translation: treat it like cashmere, not your gym kit. Dry-cleaning is advisable, which adds a few pounds to the price tag. Fit is another consideration. The classic shape is relaxed and versatile, although anyone after a deliberately oversized look may want to consider sizing up. And if you choose ivory, check the level of coverage you prefer, as lighter knitwear can sometimes be slightly sheer.So, should you buy it? For £50, this is a very tempting and exciting entry point into cashmere. The softness, timeless design and expensive-looking appearance make Quince's crewneck an appealing and savvy alternative to pricier knitwear.I would reserve judgment on its long-term durability until it has survived repeated wears and washes. But if you want the look of understated luxury without the designer price tag, this is the buy for you. Whilst hopefully keeping the £200 in your bank account.My top cashmere picks from Quince