Rick Owens Athena T – Black Cashmere Blend Jersey

Ten percent cashmere in a cotton jersey is not a warmth decision. At that proportion cashmere does almost nothing for insulation; what it does is change the surface. Cashmere fibre is finer and softer than cotton and it sits slightly proud of the yarn, so a small percentage of it gives the cloth a faint halo and a softer hand while the cotton keeps the weight, the breathability, and the washability. That is why this works across seasons where a wool blend would not.

The construction is the house's: a raw hem and the back seam that runs down the centre. Nothing else, which is correct for a garment that is meant to be reached for rather than considered.

This is the everyday piece from this house, and the blend is what makes that true. A cotton tee that feels better than a cotton tee and can still go in the wash is a genuinely useful object, and we sell more of these than almost anything else in the range.

The jersey tops are where this house's construction signatures appear on the plainest garments it makes, and the Athena is one of the plainest.

Ninety percent cotton and ten percent cashmere, made in Italy, in black. Jersey with a raw hem and a seam running down the centre back.

Cotton-dominant jersey, so it behaves like cotton: relaxing across a day, recovering with washing, and following the body without clinging. The raw hem will curl slightly with wear. Take your usual size.

With black trousers. Under the sleeveless turtleneck. Under either leather outershirt. It is the one that needs no thought.

Cashmere at this proportion does not change the care much, but it does mean heat is worse for the fabric than it would be for plain cotton. Wash cool inside out, dry flat, and keep it out of the dryer entirely. Our care guidance covers the general ground.

Alongside it, the Hiked T, the T-Shirt Level T, and the Cropped Level T. Everything we currently hold from Rick Owens is listed together.