All About Cashmere
All About Cashmere
what is cashmere?
what is cashmere?
Cashmere: wool’s close cousin with a finer, softer and warmer DNA, this luxurious material is one of the most desirable in the world.
Born in Kashmir, it takes its name after this northern Indian region but with an anglicized version of the word, AKA: “Cashmere.” Produced and loved for thousands of years, it was originally worn by emperors and eventually brought to Europe in the 19th century. Cashmere doesn't just have historical relevance - it has also been taken into the 21st century gracefully and has still kept its value.
This wonderfully sought-after material is incredibly long-lasting and three times as warm as wool, with a soft-to-the-touch texture that’s larger than life.
Our Cashmere is made from Grade-A Mongolian materials, making it a luxurious, warm and soft fabric to withstand snow days and lower-than-iced coffee temperatures. Its fibers are some of the highest-quality on the market, making it the perfect clothing investment and gift for those who like a little luxury in their lives.
Cashmere: wool’s close cousin with a finer, softer and warmer DNA, this luxurious material is one of the most desirable in the world.
Born in Kashmir, it takes its name after this northern Indian region but with an anglicized version of the word, AKA: “Cashmere.” Produced and loved for thousands of years, it was originally worn by emperors and eventually brought to Europe in the 19th century. Cashmere doesn't just have historical relevance - it has also been taken into the 21st century gracefully and has still kept its value.
This wonderfully sought-after material is incredibly long-lasting and three times as warm as wool, with a soft-to-the-touch texture that’s larger than life.
Our Cashmere is made from Grade-A Mongolian materials, making it a luxurious, warm and soft fabric to withstand snow days and lower-than-iced coffee temperatures. Its fibers are some of the highest-quality on the market, making it the perfect clothing investment and gift for those who like a little luxury in their lives.
All About Cashmere
All About Cashmere
Where does cashmere come from?
Where does cashmere come from?
The actual material comes from the wool of pashmina and cashmere goats, creatures as playful as they are precious. Not to be confused with sheep (where other types of wool come from), cashmere undergoes a different process to become what we come to know and love.
It goes something like this: Springtime is the time to cultivate this lovely material, as it is when the goats do not need their fur and shed their winter hair.
The cashmere is detached from the goats in a non-harmful way to secure their safety and a raw product. Fun fact: combing the goats is the most optimal method to collect the cashmere. Even though it is time-consuming, this is what keeps the material noteworthy, in order to not compromise great quality cashmere clothing and knitwear.
The cashmere goats have a two-layered coat with two different purposes: when the hair is removed, the coarser top layer is separated from the softer under-hair. The outer-layer is coarse and used to make brushes, non-apparel items and to protect from the elements due to their nature. The undercoat is soft, fine and dense, the perfect conditions to make fabrics, and wearable items the cashmere sweaters you love so much.
We ensure our cashmere is sourced from sustainable origins in order to secure top-quality and ethical practices.
The actual material comes from the wool of pashmina and cashmere goats, creatures as playful as they are precious. Not to be confused with sheep (where other types of wool come from), cashmere undergoes a different process to become what we come to know and love.
It goes something like this: Springtime is the time to cultivate this lovely material, as it is when the goats do not need their fur and shed their winter hair.
The cashmere is detached from the goats in a non-harmful way to secure their safety and a raw product. Fun fact: combing the goats is the most optimal method to collect the cashmere. Even though it is time-consuming, this is what keeps the material noteworthy, in order to not compromise great quality cashmere clothing and knitwear.
The cashmere goats have a two-layered coat with two different purposes: when the hair is removed, the coarser top layer is separated from the softer under-hair. The outer-layer is coarse and used to make brushes, non-apparel items and to protect from the elements due to their nature. The undercoat is soft, fine and dense, the perfect conditions to make fabrics, and wearable items the cashmere sweaters you love so much.
We ensure our cashmere is sourced from sustainable origins in order to secure top-quality and ethical practices.
Is all cashmere the same?
Is all cashmere the same?
Short answer: No. Long answer: Below.The quality of cashmere is correlated to the different grades that exist. There are three grades: A, B and C.
Grade A: la crème de la crème. It has 14 microns width per hair.
Grade B: the medium ground, around 18-19 microns width per hair.
Grade C: is the lowest quality, measuring around 30 microns width per cashmere hair.
So, contrary to what may be typically believed, the thinner the cashmere, the finer the construction. This ensures top quality for the final product. Geography also plays a part in how cashmere is produced, causing the quality of the cashmere practices and products to change. The finest cashmere is produced in the Kashmir region of India, where cashmere originated. This is due to the harsh winter conditions of the region, causing Kashmir goats to grow finer, denser hair, that produce the top raw materials for cashmere touchable, wearable pieces. For this reason, their limited quantities make them an exclusive and expensive material.And, the question of the century (well, of this section):How can you tell which is which? Use your senses. In other words: touching is believing!You’re in the presence of 100% Grade A cashmere if:
It stretches and goes back to its natural shape.
Once you run your hand, it does not shed small threads.
It feels like soft, melt-in-your-hands fabric.
Short answer: No. Long answer: Below.The quality of cashmere is correlated to the different grades that exist. There are three grades: A, B and C.
Grade A: la crème de la crème. It has 14 microns width per hair.
Grade B: the medium ground, around 18-19 microns width per hair.
Grade C: is the lowest quality, measuring around 30 microns width per cashmere hair.
(Video) The Most Affordable 100% Cashmere Sweater You Ever Have - LILYSILK Review
So, contrary to what may be typically believed, the thinner the cashmere, the finer the construction. This ensures top quality for the final product. Geography also plays a part in how cashmere is produced, causing the quality of the cashmere practices and products to change. The finest cashmere is produced in the Kashmir region of India, where cashmere originated. This is due to the harsh winter conditions of the region, causing Kashmir goats to grow finer, denser hair, that produce the top raw materials for cashmere touchable, wearable pieces. For this reason, their limited quantities make them an exclusive and expensive material.And, the question of the century (well, of this section):How can you tell which is which? Use your senses. In other words: touching is believing!You’re in the presence of 100% Grade A cashmere if:
It stretches and goes back to its natural shape.
Once you run your hand, it does not shed small threads.
It feels like soft, melt-in-your-hands fabric.
Why is cashmere typically so expensive?
Why is cashmere typically so expensive?
With higher quality comes a higher price tag…As we just referenced, cashmere is versatile, soft and breathable, making it a top-quality material that finds its worth with its composition and origins.The limited amount of 100% Grade-A cashmere produced by true wool-farmers in the Kashmir regions makes this fabric very desirable.Additionally, a whole process goes into the creation of this material. Prior to collecting the raw materials to create the final product, it takes time and patience to comb the goats to ensure the highest quality and the softest garments.So, the more care and brushing, the lovelier the cashmere and the higher the price!P.S. Once this de-hairing process has taken place, the cashmere is ready to be woven, dyed and spun to create the final luxurious clothing you have been reading about.In a nutshell, cashmere is not just a little pricier than its typical wool cousin because of its incredible softness, but also because of its durable nature, versatile wear and the extensive process it goes through to become the lovely clothes you wear and blankets you sleep with.
With higher quality comes a higher price tag…As we just referenced, cashmere is versatile, soft and breathable, making it a top-quality material that finds its worth with its composition and origins.The limited amount of 100% Grade-A cashmere produced by true wool-farmers in the Kashmir regions makes this fabric very desirable.Additionally, a whole process goes into the creation of this material. Prior to collecting the raw materials to create the final product, it takes time and patience to comb the goats to ensure the highest quality and the softest garments.So, the more care and brushing, the lovelier the cashmere and the higher the price!P.S. Once this de-hairing process has taken place, the cashmere is ready to be woven, dyed and spun to create the final luxurious clothing you have been reading about.In a nutshell, cashmere is not just a little pricier than its typical wool cousin because of its incredible softness, but also because of its durable nature, versatile wear and the extensive process it goes through to become the lovely clothes you wear and blankets you sleep with.
Make a cashmere comb your best friend. When pills inevitably come, just use a sweater comb to brush them away. Use a bit of pressure when combing, but don’t be rough!
Make a cashmere comb your best friend. When pills inevitably come, just use a sweater comb to brush them away. Use a bit of pressure when combing, but don’t be rough!
How do I care for cashmere?
How do I care for cashmere?
It takes a little work to take care of your Cashmere garments. But this will ensure its forever-wear and tip-top shape. Here’s some advice for the ultimate Cashmere Care or CC:
Lesson 1: No machines, please. This lovely fabric should only be washed by hand with cold water, as the fabric becomes fragile when wet. Using a mild soap or detergent is also recommended, and letting it air dry is vital to its shape and durability.
Lesson 2: Say no to fabric softener. A little known fact is that cashmere becomes softer as time goes by. Chemical softeners can damage the fabric and limit its durability, so be sure to keep it simple with the washing routine.
Lesson 3: Wash a little, wear a lot. Another day, the same outfit! Because of its breathable nature, cashmere can be aired out for use the next day.. and remain fresh for a little while longer.
It takes a little work to take care of your Cashmere garments. But this will ensure its forever-wear and tip-top shape. Here’s some advice for the ultimate Cashmere Care or CC:
Lesson 1: No machines, please. This lovely fabric should only be washed by hand with cold water, as the fabric becomes fragile when wet. Using a mild soap or detergent is also recommended, and letting it air dry is vital to its shape and durability.
Lesson 2: Say no to fabric softener. A little known fact is that cashmere becomes softer as time goes by. Chemical softeners can damage the fabric and limit its durability, so be sure to keep it simple with the washing routine.
Lesson 3: Wash a little, wear a lot. Another day, the same outfit! Because of its breathable nature, cashmere can be aired out for use the next day.. and remain fresh for a little while longer.
OK, BUT HOW DO YOU STOP CASHMERE FROM PILLING?
OK, BUT HOW DO YOU STOP CASHMERE FROM PILLING?
The fact is that all wool and cashmere is going to pill. But a few easy tricks can make a difference:Use sweater spray instead of washing occasionally. Try to wear your pieces 5-6 times between washes. In the meantime, we highly recommend the Wool & Cashmere Spray from The Laundress. Lightly spray and leave your sweater out for a bit before putting it away.
The fact is that all wool and cashmere is going to pill. But a few easy tricks can make a difference:Use sweater spray instead of washing occasionally. Try to wear your pieces 5-6 times between washes. In the meantime, we highly recommend the Wool & Cashmere Spray from The Laundress. Lightly spray and leave your sweater out for a bit before putting it away.
FAQs
Is it worth it to buy cashmere? ›
Definitely! Cashmere makes for the softest sweater you could ever imagine and keeps you cozily warm while being so lightweight you won't overheat, and that's just the beginning of its value. Let's talk about why buying cashmere clothing is worth the extra investment.
Is cashmere really expensive? ›Pure cashmere is very expensive due to its unique characteristics and the involved production process, where the fibers are separated by hand from the molted coats of a particular goat, the Capra hircus laniger, which lives in the cold mountainous regions of the highlands of Asia.
Why is cashmere so cheap now? ›The sweater's price isn't as exboritant as one might expect from Grade A cashmere, largely because of where the cashmere is manufactured — made in a factory in Dongguan, China (which you can see here) the cost of labor is cheaper and thus reflected in the final price.
Why is cashmere material so expensive? ›The supply is severely limited because of the tiny amount each goat produces. The fibers can only be collected once a year. Even when you've harvested the fibers, the usable weight halves once it's been stripped of grease, dirt, and thicker hairs. Cashmere still only makes up 0.5% of the world's total wool production.
Why is cashmere controversial? ›Cashmere production is harmful to the environment because it is a significant contributor to soil degradation followed by desertification. Cashmere goats, who must consume 10% of their bodyweight in food each day, eat the roots of grasses, so they can never grow back.
How can you tell if cashmere is high quality? ›The highest quality cashmere will feel light and incredibly soft to the touch. The feel will be noticeably softer when compared with a cashmere garment of a lower grade.
Can cashmere last a lifetime? ›Cashmere is one of the most long-lasting fibers around. Connoisseurs claim that garments made from this paper-thin yarn can last up to 30 years–just as long as you show them a little TLC.
What is a cheaper alternative to cashmere? ›Replace Cashmere with Merino Wool
Perfect for sweaters, robes, and shawls, this fine fabric is hard to produce and somewhat scarce. Merino Wool comes from the Merino Sheep. Although Merino Sheep come from Spain, they are incredibly adaptable, making the production of their wool easier than cashmere.
Cashmere does not contain lanolin, so it's an entirely hypoallergenic alternative to merino and other fibres. However, cashmere is a natural yarn and this can cause mild irritation for some people. We recommend wearing an organic cotton layer underneath your cashmere knitwear if you're prone to itchiness.
How much is 100% cashmere? ›Cashmere products can range from as little as $40 to as much as $2,400. Cashmere made with Mongolian goat wool is considered the highest quality, having the longest and most resilient fibers.
Why a cashmere sweater can cost $2000 or $30? ›
The price depends on the quality of the yarn, where the garment was manufactured, the number of units purchased by the brand, and the markup. Dyed cashmere fleeces being spun at Loro Piana SpA's plant in Roccapietra, Italy. The quality of the raw material often matters most.
Is PETA against cashmere? ›Cashmere Is Horrible for Goats
A PETA Asia investigation found that goats exploited for cashmere in China and Mongolia endured terrifying hair removal and neglect as well as agonizing, protracted deaths in filthy slaughterhouses. PETA Exposé Reveals Cruelty Behind Your Cashmere Sweater from Official PETA on Vimeo.
Yak wool, AKA “khullu” is not only a cashmere alternative because it's similarly soft and comfy to wear all the time. Khullu is also considered an alternative because it's more sustainable, breathable, durable, and warmer than cashmere.
Why do people like cashmere so much? ›Cashmere is notably the softest and warmest fabric most of us can afford. While it's a luxury yarn that requires a little extra TLC, we love to treat ourselves to a prize of cashmere when we can. It's a unique item in your wardrobe for a reason. When it's a chilly fall day you're looking at the cashmere sweater.
Does cashmere get ruined? ›Cashmere is very prone to shrinking when exposed to heat—any kind of heat. Even hot water and heat from the dryer will cause shrinkage. The only way to wash cashmere without damaging it is to use cold water. This is true for both machine and hand washing.
Is it ethical to buy cashmere? ›Cashmere is an animal product and isn't ethical since it comes from goats' winter coats and involves animal exploitation, cruelty, stress, injuries, and diseases more often than not. Goats have a nervous system and can suffer and feel pain. They want to live harm-free and stress-free as they would do in nature.
What happens if you hand wash cashmere? ›Whether you wash your sweaters by hand or in the machine, Whiting says that they should never go into the dryer or be wrung out by hand. "Wringing manipulates the fibers, and when the yarns are wet, they're weaker," she says. "You might end up disfiguring your sweater."
Is cashmere wool unethical? ›Cashmere wool is made by breeding, maintaining and harvesting the undercoat of goats treated as livestock and income-producing assets. On this alone, supporting the cashmere industry is considered cruel and unethical regarding goat welfare.
What grade of cashmere is best? ›Grade A cashmere is the highest quality of cashmere. It is used by luxury brands and is what we here at State Cashmere use for all of our products. Grade A cashmere has a width as low as 14 microns, which is about 6 times finer than a human hair. Slightly less soft than Grade A, Grade B cashmere is intermediate.
Does cashmere improve with age? ›Fabric Softens Over Time
Unlike other fabrics that are likely to get worn out or damaged over time, with proper care, cashmere gets better as time passes. With simple care and storage, cashmere's natural fibers get softer and warmer the more that it is worn, making it a true investment for any winter wardrobe.
Which country has the best cashmere? ›
Moreover, the finest quality of Cashmere is Ladakhi Cashmere. Ladakh is a region in Northern India. Therefore, the country that produces the finest Cashmere is India.
Does rain ruin cashmere? ›Will cashmere get ruined in the rain? No, it will not be ruined by the rain. However, if you don't properly dry the cashmere, it could stretch or shrink.
Can cashmere go in the dryer? ›Any significant amount of heat can and will warp the fabric, shrinking it, twisting it and molding it into a shape you can no longer pull over your head. Instead, lay your cashmere pieces flat on a towel to dry.
How often do you wash cashmere? ›How often should you wash cashmere? You don't need to wash a cashmere sweater after every wear. Derek Guy of the fashion site Put This On washes his sweaters “every seven to 10 wears, and at the end of each winter season.” Plan for about 15 to 20 minutes to hand-wash your sweaters, plus drying time.
Is merino wool better than cashmere? ›Merino wool is more elastic and durable than cashmere. Its strong structure is sturdy and will last longer than cashmere if care instructions are followed correctly. You'll get years of use out of our merino garments, plus it's less prone to pilling compared to cashmere keeping it in top form.
What is the closest material to cashmere? ›Merino is cashmere's closest competitor in terms of weight and feel. Practically, it has great warmth to weight ratio, so it's much finer, softer and lighter than regular wool as it naturally regulates your body temperature.
Is merino wool cheaper than cashmere? ›Merino is cheaper than cashmere. The obvious choice of wool for affordable, high quality knitwear in today's active, modern life is 100% merino.
Does cashmere attract bugs? ›Cloth moths are fond of fine natural fabrics made of cotton wool or cashmere. They seek to lay eggs in these fibers and since the fabrics can hold water, moths and their larvae have plenty of food and water or sweat to feed.
Is alpaca or cashmere better? ›A sweater made of baby alpaca wool, in terms of softness and strength, wins over cashmere. Cashmere fibers are four centimeters long, while alpaca fibers measure between eight and twelve centimeters. This means that alpaca fiber garments are more resistant, therefore long-lasting and less prone to pilling effect.
Is cashmere healthy to wear? ›So in summary, no matter the time of the year it is cashmere fabric is not only luxurious but it is a healthy clothing choice for your child's skin health as it is lightweight, insulating, hypoallergenic and has anti-bacterial properties- all which promote great skin health.
Can you wash 100% cashmere? ›
Can You Wash Cashmere? Yes you can wash cashmere. Hand wash cashmere or with machine-washable cashmere put on a wool or delicate cycle with a cashmere shampoo or mild detergent at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees. Turn your cashmere jumpers inside out before machine washing to preserve their softness.
How can you tell if cashmere is real? ›Take a pinch of fibers from the garment and press them together to form a small but slightly thicker thread; then light it on fire. Genuine cashmere is fire-resistant, so it will shrink and smell like burnt hair; synthetic fibers, on the other hand, will burn much quicker and produce black smoke and plastic smell.
Is cashmere cheaper in China? ›Of all cashmere products, though, nothing changed faster than the simple sweater. China sold its cashmere sweaters to America for just $34 on average last year, a full 75 percent off the import price of the Scottish version.
How much should a good cashmere sweater cost? ›For most of us, the sweet spot for a sweater is somewhere between $100 and $300.
Does 100 percent cashmere pill? ›All cashmere, no matter how good the quality, is prone to pilling. Keep a comb on hand to deal with bobbles: lay your cashmere flat, gently pass the knitwear comb over the fibres, and the pills will be picked up.
Why is vintage cashmere better? ›Unlike most modern cashmere knit items, vintage cashmere was made from longer, silkier, and finer fibers. This means fewer pills and a much longer-lasting sweater.
Do vegans wear cashmere? ›But what about wool and cashmere? Cashmere isn't vegan because it's made from goat's wool coats and involves animal exploitation. Instead, vegans wear the many animal-free alternatives available today, like organic cotton and lyocell. Goats naturally produce the right amount of wool they need.
Does cashmere get balls? ›Cashmere and wool are always prone to pilling – this is nothing to do with the quality of the product, but more to do with wearing it. And if you love it, you'll wear it often! Pilling is a natural process caused when the fibres in the yarn rub against each other and form small balls.
Can Vegans have cashmere? ›Strictly speaking, no, cashmere isn't vegan because it's made from goats' wool. However, often the goats naturally shed their coats meaning that certain products can be cruelty-free depending on other factors, like living conditions.
What is more luxurious than cashmere? ›More extraordinary than cashmere, the softest wool in the world comes from Vicuna, the national animal of Peru. A Vicuna is a more elegant relative of Llama, a 1.8 metre tall domesticated animal of South America.
Is cashmere a luxury fabric? ›
Cashmere is a luxury fibre obtained from the soft, fleecy undergrowth of the Kashmir goat - the fibres are six times finer than human hair and cashmere offers great insulation.
What happens if you sweat in cashmere? ›Like clothes made for sport and exercise, cashmere is moisture wicking. This means that it doesn't absorb sweat and take on bad smells. You can wear your cashmere top all day long or even for several days before it needs a wash. Despite its warmth, this highly breathable fabric keeps you feeling fresh for longer.
Does cashmere retain body odor? ›Cashmere can absorb and hold onto odors.
Can you wear cashmere everyday? ›Rest your cashmere garment
Allow the garment two or three days' rest after a day's wearing. A silk or Pashmina scarf goes well with cashmere tops and cardigans. Used between your cashmere top/cardigan and your neck, a scarf will also prevent powder or other cosmetics stains.
Never wring your garments! Alternatively, dry clean sparingly- once a season is usually enough. Excessive dry cleaning can give a glazed appearance, and over exposure to chemicals can degrade the fibres over a prolonged period. Earlier this year we developed a cashmere range that could be machine washed.
How many times can you wear a cashmere sweater? ›Like any wool, cashmere is naturally breathable and wicks moisture, so you can wear it as many as 50 times (read: excellent cost-per-wear) between washes. Indeed, washing it too often could contribute to excessive pilling.
Will cashmere shrink if washed? ›The ideal cashmere sweater for women can last for years with good care. However, because of the delicate nature of the material, cashmere can easily shrink when it is accidentally thrown into the wrong wash cycle.
How many years does cashmere last? ›Cashmere is one of the most long-lasting fibers around. Connoisseurs claim that garments made from this paper-thin yarn can last up to 30 years–just as long as you show them a little TLC. Heed these six tips, and your cashmere should keep you cozy for years and years to come. 1.
What's so special about cashmere? ›Cashmere is one of the softest and most luxurious forms of wool, characterized by the fineness of the fibers, which are almost silky.
Does cashmere get ruined easily? ›Unlike other fabrics that are likely to get worn out or damaged over time, with proper care, cashmere gets better as time passes. With simple care and storage, cashmere's natural fibers get softer and warmer the more that it is worn, making it a true investment for any winter wardrobe.
What happens if you wash 100% cashmere? ›
It isn't recommended to wash or dry clean your wool and cashmere sweaters after every use, as it can damage the yarns that make up these items.
Does washing cashmere ruin it? ›Yes you can wash cashmere. Hand wash cashmere or with machine-washable cashmere put on a wool or delicate cycle with a cashmere shampoo or mild detergent at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees. Turn your cashmere jumpers inside out before machine washing to preserve their softness.
Is Merino better than cashmere? ›Merino wool is more elastic and durable than cashmere. Its strong structure is sturdy and will last longer than cashmere if care instructions are followed correctly. You'll get years of use out of our merino garments, plus it's less prone to pilling compared to cashmere keeping it in top form.
Why Do People Want cashmere? ›Cashmere is notably the softest and warmest fabric most of us can afford. While it's a luxury yarn that requires a little extra TLC, we love to treat ourselves to a prize of cashmere when we can. It's a unique item in your wardrobe for a reason.
Why do people love cashmere? ›Cashmere keeps you warm – yet dry. With notable breathability, yet providing incredible warmth, cashmere ticks all the boxes for cozy and comfortable winter wear. Cashmere comes from long, soft natural fibres which, when woven, create luxuriously soft pieces, and the best part is that they get softer with age.
What ruins cashmere? ›Anything with chemical additives, such as scents, fabric softeners, or dyes can damage the natural cashmere fibers. The gentler, the better.
Is it normal for cashmere to pill? ›Cashmere and wool are always prone to pilling – this is nothing to do with the quality of the product, but more to do with wearing it. And if you love it, you'll wear it often! Pilling is a natural process caused when the fibres in the yarn rub against each other and form small balls.