All About Cashmere

WHAT IS CASHMERE?

Cashmere wool, an opulent fiber sourced from the cashmere goat native to the highlands of Central Asia, boasts a rich history spanning centuries. Renowned for its unparalleled softness and warmth, cashmere has been a staple in crafting luxurious clothing and sleepwear.

Dating back to the third century BC, cashmere found its earliest acclaim adorning Chinese nobility in the form of sumptuous shawls. Its journey to the Western world began in the 17th century, courtesy of French explorers who returned from India bearing coveted cashmere shawls. This introduction sparked a fervor for cashmere, leading to its widespread adoption. By the 19th century, cashmere had transcended shawls to become a sought-after material for a diverse range of garments, including coats, sweaters, gloves, and scarves.

The term "cashmere" itself derives from the Persian word "keshmir," signifying wool, further underscoring its rich cultural heritage and global appeal.

HOW IS CASHMERE MADE?

The luxurious cashmere fiber is sourced by either combing or shearing it from the undercoat of cashmere goats, which naturally grow a dense layer of hair during winter to shield themselves from the cold. When spring arrives, these goats shed their coats, enabling the collection of the coveted cashmere fiber.

Following collection, the cashmere undergoes meticulous processing to eliminate impurities and prevent shrinkage. Subsequently, the refined cashmere is spun into high-quality yarn, ready to be crafted into an array of exquisite garments, including but not limited to cozy sweaters, elegant scarves, and sumptuous blankets and throws.

WHY IS CASHMERE BETTER THAN OTHER WOOL?

  • Cashmere is one of the softest, most luxurious fibers in the world.
  • Cashmere is extremely strong and durable.
  • Cashmere is a natural insulator, making it ideal for winter garments.
  • Cashmere is also a heat-regulating fiber, making it comfortable to wear in all seasons.

WHY IS CASHMERE SO POPULAR?

Everyone who seeks ultimate comfort loves cashmere. The fabrics’ enduring popularity stems from its irresistible blend of sumptuous softness, lightweight versatility, natural thermoregulation, luxurious elegance, and long-term sustainability, making it a timeless favorite cherished by generations past, present, and future.

WHAT FACTORS DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF CASHMERE?

The quality of cashmere is determined by a number of factors, including the cashmere goat's diet, the climate where the cashmere goats live, and the skill of the craftsperson who made the garment.

GOAT'S DIET
The finest cashmere comes from cashmere goats that graze on high-quality grasses and herbs in mountainous regions. The cashmere goats in these regions produce a fiber that is both strong and soft.

CLIMATE
The climate also plays a role in the quality of cashmere. Cashmere goats that live in cold, dry climates produce a finer fiber than cashmere goats that live in warm, wet climates. The finer the cashmere fiber, the higher the quality of the cashmere.

CRAFTSMANSHIP
Finally, the skill of the craftsperson who made the cashmere garment is also a factor in determining the quality of cashmere. The best cashmere garments are made by experienced craftspeople who have spent years perfecting their technique.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN CASHMERE

  • Touch: Cashmere should be soft and smooth to the touch. In some cases, cashmere may be slightly prickly, but this should not be uncomfortable.
  • Weight: Heavier cashmere garments will be warmer and more durable, while lighter cashmere garments will be cooler and more breathable.
  • Color: The color of cashmere can range from white to black, with a variety of shades in between. The color of cashmere does not affect the quality of the cashmere.
  • Luster: Cashmere should have a gentle sheen.
  • Strength: Cashmere should be strong and durable.
  • Origin: The finest cashmere comes from the goats of Mongolia.

WHAT IS CASHMERE USED FOR?

Cashmere is used to make a wide variety of garments, including sweaters, scarves, wraps, blankets, socks, gloves, and hats.

WHY IS CASHMERE SO EXPENSIVE?

The high price of cashmere is due to a number of factors, including the rarity of the cashmere fiber and the labor-intensive process of harvesting and processing cashmere.

Cashmere is a rare fiber that is only produced by the cashmere goat. The cashmere goat produces a small amount of cashmere each year, which makes cashmere a scarce resource.

In addition, the process of harvesting and processing cashmere is labor-intensive. Cashmere fibers must be hand-harvested from the cashmere goat, and the cashmere must be carefully processed to avoid damaging the delicate fibers.

The combination of rarity and labor intensity makes cashmere one of the most expensive fibers in the world.

IS CASHMERE WORTH IT?

Cashmere products are worth the investment. Whether for yourself or as a gift, a cashmere garment will be treasured for years to come.