Ultimate Guide to Cashmere

Celebrated for its unmatched softness, warmth, and versatility, cashmere clothing is a luxurious asset that elevates any wardrobe. Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of cashmere, from its origins in the highlands of Asia to becoming a worldwide symbol of refined style. We’ll share practical tips on styling and selecting the best quality pieces, allowing you to enjoy the timeless appeal and sophistication of cashmere.

What is cashmere?

Ethically sourced from hand-picked goats thriving in cold climates like Mongolia, cashmere is prized for its warmth, lightness, and softness. Cashmere's origins in high-altitude regions are key to its unique qualities: these goats produce a downy undercoat to cope with freezing winters. Painstakingly combed and sorted, this yarn offers a plush, lightweight insulation like no other. To fully appreciate the special nature of this yarn, collect a full wardrobe of cashmere items, including hats, gloves, and scarves, to create a head-to-toe outfit of irresistible coziness.

What is cashmere made from?

Since the 13th century, cashmere has been spun from the exceptionally soft fibers found beneath the coarse outer coat of cashmere goats and collected during their natural shedding season in spring following these steps:

Specially chosen goats are sheared to remove their winter coat during the warmer spring months.
The fleece is then combed and sorted to remove the coarse outer guard hair, leaving only the softest fleece underneath.
This inner fleece is then washed in pure water to remove natural grease and oils from the goat’s skin.
The fibres are then carded into alignment and spun into a yarn, in order to be knitted or woven into garments or blankets.

Each animal only produces a small amount of this extra-fine base layer of fleece. This, combined with the painstaking preparation process, makes cashmere extremely rare and highly sought after.

Is cashmere itchy?

Unlike traditional wool, cashmere is uniquely smooth due to its fine fiber diameter, measured in microns. While standard wool fibers often range from 30-50 microns, which can feel coarse against the skin, high-quality cashmere falls within the 14-19 micron range. This fineness creates a softer, less prickly texture that’s ideal for direct contact even with sensitive skin. Cashmere is graded by quality, with Grade A cashmere standing out for its ultra-fine fibers and smooth texture, qualities that minimize irritation and enhance its famously soft, non-itchy feel. To maintain this softness and prevent any scratching, store your cashmere pieces with gentle cedar blocks to repel moths and place them in breathable garment bags to shield against dust and damage.

What is 2-ply cashmere?

2-ply cashmere is created by twisting two very fine strands of cashmere yarn together, producing a fabric that is both durable and slightly thicker than single-ply cashmere. This construction strikes a balance between added warmth and resilience, offering enhanced insulation while still maintaining a refined look. Unlike 1-ply cashmere, which uses a single strand and offers a more delicate feel, 2-ply cashmere has a stronger structure that helps reduce pilling and wear over time. The extra durability and thermoregulating properties of 2-ply cashmere make it versatile enough for all-season styling. In transitional weather, the thermoregulating properties of 2-ply cashmere help maintain a comfortable body temperature, keeping you warm without overheating. Such efficiency can best be felt by combining a 2-ply cashmere cardigan with a T-shirt and jeans, taking your casual look to the next level of comfort and finesse.

Is cashmere warm?

Cashmere’s uniquely structured fibers make it one of the warmest materials available. When viewed under a microscope, cashmere fibers display a delicate, scale-like surface that interlocks closely when spun into yarn, creating a dense yet lightweight fabric. This fine, compact structure naturally retains heat, making cashmere an exceptional choice for cold-weather garments. The warmth of cashmere is also influenced by its ply count, which refers to the number of yarn strands twisted together. As the ply count increases—such as in 2-ply or 4-ply cashmere—the garment becomes thicker, with more layers of fibers retaining heat. In chillier weather, a 2-ply cashmere sweater can be layered under a down jacket for practical indoor-outdoor styling. Alternatively, a thick tricot-knit sweater offers more structure and warmth due to its close, interlocking weave, providing an extremely warm jumper that you can wear under short cashmere cashmere coats or puffer vests.

Is cashmere good for summer?

Though often associated with winter, cashmere is also suitable for summer, thanks to its natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties. The fine, crimped fibers of cashmere allow for air circulation and help draw moisture away from the skin. A lightweight cashmere cardigan, for example, is perfect for breezy evenings or air-conditioned spaces. Wear it draped over your shoulders with a sleeveless dress for a preppy look that’s perfect for relaxed summer evenings where you may want a lightweight outer layer.

What does cashmere feel like?

Cashmere offers insurmountable softness and elegance. The fabric feels light yet enveloping, draping naturally with your movements to provide a sense of fluid and unrestricted comfort. Cashmere's extra smooth fibers are incredibly soft against the skin, offering a lightweight and adaptable warmth that is less restrictive than wool or synthetic alternatives. Additionally, high-quality cashmere holds its shape while allowing just the right amount of give, meaning each piece feels tailored to your body.

Cashmere offers a unique blend of practical benefits and aesthetic charm, making it an invaluable addition to any wardrobe. Investing in cashmere means investing in enduring quality — items that promise uncompromising comfort and refinement. To continue enjoying its benefits, you need to learn how to care for cashmere, ensuring that each piece stays as luxurious as the day you first wore it.