about cashmere

Cashmere is a natural fiber derived from the soft undercoat of specific goat breeds, primarily the cashmere goat 🐐. The term "cashmere" is an Anglicization of Kashmir, a region where the weaving of fine goat hair has a long history. Unlike sheep's wool, which is shorn, cashmere fiber is gathered during the spring molting season when the goats naturally shed their winter coats. This is typically done by hand-combing the animals, a labor-intensive process that contributes to the fiber's high value.

The qualities that make cashmere highly sought-after are its remarkable softness, lightweight feel, and excellent insulating properties. Cashmere fibers are exceptionally fine, with a diameter of less than 19 microns, making them significantly finer than human hair and most types of sheep's wool. This fineness gives the fiber its characteristic silky-smooth texture and allows garments to be very light without sacrificing warmth. Cashmere is also naturally breathable and able to absorb and release moisture to help regulate body temperature, making it comfortable to wear in many different climates.

Due to the limited amount of fiber produced by each goat—typically only about 150 grams to 200 grams per year—cashmere is considered a luxury commodity. It takes the fleece of several goats to produce a single sweater, which explains why pure cashmere products are more expensive than those made from other types of wool.

Cashmere can be spun into yarn for knitting or woven into fabrics for everything from sweaters and scarves to coats and blankets. It can be blended with other fibers like merino wool or silk to reduce cost, but 100% pure cashmere remains the gold standard for its unparalleled softness and warmth.