History of Cashmere
Cashmere wool—often simply called "cashmere"—is an exceptionally soft and fine natural fiber. It comes from the undercoat of the cashmere goat, a breed native to the highlands of southern Asia. The name "cashmere" originates from the Kashmir region, where these goats have been raised for centuries. Part of the caprine family, cashmere goats are a sub-species of woolly goats. They have floppy ears, curved horns, and come in about 20 different breeds. Their coats range in color from white and gray to brown and black.
A Legacy of Luxury
For over 3,000 years, high-quality cashmere wool has been crafted into premium textiles in the Kashmir region. Today, the world's leading producers include China, Iran, Mongolia, and the Central Asian highlands of Pamir. Large-scale farms in New Zealand, Australia, and Scotland have also specialized in raising cashmere goats.
Traditionally, cashmere is collected by carefully combing out the soft undercoat when the goats shed at the end of winter. While this method is still widely used, some farms now shear the goats mechanically. After collection, the fleece is meticulously sorted by hand based on fineness and color, ensuring only the highest-quality fibers make their way into luxurious garments.
Properties
Cashmere is one of the most luxurious and sought-after natural textiles, primarily due to its rarity. Each cashmere goat produces only 150-200 grams of wool per year—just enough for a single scarf. This scarcity, combined with the intricate harvesting process, contributes to its high price. Additionally, cashmere is prized for its unparalleled softness, exceptional fineness, and outstanding thermal properties. Depending on quality, raw cashmere wool can cost anywhere from $130 to $220 per kilogram.
Nature’s Ultimate Insulator
The undercoat of the cashmere goat is incredibly fine, with fibers measuring just 15-19 microns in diameter and 25-90 mm in length. This delicate structure makes cashmere one of the lightest yet warmest natural fibers available. Tiny air pockets within the fibers help trap heat, allowing for exceptional insulation without bulk. This is why cashmere garments feel featherlight yet provide remarkable warmth and comfort. The fabric is also naturally breathable, dirt- and odor-resistant, ensuring that it remains fresh and comfortable to wear—even in warmer months. Whether it’s a lightweight cashmere sweater or a soft scarf, this luxurious fiber offers an unmatched sensation of softness, almost like a "second skin."
Care Tips
When taking care of cashmere, it's important not to wash cashmere garments too often. As a general rule, washing after every third or fourth wear is usually sufficient. After wearing, let the item rest for a day before washing it or putting it back in your closet. Since cashmere has natural odor-resistant properties, simply airing it out overnight is often enough to keep it fresh. The fibers will naturally straighten out, leaving the fabric soft and fluffy again.
When it comes to washing, using a washing machine's wool or delicate cycle is actually gentler on the fibers than handwashing. Cashmere garments should not be turned inside out, and the machine temperature should never exceed 86°F (30°C). Also, make sure to only fill the machine halfway to allow proper movement. Always use a wool-specific detergent and avoid fabric softeners, as they can damage the fibers. If handwashing is necessary, use only lukewarm water and avoid soaking the item for an extended period.
Drying Cashmere Properly
After washing, rinse the garment carefully with lukewarm water, gently squeeze out excess water (never wring it), and roll it up in a towel to absorb moisture. You can either dry cashmere items in a tumble dryer on a no-heat, air-dry setting or lay them flat on a drying rack with a towel underneath. To maintain their shape, cashmere pieces should always be stored flat rather than hung in a closet.
Conclusion
Cashmere isn't just special and luxurious because it's rare and has a low yield—its exceptional qualities make it the finest and most coveted type of wool. What truly sets cashmere apart is its unparalleled softness, incredible lightness, and superior heat retention. Despite being featherlight, it provides outstanding warmth, making it a top choice for cozy sweaters, cardigans, and scarves. Its silky texture and plush feel elevate it beyond any other wool variety, making it a symbol of elegance and comfort. These remarkable properties are why cashmere remains one of the most sought-after and valuable fibers in the world.
