Cashmere is one of the most luxurious and valued fabrics around the world. Its exceptional softness, lightness and thermal insulation properties make cashmere products among the most exclusive. But why is cashmere so expensive? In this article, we will look at its production process, unique features, and the factors that contribute to its high price. We will also tell you what to pay special attention to when buying a fabric to be sure that you are choosing real cashmere. Start!  

What exactly is cashmere? 

Cashmere is a luxurious, natural fiber derived from the undercoat of cashmere goats, which inhabit the mountainous areas of Asia, mainly Mongolia, China, Nepal, India and Pakistan. Due to the extreme climatic conditions in which these animals live – with temperatures reaching as low as -40°C – their undercoat is extremely soft and light. It is used by animals to protect themselves from the cold and harsh mountain climate. It is this unique layer of down, located under the thicker, outer coat, that is the raw material for the production of cashmere. Interestingly, cashmere fibers are several times thinner than a human hair (less than 19 microns in diameter). This, in turn, makes them much softer than traditional sheep's wool. At the same time, the material is extremely robust and resistant to pilling. 

What does cashmere production look like?

Cashmere production is a long and complicated process that requires precision and a huge amount of manual work. This fibre is obtained in an animal-friendly way, without harming them, but it requires care at every stage – from combing the goats to the final finishing of the fabric.

Sourcing the raw material: Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats, which molt naturally once a year – usually in spring. The fibers are collected in two main methods. Hand combing is the most traditional and gentle method. Breeders comb out animals with special combs, collecting soft fluff that is under the thicker, outer coat.

A faster, although less popular method is a haircut. It is mainly used in mass production. However, it can lead to a deterioration in the quality of the fibre, as the thicker, outer layer of the coat is also collected. 

Fibre selection: Raw cashmere consists of two types of hair: fine, soft down and coarse, outer hair. To obtain the highest quality cashmere, it is necessary to manually separate the delicate fibers from the thicker coat. After cleaning, the raw material is classified according to color and length – the longer and thinner the fibers, the more luxurious the fabric will be.

Spinning: After selection, cashmere goes into a spinning process in which the fibers are twisted into thin threads. Traditionally, this process is done by hand, but spinning machines are also used in modern textile mills. Hand-spinning makes the finished fabric softer and more durable, which is why it is still practiced in the production of luxury goods.

Weaving: The cashmere yarn is then woven on hand or machine looms, depending on the manufacturer and the level of exclusivity of the product. Machine techniques are most commonly used in China. Handwoven fabrics are more delicate and durable, but they take much longer to produce – they are also much more expensive. 

Dyeing and finishing: Natural cashmere comes in several colors: white, gray, brown and beige. In order to obtain other shades, dyeing is used, which is carried out using natural or synthetic dyes. 

Properties of cashmere – what makes it so special? 

Cashmere is a material that has been associated with luxury, elegance and unparalleled comfort for centuries. Its unique properties make it one of the most valued natural fibers in the world. It is distinguished by its extraordinary softness, lightness and excellent thermal insulation, which makes it an ideal choice for both winter and cooler spring or autumn days.

1. Softness

Cashmere is extremely pleasant to the touch, and its fibers are several times thinner than a human hair. Unlike sheep's wool, it does not bite or irritate the skin, making it ideal even for people with sensitive skin. It is this exceptional delicacy that makes cashmere sweaters, scarves or coats synonymous with luxury.

2. Thermal insulation

Despite its lightness, cashmere provides excellent thermal insulation – it is up to 6 times warmer than classic sheep's wool. Thanks to this, it protects against the cold. It's perfect for winter clothes, especially coats!

3. Breathability and thermoregulation

Cashmere not only warms perfectly, but also allows the skin to breathe. It regulates body temperature, which means that cashmere clothes do not overheat the body and can also be worn on warmer days. This makes cashmere a versatile material that will work all year round.

4. Lightweight and breathable

Compared to other warm materials such as wool or alpaca, cashmere is extremely light. This makes cashmere clothing comfortable to wear and provides full freedom of movement.

5. Durability and pilling resistance

High-quality cashmere, if properly cared for, can last for decades. Although it may pill on the surface at first, natural cashmere fibers become smoother over time, which increases the durability of the fabric. Products made of real cashmere are an investment for many years. 

6. Aesthetic values

Cashmere has a subtle, elegant shine and fits beautifully on the body. Its exclusivity is also due to its limited availability – a single cashmere goat produces only 150–200 grams of cashmere per year, making it a rare and expensive raw material.

What to pay special attention to when buying cashmere? 

Real cashmere is a luxurious material that, unfortunately, is often counterfeited or mixed with cheaper fibers. To make sure you're dealing with authentic cashmere, it's worth paying attention to a few key features. First of all, touch – cashmere should be extremely soft, but at the same time springy. If the material is rough or too slippery, it may contain an admixture of synthetics or other types of wool. You can also run a light test – by holding the fabric under a light source, you'll see fine, fluffy fibers rather than a smooth, uniform structure. In addition, it is worth checking the elasticity – cashmere should quickly return to its original shape after being crushed in the hand. However, if you plan to buy fabric online and there will be no opportunity to "feel" the material in your hand, bet on proven suppliers. A wide selection of cashmere wool fabrics, which are perfect for designing warm coats or overcoats, can be found in the izpol wholesaler. Check out our offer now!