What is cashmere?
Cashmere Cashmere is a premium natural fiber made from the fine undercoat (down) of cashmere goats. Unlike traditional sheep's wool, this fiber is not sheared but hand-combed with special combs during the animals' spring shedding season.
The raw material is mined primarily in the mountainous regions of Asia, including Mongolia, China, and northern India. The sharp temperature fluctuations and harsh climate of these areas contribute to the formation of thick, warm down, which insulates the animals from the cold.
The high cost of the material is directly related to the complexity of its production and limited production volumes. Only 100-200 grams of pure down are harvested from a single goat per season. The undercoat of three to five animals is required to create one standard women's sweater. When considering cashmere—what kind of fabric it is and why it is considered a luxury item—it's important to consider this labor-intensive process of manual harvesting and sorting.
Distinctive features
The material's key feature is its exceptionally fine thread. Cashmere fiber is 14–19 microns thick, several times thinner than a human hair, making the finished product virtually weightless.
Despite its minimal weight, the material offers high thermal insulation and warmth eight times better than regular sheep's wool. This property allows for the production of thin yet extremely warm wardrobe items: basic turtlenecks, jumpers, and demi-season coats.
The fiber is hypoallergenic and does not contain animal wax (lanolin). Pure down products are non-prickly, non-itchy, and comfortable for those with sensitive skin.
Aesthetically, cashmere fabric stands out for its delicate matte surface without a synthetic sheen. The fabric forms soft, flexible drapes that retain their shape well throughout wear.
How to care
Cashmere items require gentle hand washing in cool water at a temperature no higher than 30 degrees Celsius. For cleaning, use special liquid detergents for delicate fabrics or a neutral baby shampoo. Rubbing, wringing, and stretching the fabric are strictly prohibited.
Dry the damp item horizontally on a flat towel, carefully squeezing out excess water without wringing. Dry away from radiators and direct sunlight to prevent shrinkage.
Cashmere knitwear should be stored folded and placed on closet shelves. Hanging it on hangers will inevitably stretch the material and deform the shoulder seams. It's recommended to place natural moth-repellent sachets made from cedar or lavender in storage areas.
Pilling in areas of friction—underarms or where it comes into contact with a bag—is a natural characteristic of pure down. This pilling should be carefully trimmed with a clipper or a special cashmere comb, avoiding ripping the fibers out with your hands.
