Cashmere and what makes it so expensive (2024)

FAQs

What is cashmere and why is it so expensive? ›

Pure cashmere is very expensive due to its unique characteristics and the involved production process, where the fibers are separated by hand from the molted coats of a particular goat, the Capra hircus laniger, which lives in the cold mountainous regions of the highlands of Asia.

Warmth – Its insulation capacity is three times higher than wool (up to eight times for the very best cashmere), making it perfect for maintaining your body temperature. The result is a yarn that keeps you warm but not hot.

The grades range from A to C, with A being the highest quality, and most expensive. As cashmere is known for its lightweight, soft properties, the highest-grade cashmere will feel the softest and will be better at retaining its shape, so it is well worth the investment compared to its cheaper counterparts.

In terms of price and quality, Himalayan cashmere is typically the most expensive and highest quality type of cashmere, followed by Italian and Inner Mongolian cashmere. Scottish cashmere is generally less expensive than the other types but is still considered to be of high quality.

It is basically this: Cashmere has historically been expensive because it comes from cashmere goats, who are found in Mongolia, China, and parts of Afghanistan.

Price: Although it's a much rarer material, alpaca wool tends to be cheaper than the highest-quality cashmere.

Therefore, only around 80 to 170 gms of Ladakhi Cashmere are produced during a year and is expensive. Therefore, considered the rarest. Also, other breeds of it produce several times more as there is almost 400 million Cashmere eliciting Goats all over the world.

The quality is reflected by grades: A, B, and C. Grade C is the lowest grade, measuring around 30 microns width per cashmere hair. Grade B measures around 18 to 19 microns width per cashmere hair. And Grade A, the highest, measures no more than 14 microns width per cashmere hair.

Products made from the pure wool of cashmere goats are truly luxurious. Also Read: How to wear a Pashmina Scarf in 13 Different Ways!

Yak wool, AKA “khullu” is not only a cashmere alternative because it's similarly soft and comfy to wear all the time. Khullu is also considered an alternative because it's more sustainable, breathable, durable, and warmer than cashmere.

Why is cashmere a big deal? ›

While cashmere and wool are both natural fibres, cashmere is finer, softer and more durable. The best cashmere comes from places like Mongolia where the winters are harsh, and the goats naturally grow longer, finer fibres to keep warm.

Disadvantages: But because of the cashmere's fineness, short fiber and weak strength, we need good care when wearing especially avoids grinding with hard clothes, coarse cloth and chemical fiber. Particularly we can't pull strongly and do drastic exercise to avoid punch and pilling when wearing cashmere pants.

Disadvantages: But because of the cashmere's fineness, short fiber and weak strength, we need good care when wearing especially avoids grinding with hard clothes, coarse cloth and chemical fiber. Particularly we can't pull strongly and do drastic exercise to avoid punch and pilling when wearing cashmere pants.

Yes you can wash cashmere. Hand wash cashmere or with machine-washable cashmere put on a wool or delicate cycle with a cashmere shampoo or mild detergent at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees. Turn your cashmere jumpers inside out before machine washing to preserve their softness.

Cashmere is considered to be far less itchy than other wools. Cashmere does not contain lanolin, so it's an entirely hypoallergenic alternative to merino and other fibres. However, cashmere is a natural yarn and this can cause mild irritation for some people.