Cashmere: Synonymous with Softness and Comfort -

Cashmere: Synonymous with Softness and Comfort

2023-02-01

Cashmere wool, usually simply known as cashmere, is a fiber obtained from cashmere goats, pashmina goats, and some other breeds of goat. It has been used to make yarn, textiles and clothing for hundreds of years. While cashmere is not as insulative as other types of wool, it is much softer and finer, which makes it possible to weave cashmere into highly dense but thin fabric. This type of wool will not insulate you as well as traditional sheep wool, but it is soft enough to wear directly next to the skin, which is advantageous for applications like underwear and undershirts.

There are four types of cashmere fiber.
Raw – fiber that has not been processed and is essentially straight from the animal
Processed – fiber that has been through the processes of de-hairing, washing, carding, and is ready either to spin or to knit/crochet/weave
Virgin – new fiber made into yarns, fabrics or garments for the first time
Recycled – fibers reclaimed from scraps or fabrics that were previously woven or felted and may or may not have been previously used by the consumer from various parts of the world.

Cashmere fabric is used in a variety of different product applications. For years, cashmere was coveted as one of the best fabrics for intricate dresses and other formal wear adorned by European nobility, and this association with high culture still defines cashmere to this day. While cashmere wool is significantly more expensive than other types of wool, it is much softer and finer, which makes the wearer feel an immediate sense of comfort and luxury.

Since cashmere is lightweight and relatively delicate, it isn’t commonly used for outdoor wear or heavy garments. While light cashmere sweaters are common, this material isn’t commonly used for trenchcoats, pea coats, or other types of outerwear garments that are ordinarily made with other types of wool.

Cashmere sweaters are often worn for special occasions, and it’s even possible to find certain types of cashmere underwear. Generally, cashmere is easy to work with, which lends this fabric to use in intricate, expensive, and beautiful garments that are designed to impress and dazzle.