Welcome to our comprehensive guide on everything cashmere, a luxurious and highly coveted natural fiber that has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Here, we will delve into various aspects of cashmere, including its origins, properties, care instructions, ethical considerations, and more.
Whether you're a cashmere enthusiast or simply curious about this remarkable material, join us as we uncover what is cashmere and unravel all the answers to your burning questions.
What is cashmere?
Cashmere is a luxurious and highly prized natural fiber obtained from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats. Known for its exceptional softness, warmth, and insulating properties, cashmere is often used to create exquisite and cosy garments.
What is pashmina?
Pashmina fabric, renowned for its extraordinary warmth-to-weight ratio, owes its exceptional insulation properties to the incredibly fine fibers it possesses. Measuring between 10-14 microns in diameter (approximately 6-8 times thinner than a human hair), these delicate fibers trap air effectively, resulting in remarkable heat retention while keeping the weight of the garment light. This unique attribute has made Pashmina highly coveted among the elite for centuries, as it offers unparalleled comfort and luxurious insulation, enveloping the wearer in a cocoon of warmth and elegance.
What is cashmere made from?
Cashmere fiber, derived from a specific breed of goats originating in Kashmir, India, has been produced since the 13th century, earning it the name "cashmere". Pashmina, on the other hand, is derived from the fine wool of the Capra Hircus goat found in the Himalayas.
Is cashmere warm?
When it comes to cashmere, warmth can vary greatly depending on the authenticity and quality of the product. Beware of suspiciously low-priced items advertised as "pashmina," as they often turn out to be synthetic scarves made of plastic rather than genuine, sustainable cashmere.
Even among natural cashmere fibers, there are variations in quality, determined by factors such as the supply chain and the origin of the wool. Our supplier in Nepal ensures the finest quality pashmina, where a superior pashmina will exhibit a lighter weight and a softer texture, distinguishing it from lower-quality alternatives.
Why is cashmere so expensive?
The cost of cashmere products is influenced by various factors, including the composition of the fabric and the quality of the materials used. Many popular pashminas on the market, including our Classic, Cut-Fringe, Shaded, and Reversible pashminas, are a blend of 30% silk and 70% pashmina. This combination results in a garment where the silk threads provide a luxurious sheen and weight, enhancing the softness and warmth associated with pashmina.
However, pure 100% cashmere pashmina made solely from cashmere wool is exceptionally expensive due to the rising wholesale prices of cashmere over the years. To offer affordability without compromising on quality, our pashminas contain a blend of 30% cashmere and 70% merino wool, carefully hand-woven by our supplier in Nepal.
While pure cashmere pashminas command significantly higher prices, we strive to source the highest quality pashminas available at accessible prices, ensuring our customers can enjoy the exquisite warmth and elegance associated with this luxurious fabric.
Is cashmere itchy?
Cashmere, known for its luxurious softness, is generally not itchy when of high quality. Inferior-quality cashmere or blends with other fibers may cause discomfort or itching to some individuals.
However, when sourced from reputable suppliers and crafted with attention to detail, pure cashmere garments, such as our pashminas, provide a silky-smooth and irritation-free experience, allowing you to indulge in the supreme comfort and cosiness that cashmere is renowned for without any itchiness.
Is cashmere vegan?
Cashmere is an animal-derived fiber, making it not suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle. While pashmina and cashmere production doesn't involve harming or killing the goats, it still falls under the category of animal-derived materials.
How to clean cashmere?
To clean your pashmina or cashmere clothing, it is recommended to hand wash them in cool water using a mild, natural detergent. When handwashing, soak the item in cool or lukewarm water, gently caress it with a neutral detergent, and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and blot dry with a clean towel before allowing it to air dry completely. Ironing is generally not necessary, but if needed, a cool dry iron can be used.
Does cashmere shrink?
Cashmere has the potential to shrink if not handled properly during washing or drying. To minimise the risk of shrinkage, it is crucial to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Typically, hand washing in cool water with a gentle detergent is recommended for cashmere.
Avoid excessive agitation or wringing, as it can cause the fibers to tighten and shrink. After washing, reshape the garment and lay it flat to air dry, preferably on a clean towel. Taking these precautions helps preserve the size and shape of your cashmere and reduces the likelihood of shrinkage.
Is cashmere ethical?
Signature Cashmere takes pride in their commitment to ethical and sustainable cashmere production. They prioritise responsible sourcing, supply chain management, and work with farmers to ensure environmentally friendly land management practices.
Their production process incorporates eco-friendly techniques, and they minimise their environmental impact through proper waste management and thoughtful packaging choices. By choosing ethical and sustainable cashmere, consumers can contribute to positive environmental and social impacts, while enjoying high-quality, durable products.
How to mend cashmere holes?
To mend a hole in your cashmere or pashmina garment, gather the necessary tools including a needle, matching thread, a patch of fabric that closely matches the garment, fabric glue, a small brush, and a piece of wax paper.
Start by preparing the garment, ensuring it is laid flat and free of wrinkles or knots. For small holes, use a fusible bonding web, and for larger holes, employ the darning method. Next, patch the hole by attaching a fabric patch with fabric glue, smoothing out any wrinkles.
Finally, blend the patch seamlessly by carefully sewing around its edges with matching thread. To prevent future moth damage, store your garments in airtight containers, use natural deterrents, and keep them neatly folded away from direct sunlight. These tips will help maintain the beauty and luxury of your cashmere and pashmina pieces.
Is cashmere warmer than merino wool?
Cashmere is often considered warmer than merino wool due to its unique insulation properties. Cashmere fibers are finer and have more air pockets, allowing them to trap heat effectively and provide excellent insulation. This makes cashmere garments feel incredibly warm and cosy.
On the other hand, merino wool also offers good insulation but may not provide the same level of warmth as cashmere. However, both materials have their strengths and can be suitable for different climates and personal preferences.