When it comes to luxurious fabric, you can’t really do much better than cashmere. This wool is incredibly soft to the touch and it feels amazing next to the skin, which is no doubt why it’s so very popular… the perfect addition to any well-dressed wardrobe, that’s for sure and certain.
But where exactly does cashmere come from and what makes it so special?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, cashmere comes from the downy undercoat of the Kashmir goat. These animals have a protective outer coat that’s very coarse and fibrous, but beneath this are softer, finer hairs that can be either plucked or combed out while the goats are moulting. It can also be sheared, although this is perhaps the less traditional method of extraction.
It takes quite a number of goats to collect enough of these fibres to make the luxury garments that we know and love, which is why these clothes come with the luxury price tag to match.
But, as we all know, you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to clothing and you’ll find that cashmere represents an incredible return on investment, with your investments lasting you for years. The quality speaks for itself, after all!
From an environmental perspective, spending more on pieces that will last is only ever beneficial for the planet, reducing the amount of waste being sent to landfill and promoting a circular economy… so never feel buyer’s remorse when investing in key pieces like this.
Once the fleece has been taken from the goat, it is then cleaned in order to get rid of any lurking impurities, such as grease or vegetation.
There are sure to be coarse hairs still in the mix somewhere, so mechanical processes are then implemented (typically top secret!) to create the finished product. Once these processes have been completed, the final yield is inevitably reduced but the fibre that has the lowest hair content goes for the highest price.
The resultant cashmere fabric is warm and comforting… absolutely perfect for this time of year! The warmth to weight ratio of cashmere is what makes it ideal for winter wardrobes as it will keep you all lovely and toasty without adding much bulk to your outfit, so you can look sleek and stylish without having to freeze at the same time.
Another major plus point of cashmere is that, with the proper love, care and attention, it should last you for years. Overwashing will kill your cashmere, so try to get a few wears out of your garments before they hit the laundry basket.
As for cleaning, one of the best ways to freshen your cashmere up is to simply use a mild detergent and some cold water, rather than dry cleaning. Soaking your clothes for 20 minutes or so and then washing gently will clean everything up nicely… but cold water is absolutely key if you want to avoid the dreaded shrinkage!
Looking for a lovely cashmere pashmina right now? Check out what we’ve got in stock today.
