Cashmere: The Most Sustainable and Renewable Fiber

The cashmere wool is made from the hair of goats inhabiting the Gobi Desert and Central Asia. Known for its softness and luxurious hand, cashmere is highly prized as a material for sweaters, scarves, and other light winter clothing. The soft, insulating fabric is one of the most valuable natural products currently used in the fashion industry. It is characterized by its extremely soft finish and is considered as the most sustainable and renewable fiber. It is a result of delicate fibers that are almost silky to the touch. Wool is itchy, but it provides insulating warmth without being itchy.

Soft and fluffy, cashmere is made from the undercoat of a goat. The cold air fuels its growth during winter. The colder it gets, the more it grows. It shields the goats from harsher climates and insulates them. In the spring, goats shed their coats as soon as the weather warms. Cashmere producers then comb out the valuable product before spinning it and dyeing it.

The yarn comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats, which are mainly found in Mongolia and China. As a result of the laborious process of sourcing, collecting, and processing wool, this type of wool has traditionally been very expensive. However, some excellent blends of cashmere wool have made it a more accessible option. A 'cashmere' product's quality can vary greatly, so check the label before purchasing.

Types of Cashmere

Types of Cashmere vary a huge amount. It depends on the environment in which the animal was raised. The goats in the Himalayas grow fine hair during the colder winter months to keep them warm. The fine hair is perfect for producing super soft Cashmere. Cashmere wool from this region is famous for its smooth, long, straight fibers, and is known to be the most luxurious of all wools. In addition to the thickness of the hairs, the length of the hair plays a role in the fabric's quality. The longer the hairs, the less likely the fabric will pill and achieve the fluffy quality we enjoy so much.

Cashmere fabric today

Today, most cashmere wool is produced in China, but there is still a thriving cottage cashmere industry in Central Asia. With the growth of the global population and the reduction of poverty, cashmere production continues to increase, and China is likely to remain the top cashmere exporter for the foreseeable future. While there are many unethical textile manufacturers in China, there are also many ethical cashmere producers.

Due to animal rights concerns, animal fibers like wool have gone out of style to some extent, but there is no suitable synthetic alternative to cashmere. Textile manufacturers had expected that people would gradually wear only synthetic fabrics, but instead, the opposite has occurred. Fairtrade and sustainable textile manufacturing processes are gradually gaining traction in the world economy.

When combined with organic, cruelty-free manufacturing processes, cashmere will continue to have a lasting impact on the evolution of textile commerce in the 21st century. Cashmere wool's sleek lustrousness is unsurpassed, and people will continue to pay for it as long as it is available.

How much does cashmere fabric cost?

Cashmere varies widely in terms of price. Wool from cashmere goats that are bred in a megalithic Chinese factory might be below-grade and cheap, but most traditional cashmere producers charge much higher prices. In the cashmere industry as in most parts of life, you get what you pay for, and traditionally-produced cashmere wool is much softer and better overall than mass-produced cashmere.

The grade of cashmere fiber also greatly affects its price. Low-grade cashmere is inexpensive, but high-grade cashmere wool can become incredibly pricey. The higher the grade, the thinner the fibers when it comes to cashmere wool.

What different types of cashmere fabric are there?

1. Cashmere wool

Derived from the cashmere goat of the Gobi Desert and Kashmir regions, cashmere wool is very fine and soft but also strong.

2. Pashmina wool

A close relative of the cashmere goat, the pashmina goat produces fibers so similar to cashmere that these two types of fabric are often lumped together.

3. Grade C cashmere

Grade C is the roughest grade of cashmere wool. It is also the cheapest, and it is commonly used in garments that don’t make a lot of contact with the skin.

4. Grade B cashmere

This cashmere grade is somewhat better than C, but it still might be slightly rough or scratchy. Mid-grade cashmere varies widely in price.

5. Grade A cashmere

Grade A cashmere wool is universally expensive, and some types are much more expensive than others. After the first time you touch grade A cashmere, though, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about.

Cashmere wool comes with an array of features and advantages. Here is some more insight into this wonderful wool fabric:

• Not too heavy; not too light

It’s the perfect weight to take you through the autumn transition when the weather can be temperamental and changeable. It’s also ideal to use for layering through winters, such as undercoats or blazers, without adding lots of bulk and is cozy enough to wear indoors on its own.

• No scratchiness

Many of us avoid wool for the simple fact that it can be itchy or feel scratchy on our skin. You won’t have that problem with cashmere. Cashmere is silky soft and superfine as the density of the fibres is very tight, creating a smooth and soft texture.

• Everyday elegance

Cashmere is elegant and feminine because of its streamlined and flattering fit, while still maintaining the practicality of warmth.

• A year-round go-to

There isn’t a time of year when your cashmere won’t be suitable. Polos, vests, or short-sleeve sweaters are a great option for the office, while sweaters and cardigans are such perfect weekend go-to pieces. A cardigan is also the perfect option for an evening outing when you feel like you may need something a little warmer when the sun goes down.

• Versatility plus

While cashmere certainly exudes all-American prep, it’s not a fashion statement reserved only for ladies who lunch. Cashmere can look striking against edgier fabrics like denim and leather.

• On-trend now, and always

The beauty of cashmere is that it is an investment that will last. Cashmere is timeless and classic styles will rarely date. In particular, a shawl, scarf, or cape will get a lot of mileage in its lifetime. They are perfect to pull out for weddings or occasions when you might need a little warmth later in the evening, without clashing with, or distracting from, your more formal wear.

• Easy care

It can be washed sparingly, so is pretty low maintenance. The best way to care for your cashmere is to hand wash it in tepid water (never hot) and then simply lay it flat on a towel to dry. Keep it folded, or hang it on a padded coat hanger, and it will keep its shape and flawless finish for a long time to come.

At Hanngul, we offer a mesmerizing range of 100% cashmere products that are a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary patterns, keeping global fashion trends in mind. Our exquisite embellishments and intricate designs are treasured as heirlooms. With our certified quality products, luxurious packaging, and free shipping across India, we make sure that you have a great shopping experience. Visit hanggul.com to know more.