How can you tell quality cashmere?

Cashmere should feel soft and not scratchy against your skin. Higher quality cashmere is soft, but not overly soft to touch – it softens over time. Some companies increase the softness by treating the cashmere with chemical additives and softeners or by over washing it.

How can you tell if it's real cashmere?

Pick up the cashmere item, holding it at eye level, and stare across the fabric's surface. You should see about 1-2mm of fluff or fibers. Longer fibers mean less pilling. If there is more fluff than 2mm worth, then you should be suspicious.

Are there grades of cashmere?

Absolutely: there are different grades of cashmere that directly reflect upon its quality. These grades can be broken down into three: A, B and C. Grade C cashmere is the lowest quality, measuring around 30 microns width per cashmere hair. Grade B cashmere is intermediate, around 18-19 microns width per hair.

How do I buy good quality cashmere?

How is cashmere graded?

Raw cashmere hair is sorted into grades based on the length and thickness of the hair, measured in density units called microns. Grade A cashmere is usually considered 14 to 15.5 microns and 30 to 34 cm long, while Grade B is 16 to 19 microns; to put this in perspective, human hair is about 75 – 100 microns.

Cashmere Explained - How To Spot A Quality Scarf, Sweater, Sport Coat, Avoid Pilling

What is the best cashmere brand?

What does GG mean in cashmere?

What does Gauge (gg) Mean? It is a measure of how tightly the item is knitted. Gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows per inch. The higher the gauge number, the tighter the knit and the more Cashmere yarn that is being used.

Why does some cashmere pill more than others?

This happens due to the grade's shorter, thicker fibers. When spun together, natural fibers interlock, which is how we get yarn. Long, thin fibers form a stronger bond than short, thick ones do, so even a little friction will pull apart a low-grade garment more easily than a higher quality piece.

Is pure cashmere itchy?

Is cashmere itchy? 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.

Which country produces the best cashmere?

The best quality Cashmere comes from North India, Ladakh. Even though Ladakh contributes to less than 1% of the total production of Cashmere, this is the best quality Cashmere ever. The same wool from other countries is not as fine and as warm as Ladakhi Cashmere. The reason is just the climatic conditions.

How do you check cashmere with a ring?

Genuine cashmere should be smooth and super soft to the touch even if it is lightweight. Here's one easy way to tell if your cashmere is of high-quality, it's called the ring test: 100% cashmere should be so soft that the whole shawl can pass through a wedding ring.

How much should cashmere cost?

Cashmere products can range from as little as $40 to as much as $2,400. Cashmere made with Mongolian goat wool is considered the highest quality, having the longest and most resilient fibers. Buyers should beware of counterfeit cashmere or "cashmere blends," which may be lower in price but not made of 100% cashmere.

Why is Mongolian cashmere the best?

Mongolian cashmere is the best in the world because it's so cold that the goat develops a tighter fur. GOBI works directly with the nomadic herders of Mongolia who produce raw materials from their herds and rely on the sale of their raw cashmere to manufacturers for half of their annual income.

What is difference between cashmere and Pashmina?

Whileas, Cashmere is the fine wool that grows on the body of the Changthangi goat of Ladakh, Pashmina is the name given to the art of transforming it. Hence the transformation of Cashmere to luxury shawls, scarves, stoles or wraps is an art, which is called the art of Pashmina.

Why is some cashmere scratchy?

Cashmere that feels slippery means that's it's been over processed and won't keep its shape. Or if it feels really scratchy and gritty, it usually means it hasn't been de-haired or scoured thoroughly enough, and you're left with a jumper made from short, rough and dirty fibres.

How can you tell the difference between wool and cashmere?

The fibers are also referred to as “cashmere wool,” which can be confusing. A good way to think about it is that all cashmere is wool, but not all wool is cashmere. Still, cashmere is finer, lighter, softer, and offers three times the insulating properties as sheep's wool.

Is merino or cashmere better?

Warmer: Cashmere can be seven to eight times warmer than merino wool. Softer: Cashmere has a higher loft, which makes it softer. More Durable: Merino wool is sturdier and resists pilling more effectively. Easier to Care for: Merino generally requires less care in washing.

What happens if cashmere gets wet?

Cashmere is at its most delicate when the fibers are wet, so this is the stage that requires the most care. Unfortunately, wet cashmere can take days to dry, so this is also the stage that requires the most patience.

Does cashmere shrink in the wash?

Made from the soft fibers from cashmere or pashmina goats, it is a rare material that comes at a premium. The ideal cashmere sweater for women can last for years with good care. However, because of the delicate nature of the material, cashmere can easily shrink when it is accidentally thrown into the wrong wash cycle.

Can you put cashmere in the washing machine?

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.

Is Woolite good for cashmere?

Woolite Dark is something you may have already bought for washing your raw denim, but, as its name implies, it's great for its light touch on wool. That means it will clean your cashmere without stripping it of its natural softness, and Woolite Dark doesn't have the added bleach of regular Woolite.

How do I get rid of pills on my cashmere sweater?

There are certain tools that can remove the pills, such as cashmere combs, sweater shavers, or bristle brushes. After washing, lay your garment flat and brush across the surface to remove the pills. If you want a quick fix, light steaming can also help the garment maintain its structure to help prevent future pilling.

Is 16 gauge cashmere good?

The Best Quality Cashmere

Made from the thinnest (14-16.5 microns) and longest (up to 50mm) fibers. The higher the ply, the better.

What does gauge mean in cashmere?

The higher the gauge number the tighter the knit and the more cashmere yarn that is being used. Cashmere garments are commonly knitted in 7 gauge (7GG) and 12 gauge (12GG). 7 gauge has 7 stitches or rows of yarn per inch of the knitted cashmere, so the cashmere has a more open or mesh like look and is lighter.

What is 2 ply cashmere?

Two-ply cashmere is the “basic” sweater thickness. These sweaters can be worn in any season, even in the summertime, since cashmere is a thermo-regulating fiber and is therefore very pleasant to wear both on warmer days and in the winter.