What is Cashmere Made Of? – Interesting Facts About Cashmere

In the words of the late Ned Stark of Game of Thrones fame ‘Winter is Coming’.

Now, whether you’re a fan of the winter or whether you prefer your weather hotter and sunnier, it has to be said that being cold is no fun. As soon as the cold weather hits, you can guarantee that cashmere clothing will hit clothing store shelves, and for very good reason.

If you’re not familiar with cashmere, you may be wondering why this particular wool is so incredibly more expensive than the generic wool you find your everyday clothing items are made from. If so, you’ve come the right place. Below, we’ll be looking at what cashmere is made of, why it’s so expensive, and a whole lot more besides.

So, grab a warm drink, throw another log on the fire or crank up the heating, get comfy, and let’s take a look at cashmere.

What is cashmere made of?

So, just what is what cashmere is made of?

Cashmere is a type of wool that comes from goats. Specifically, it is made from the undercoat of goats which roam the lands in parts of Asia such as Mongolia, China, Iran, Afghanistan, Northern India, and Tibet.

Cashmere is much finer and softer than sheep’s wool, making it softer, more delicate, and many would say, more comfortable as well. Not only that, but as it is popular around the holidays, it makes for the ultimate winter gift because it provides three times more insulation than regular sheep’s wool.

The name is derived from the region in which the goats reside

Despite being spelled differently, cashmere gets its name from Kashmir.

Specifically, from Kashmir goats, which were named as such because they were native to Kashmir, which is located between Indian and Pakistan.

Cashmere is only obtained during the spring

Every single year in the spring between March and May, the goats find themselves undergoing a natural moulting process and lose a combination of thicker coarser hair and softer hair located in the undercoat.

Because of this, the wool is rare and as the farmers have to separate the hair, this adds a significant amount to the price tag of the wool.

Cashmere doesn’t fade or stretch

If you own a regular wool sweater or cardigan, you will likely notice how it is considerably more faded than it was when you first purchased it. Ensuring the wool keeps its shape after being washed and dried is also a pain in the neck as well.

If you purchase a cashmere sweater or cardigan, however, providing you care for it as instructed, the material will keep its shape and it will not fade. Essentially, it will remain looking brand new for years to come.

Cashmere should be hand washed

If you want to ensure your cashmere does indeed retain its colour and shape, you must hand wash it only.

Not even dry cleaning is permitted unless you find there’s a stubborn stain which you cannot remove.