What is cashmere fabric?

Cashmere is a type of wool that comes from the Cashmere goat. Before diving deep, we need to understand what the heck is fabric.

Fabric is a versatile material used in various industries, primarily for clothing, furnishings, and other textile applications. It is a flexible, woven, or knitted sheet of fibers that can be made from natural, synthetic, or blended materials. Fabrics come in a wide range of colors, patterns, textures, and weights, catering to diverse needs and preferences.

Cashmere fabric is typically used to make high-end clothing, such as sweaters, scarves, and coats. It is also used to make blankets, pillows, and other home textiles.

Cashmere fabric is made by weaving or knitting cashmere fibers into a textile.

It is known for its softness, warmth, and durability, and is often used to make high-end clothing and other luxury goods.

Cashmere yarn:

Cashmere yarn is a type of yarn made from the fine, soft fibers of the Cashmere goat.

It is prized for its warmth, softness, and durability.

The yarn is made by spinning cashmere fibers together to create a thread, which can then be used for knitting or weaving.

Cashmere yarn is often used to make high-end clothing, such as sweaters, scarves, and hats, as well as other luxury goods like blankets, throws, and more.

The cashmere yarn can be of different thicknesses or ply, depending on the intended use.

A single-ply yarn will be thinner, and a multiple-ply yarn will be thicker and more durable. Additionally, the yarns can be dyed in various colors, and treated with different finishes.

Cashmere yarn can also be blended with other fibers, such as wool, silk, or cotton, to create a different look, feel, and drape.

These blends can also be used to achieve a balance between warmth, softness, and durability.

It’s worth noting that when working with cashmere yarn, one should be aware of its unique characteristics, such as being prone to pilling, and take care while knitting or crocheting with it, following the recommended gauge, and care instructions.

Cashmere suppliers:

Cashmere suppliers are companies that provide cashmere fibers, yarns, or finished cashmere products to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. There are several types of cashmere suppliers, including:

• Farmers: These suppliers raise cashmere goats and harvest their wool. They may sell their cashmere directly to manufacturers or to middlemen who then sell it to manufacturers.
• Manufacturers: Some suppliers are manufacturers that produce cashmere yarns and fabrics, and may also make finished cashmere products like clothing, blankets, etc. They may source their cashmere from farmers or from other suppliers who provide raw cashmere fibers.
• Wholesalers: These suppliers buy cashmere from manufacturers and farmers and resell it to retailers and other customers. They may specialize in a particular type of cashmere product, such as yarns or finished garments.
• Retailers: Retailers buy cashmere products from wholesalers or manufacturers and resell them to consumers. They may specialize in a particular type of cashmere product, such as sweaters or scarves, and may also sell cashmere care and cleaning products.

To find a supplier, you can check online marketplaces, and trade shows, or search for cashmere suppliers in your region. It’s worth noting that the quality and pricing of the cashmere may vary between suppliers, so it is advisable to check the supplier’s reputation and their sourcing and production process before making a purchase.

Cashmere quality:

The quality of cashmere is determined by a number of factors, including the fineness of the fibers, their length, their color and consistency, and the way in which they have been processed.

• Fineness: The finer the fibers, the softer and more lightweight the cashmere will be. Finer fibers also tend to be stronger and more durable.
• Length: Longer fibers can be spun into a smoother yarn, which results in a softer and more resilient fabric.
• Color and consistency: High-quality cashmere is a consistent color throughout, and is typically a creamy white.
• Processing: The way in which cashmere is processed can also affect its quality. High-quality cashmere is typically combed, rather than carded, to remove any short or coarse fibers. Additionally, cashmere should be washed and dyed using gentle processes in order to maintain the softness and integrity of the fibers.

For cashmere, the fibers are generally considered to be fine if they are between 15 and 19 microns in diameter.

Fibers that are below 15 microns are considered to be ultra-fine and are particularly valued for their softness and warmth.

The micron range that is commonly considered to be high-quality cashmere is around 15-19 microns.

Fibers that are above 19 microns are considered to be coarse and are typically not used in high-end cashmere products.

Cashmere grade:

There are several grading systems used to classify cashmere based on its quality. The two most common grading systems are:

• Grade A: This is considered the highest quality cashmere, characterized by its fineness, length, color, and consistency. It will have the longest, thinnest fibers, which makes it the softest and most durable.
• Grade B: This is considered to be lower-quality cashmere and will have shorter, coarser fibers. The color may not be as consistent, and it may not be as soft or durable as Grade A cashmere.

Additionally, some manufacturers or suppliers use specific grading systems and some terms like Super grade, and Royal grade, which has different standards that they have set. But generally, Grade A is considered to be the highest quality cashmere, while Grade B is considered to be lower quality.

Why is cashmere so expensive?

There are several reasons why cashmere is more expensive than other types of wool:

• Rarity: Cashmere goats are found mainly in China, Mongolia, and Nepal, and their wool is not as readily available as other types of wool. Additionally, only a small amount of cashmere can be obtained from each goat, making the wool rare and valuable. According to the sustainable fiber alliance, Mongolia and China together produce 80% of the world’s raw cashmere.
• Cost of production: The process of producing cashmere is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The fibers need to be carefully combed or sheared from the goats, and then cleaned, carded, and spun into yarn. This process requires skilled labor, which raises the cost of production.
• Quality Control: The quality control of cashmere is very important and only the best fibers are used for garments production also the finishing processes such as dyeing, washing, etc. need to be done carefully to maintain the integrity of the fibers. All of this also drives up the cost of cashmere.
• Branding and Marketing: Cashmere is often associated with luxury and exclusivity, and many high-end fashion brands use cashmere in their clothing lines, which helps to drive up the price. Additionally, the process of branding and marketing is also an added cost that is passed on to the end consumer.

In summary, cashmere is expensive because it is a luxury fabric that comes from a rare source, requires a lot of labor to produce, has strict quality control measures in place and also there are branding and marketing costs associated with it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is cashmere fabric suitable for warm climates?

While cashmere is renowned for its warmth, it is surprisingly versatile and can also be comfortably worn in milder climates. Its breathability allows it to regulate body temperature, making it a great option for various weather conditions.

How do I remove wrinkles from cashmere garments?

To remove wrinkles from cashmere, avoid ironing directly on the fabric. Instead, place a clean, damp cloth over the garment and gently iron on low heat. Alternatively, hanging the garment in a steamy bathroom can help release wrinkles naturally.

Can I wash cashmere fabric at home?

It is generally recommended to hand wash cashmere garments using a gentle detergent in cold water. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, and instead, gently squeeze out excess water. Alternatively, you can have cashmere professionally dry-cleaned for thorough and safe cleaning.

Is cashmere fabric suitable for individuals with sensitive skin?

Yes, cashmere is hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin, making it an ideal choice for those prone to allergies or irritation.

Can cashmere fabric be blended with other materials?

Yes, cashmere can be blended with materials like silk or cotton to enhance specific properties and create unique fabric blends.