There are a few things we know for sure about Cashmere wool; it’s incredibly comfortable, it keeps you warm and it can be styled in so many ways. What is not so obvious about the luxurious knitwear is what makes it all the more interesting. 

Here are 10 fun facts about Cashmere that are sure to make your favorite sweater even more special to you:

  1. It is extremely rare - Cashmere wool is a finite resource, meaning there is only a certain amount available in the world, and it is priced accordingly.
  2. It’s the GOAT, literally - Cashmere comes from a goat which originates from India, China and Mongolia. You need the cashmere fleece from about 4 goats to make just one sweater! 
  3. It is fueled by cold air - It is naturally designed to keep the goats warm in harsh climates, so the colder it gets, the more it grows. When the weather warms, the goats shed their underdown fleece which is then turned into the valuable product that keeps us warm in return. 
  4. It gets better with age - Well-made cashmere will get even softer as it is worn and washed and it rarely pills. Goats’ fur, like human hair, gets fluffier and more luscious after a wash. 
  5. There is no itchiness involved - The diameter of cashmere fibers is very small and the density is higher than wool, leaving the texture soft to the touch and velvety smooth.
  6. Getting your hands dirty is key - To ensure the quality of cashmere is maintained, hand-washing it with cool water is the best method to use when cleaning it. Baby shampoo can be used to add an extra layer of softness and fluffiness to the texture. 
  7. It’s been on trend since the 19th century - In the early years of the 1800s, cashmere hit Western Europe and was worn by powerful figures such as the wife of a French General in Paris. It quickly became a symbol of importance and wealth and was extremely sought after. It has maintained a similar status ever since with premium positioning in the market.
  8. It is hypoallergenic - As some other sweater materials cause redness, itchiness or other reactions on sensitive skin, cashmere is typically comfortable for all skin types.
  9. The trend is hot, but the temperature is not - Cashmere is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air and is inherently breathable. It absorbs and releases water vapor water as humidity fluctuates. You can wear it year round without getting too hot or too cold. 
  10. There is a grading scale - An important factor in determining the quality of cashmere is the fineness of the hairs on the fiber. Grade A fibers (which we use, of course!) is the longest and thinnest with the smallest diameter of 14-15.5 microns. Grade B is thicker with a diameter of 19 microns. Grade C is about twice the thickness of Grade A with a diameter of 30 microns. The softness of your cashmere can give you an idea of its grade. 

Have more fun facts about cashmere? We'd love to hear them!

Written in Collaboration with Averi Dauphin

October 11, 2019 — Kimberly Conrad