Delicious Cashmere

Posted on Apr. 6, 2005 at 6:02 PM

Delicious Cashmere 

Isn´t it the best fabric ever? There´s no comparison to cashmere´s touch, it siply the most wonderful feeling there is, agreed?

Well, what´s its origins?

What is cashmere? Cashmere is the underdown shed annually by goats living in the high, dry plateaus surrounding the Gobi Desert, which stretch from Northern China into Mongolia. These goats have a coarse outer hair that repels the weather. Under that outer coat lies a much finer fiber, cashmere, which insulates these animals from the bitter cold.

How do I tell a good cashmere sweater from a poor one? Your fingers are very good judges. If a cashmere sweater doesn’t feel smooth, soft and luxurious, don’t buy it. The other critical factor is density/weight. Pull the sides of the sweater apart and then let them go. The sweater should snap back to its original shape. Loosely knit, limp fabric is the hallmark of a cheaply made sweater. A good sweater should feel hefty and substantial even if it is lightweight.

How do I care for a cashmere sweater? Threat your cashmere like your hair. Gently wash it in warm water with a mild soap (shampoo will do). Block it out on a towel to shape and let it dry. Dry cleaning may be the only answer for stubborn stains.

What are the differences between European and Asian made cashmere sweaters? The world’s cashmere comes from China and to a lesser extent Mongolia. So the source of the fiber is the same. Chinese garments have the highest level of handwork and because the labor cost is relatively low, these garments usually have good value. European garments have exceptional style and color, which offsets their higher price.

How long will a cashmere sweater last? That depends on he quality and how it is worn. Generally speaking more expensive sweaters will last longer than less expensive sweaters. Under normal wear circumstances a well-made cashmere sweater should last many years.