I remember the first time I met its majesty Cashmere. Not $40 cashmere sweaters you can find at Amazon or "cashmere-like" knitwear at Target, but the most luxurious, buttery soft, irresistible yarn imaginable. As a student at FIT, I was tasked with an assignment to compare fabrics across three different stores. Wandering through Bergdorf Goodman, I found myself alone in the Chanel boutique. It was my first Chanel experience, I've never had any feelings for Chanel, had absolutely no intention to buy anything, and in general felt like an imposter.
There were racks of understated black, gray, and white clothes around me. And this is Chanel? I thought. But an assignment is an assignment, so I absently reached out to touch a gray cardigan covered with black inscriptions. The moment I did it, everything changed. It was thick like a comforter yet unbelievably soft, like touching a cloud. You could wear it instead of a jacket in fall — that's how substantial it felt. In denial, I looked at the cardigan again: it looked still boring and unremarkable on the hanger, but it was absolutely majestic to touch! The composition tag read 100% cashmere, and the price tag read $3000+. It was nothing like the cashmere sweaters I'd encountered before.
Later I learned that while the knitwear widely sold in department stores is technically cashmere too, many retailers use fibers of the lowest quality to keep prices affordable: Grade C, 1-ply. You're buying cashmere, yes, but missing out on the true cashmere experience.
The Making of Cashmere
The story of cashmere begins with the cashmere goats, who live across the Himalayas but can be found in many regions with cold climates: Mongolia, China, India, Nepal. To survive harsh winter conditions, these goats developed a unique two-coat system: a thick, coarse protective top and an incredibly fine, soft undercoat that becomes the cashmere we treasure.
Each spring, during the natural molting season, this precious undercoat is harvested. Here's what makes cashmere so rare: a single goat produces only 150-200 grams (less than half a pound) of usable fiber per year, and it takes the fleece from 2-4 goats to create one sweater.
The harvested fibers then undergo a meticulous sorting process, where the finest, longest fibers (measuring less than 19 microns in diameter) are separated from the coarser outer hair. Just imagine: a cashmere fiber is six times finer than human hair!
The selected fibers are cleaned, dyed, and spun into yarn, eventually becoming the cashmere garments we know and love. Cashmere goats can be white, brown, gray or black; to get other colors the fibers have to be dyed.
This labor-intensive process, combined with the limited annual yield, explains why genuine cashmere is so expensive.
What Makes It Special: Pros of Cashmere
The texture of cashmere turtle neck. Loro Piana
- Exceptional warmth: Cashmere provides up to three times more insulation than wool
- Unmatched Softness: Among all natural fibers, cashmere stands alone in its incredible softness — and unlike wool, there's no itchiness. Even better, it becomes softer with proper care
- Featherlight Yet Warm: A cashmere sweater weighs mere ounces yet provides more warmth than bulky wool knitwear
- Natural Climate Control: Like a second skin, cashmere adapts to your body temperature, keeping you comfortable whether it's chilly or mild
- Breathability and bacteria-resistance: Cashmere can be aired out for use the next day, so you don't need to wash it often. Also, it has antimicrobial properties — undercoat fleece protects animals not only from cold weather but also from bacteria
- Durability: When properly cared for, high-quality cashmere can last for decades
The Trade-Offs, or Cons of Cashmere
Lisa Yang cashmere sweater. Moda Operandi
- Expensive price tag: Cashmere is a significant investment, but consider it cost-per-wear over its long lifetime
- High maintenance: To keep cashmere in a good condition, you should hand wash it in lukewarm water using special mild detergents. No fabric softeners! Usually, you let it soak in a cashmere shampoo, then wash it, gently squeeze and let it dry without rinsing (the process can be different, so always read instructions on the bottle first). Also, it's a great idea to invest in a cashmere brush to help with pilling, lint and fuzz.
- Pilling tendency: Even high-quality cashmere can (and will) pill, especially in areas of frequent friction like underarms. Electric pilling remover might be a good addition to your to-buy list
- Moths Love It Too: These tiny pests love natural fibers, and cashmere is a special delicacy for them. Protect your investment with cedar or lavender sachets in your storage areas, and consider breathable garment bags for extra protection
In what items in cashmere to invest
Cardigan, skirt, camisole and opera gloves — every item is made in cashmere. Scanlan Theodore
Not all cashmere purchases are created equal. Here are the pieces worth investing in:
The Classic Crew Neck Sweater
A well-made cashmere crew neck is perhaps the most versatile investment you can make. Look for 2-ply cashmere if you want something lightweight, 4-ply for serious warmth and 6-ply for the warmest item possible.
What is ply? Ply is a strand of cashmere yarn used to make a fabric. If you see a mark "2-ply", that means two strands of cashmere were twisted together: this knitwear is more durable than 1-ply and more susceptible to stretching or pilling. 3-ply is even stronger, 4-ply beats them all and 6-ply is an absolute champion. More ply = more expensive price tag.
If you get a cashmere crew neck sweater in a neutral shade that complements your existing wardrobe, it will serve as a foundation for countless outfits, from casual to business casual.
The Wrap or Scarf
There's no better travel companion than a cashmere scarf: it's very warm, but at the same time lightweight and takes almost no space. Perfect for airports, planes, chilly evenings and unpredictable weather.
Since scarves and wraps are all about the fabric, this is where investing in the highest quality you can afford really pays off.
The Winter Accessories
Casmere gloves by The Row. Moda Operandi
Want to dip your toe into luxury cashmere? Start with accessories. Beanies, gloves, and socks offer the same incredible warmth and softness as larger pieces, but at a more accessible price point. Plus, these pieces come in direct contact with your skin, making their softness and comfort even more appreciable.
The Loungewear
There are lots of luxurious tracksuits, sweatpants and hoodies for women and men in the stores. It's hard to imagine other fabric or yarn that can beat cashmere in softness and coziness, so why not make being home even more comfortable? They also make unforgettable gifts, especially during the winter months.
Beyond Luxury: A Lasting Legacy
Cashmere blanket. Loro Piana
Cashmere is more than just luxury — it's a testament to the enduring appeal of quality over quantity. When you choose cashmere, you're not just buying a garment; you're investing in a piece that, with proper care, will remain a cherished part of your wardrobe for years to come.
The key is to choose wisely, care diligently, and appreciate the craftsmanship that transforms humble goat fleece into one of the most coveted materials in the world. After all, true luxury isn't just about the price tag — it's about the joy of owning something that brings pleasure every time you wear it.
