THE CASHMERE GUIDE

THE cashmere guide

The world's best cashmere comes from the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, so naturally, this is where our cashmere comes from. If you have ever bought or felt a piece of the real thing, you will know how incredibly soft it is to touch, and both highly insulating and breathable at the same time. Because of its long fibers (up to 50mm long) and extremely thin (14-19 microns, compared to human hair that is around 100 microns). We mostly use 100% Grade A Cashmere, that is processed and skillfully crafted into timeless, durable cashmere products from our knitting partners. Care for it, and it can last for a long time.

Material

Grade A cashmere, the epitome of quality, originates from the underbelly of goats, specifically collected during the spring season when the temperature rises. This meticulous process involves hand-combing the goats, emphasizing purity in the collected fibers. Unlike lower-quality alternatives that may involve shearing or utilizing fibers from various parts of the goat, this method minimizes the presence of guard hairs, ensuring that the resulting cashmere is of the highest standard.

Spinning

Following the meticulous sorting and washing of cashmere fibers, the next crucial step is the spinning process. Here, the cleaned fibers are transformed into threads, which can be further enhanced by twisting. This twisting action gives rise to different ply configurations – a 1-ply involves a single thread, while a 2-ply is created by intertwining two threads during spinning. The ply not only determines the thickness and durability of the resulting threads but also plays a role in minimizing pilling. Opting for a higher ply count ensures not only a more robust texture but also a longer lifespan.

Knitting

The closeness of the knit is indicated with a gauge number, the gauge number indeed plays a crucial role in determining the fabric's weight and density. A higher gauge, such as 14-gauge, results in a lighter and airier fabric that uses less cashmere yarn. A lower gauge creates a thicker and more densely knit fabric. The choice of gauge affects not only the garment's weight but also its warmth and texture.

Pilling & Combing

Pilling is a natural occurrence with cashmere and happens when short fibers on the surface tangle together, forming small balls. The higher the quality of the cashmere is (longer fibers), the less pilling there will be, but all cashmere products will eventually start pilling, it’s a natural process caused by friction. In case pilling occurs, a gentle brush with a cashmere comb can help maintain the fabric's smooth appearance.

CASHMERE COMB

WASHING & DRYING

Caring for your cashmere pieces is as important as selecting them.
Most of the time, hanging out your cashmere garments in the fresh air will do the trick,: If you need to clean your cashmere product properly, always use Delicate/Wool & Cashmere detergents. You can wash with your machine's wool program, 30 degrees max, short washing and no centrifuge or tumble drying.

You can also (preferably) wash cashmere by hand, just make sure to use the Delicate/Wool & Cashmere detergents and maximum 30 degrees, then gently let it swirl, and make sure to avoid wringing or stretching. With this care routine, your cashmere treasures will continue to embrace you in unparalleled comfort and elegance.

Laundry Detergent Wool & Cashmere

FOLD, DON’T HANG

When it comes to storage, opting for folding over hanging is a key practice. Hanging cashmere items, particularly sweaters, can lead to stretching and distortion of the fabric over time. The delicate fibers respond better to the gentle support of a neatly folded position. Folding helps preserve the garment's shape and ensures it retains its original silhouette.

TRACEABILITY

We are proud to work with Erdos and Artwell, two suppliers that are GCS (Good Cashmere Standard) certified, ensuring the highest ethical and sustainable standards in cashmere production. GCS guarantees responsible practices, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship throughout the entire cashmere supply chain.