Is Cashmere Fabric Worth the Investment?

Cashmere yarn is made from the soft undercoat of goats that live primarily in Asia. Their coats grow mostly in cold weather and their hair is sheared in the spring when they shed their winter coats. Each goat produces only a small amount of cashmere wool each year, meaning it takes multiple goats to make one piece of clothing. Because of the small amount of cashmere that is produced annually compared to other wools and yarns, it is a finite resource that is often more expensive than other fabrics.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, cashmere fabric is also known for being:

• Ultra-warm: Cashmere is very lightweight, but it’s also incredibly warm. The hair that cashmere is made from keeps goats warm in frigid, below-zero-winter temperatures.

• Versatile for every season: With its insulating properties, it’s very breathable, meaning you won’t sweat when you wear cashmere, regardless of the season. Can you wear cashmere in the summer? Yes, it’s safe to incorporate cashmere into your wardrobe for winter, spring, summer, and fall, depending on the pieces you choose.

• Hypoallergenic: Animals, like sheep, whose wool we use for clothing, secrete a waxy substance called lanolin. Lanolin is often used in personal care and cosmetic products, but it’s also a known allergen for some people. Cashmere goats do not produce lanolin and therefore, cashmere is considered hypoallergenic.

• Machine washable: Despite its similarities to traditional sheep’s wool, cashmere can often be hand washed or washed at home in a regular washing machine. If your cashmere garment says it's machine washable, be sure to use the gentle or delicate cycle and wash it on cold. Heat can cause shrinkage, so you’ll want to lay your cashmere clothing flat to dry. We only recommend dry cleaning cashmere fabric sporadically, as it can damage the fibers and cause them to break down over time. If ironing is needed, use the cool setting.

We think so! Not only is it ultra-warm, soft, lightweight, and hypoallergenic, but it can be worn year-round, is easy to take care of, and looks great on everybody. Ready to purchase cashmere clothing for yourself or a friend? Check out our cashmere joggers , full-zip sweater , pullover , and more .