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wool & animal fibres

Cashmere

The soft undercoat of cashmere goats, mostly from Mongolia and China. It's very warm for its weight and luxuriously soft.

How it’s made

  1. 1The fine undercoat is combed out or sheared during the spring moult.
  2. 2Dehaired to separate soft down from coarse guard hair, then scoured, spun and knitted.

What to look for

  • Longer fibres and 2-ply yarns pill less.
  • Very cheap cashmere often means short fibres or blends.
  • Traceability schemes like the Good Cashmere Standard or SFA.

Pros

  • Very soft
  • Warm and light

Cons

  • Pills, especially early on
  • Delicate
  • Expensive

Typical use

Streetwear:
Knitwear, beanies, scarves.

Sustainability

Overgrazing in Mongolian grasslands is a documented problem. Recycled and certified cashmere help.