Traveling can be stressful, and the last thing you want to worry about is feeling uncomfortable during your journey. Cashmere is a luxurious and practical option for travellers. Not only is it soft and warm, but cashmere is also lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for a variety of travel situations. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of bringing cashmere on your next trip and share some essential cashmere travel items that every traveller should consider.

Cashmere travel wrap: A cashmere travel wrap is a versatile piece that can be used as a scarf, blanket, or shawl. It is perfect for keeping you warm on a chilly flight or train ride, or for snuggling up with on a long layover. You can also use it to dress up or dress down a basic outfit, making it a stylish and practical accessory.

Cashmere knitwear: A cashmere sweater is a must-have for any traveller. It is perfect for layering and can be worn for a variety of occasions, from casual to dressy. Plus, cashmere is wrinkle-resistant, so you don't have to worry about it getting wrinkled or losing its shape during transit.

Cashmere scarf: A cashmere scarf is another excellent travel accessory. It can be used to keep your neck warm or to add a touch of style to your outfit. You can also use it as a makeshift blanket or pillow during a long flight or train ride.

When packing cashmere for travel, be sure to fold it carefully to avoid wrinkles. You may also want to invest in a packing cube to help keep your cashmere items organized and protected. This will ensure that your cashmere travel items arrive at your destination in perfect condition.

Here are some tips for caring for cashmere while traveling:

• If you spill something on your cashmere, blot it up immediately with a clean cloth. Do not rub.
• If your cashmere becomes wrinkled, you can steam it or iron it on a low setting.
• Hand wash your cashmere in cold water with a mild detergent. Lay flat to dry.
• If you need to machine wash your cashmere, use a gentle cycle and cold water. Lay flat to dry.

In conclusion, cashmere is an excellent choice for travel because it is soft, warm, lightweight, and breathable. It is also practical and versatile, making it perfect for a variety of travel situations. Whether you're going on a weekend getaway or an extended trip, adding cashmere travel items to your packing list will ensure that you stay cosy and stylish throughout your journey. Just remember to pack and care for your cashmere items with care to ensure they last for many travel adventures to come.

Happy travels!

When investing in a cashmere product, whether it’s a scarf, jumper, or cardigan, it’s essential to ensure the cashmere is of the highest quality. Genuine, premium cashmere offers unparalleled softness, durability, and warmth, but distinguishing it from inferior alternatives can be challenging. Here, we’ll walk you through the key indicators of high-quality cashmere to help you make an informed purchase.

1. Fibre Origin and Source

The finest cashmere originates from the undercoat of the Kashmir goat, predominantly found in regions with harsh climates such as Inner Mongolia, China, and parts of Central Asia. The cold conditions in these areas cause goats to grow ultra-fine, soft fibres to protect themselves.

• Inner Mongolia Cashmere: Renowned for its superior softness, long fibres, and durability.

• Grade-A Cashmere: This refers to cashmere with a fibre diameter of 14-16 microns, making it incredibly fine and soft to touch.

When shopping, check if the brand specifies the source of their cashmere. Products from Inner Mongolia are generally recognised as the gold standard.

2. Fibre Length and Thickness

High-quality cashmere comes from the longest and finest fibres, which measure between 30-40 millimetres in length. Longer fibres contribute to:

• Durability: Short fibres are more prone to pilling (those unsightly little balls on the fabric’s surface).

• Smoothness: Longer fibres create a smoother finish.

• Softness Over Time: Premium cashmere becomes softer with wear, unlike lower-quality cashmere, which deteriorates quickly.

3. Softness to the Touch

High-quality cashmere should feel luxuriously soft and smooth when touched. However, the texture can vary slightly between products:

• Grade-A Cashmere: Should feel feather-light and silky.

• Lower-Grade Cashmere: Might feel rougher or coarse.

Run your hand gently across the fabric—authentic cashmere will glide effortlessly and feel warm and natural against your skin.

4. Fabric Density and Weight

Quality cashmere has a dense, tightly woven or knitted structure. To test this:

• Hold it to the Light: Stretch the fabric gently—high-quality cashmere won’t appear thin or transparent.

• Heft: A scarf or jumper should feel substantial despite its lightweight nature.

Dense cashmere is not only warmer but also more resilient, ensuring it lasts for years without losing shape or warmth.

5. Stretch and Recovery

Another way to check quality is through the stretch test. Gently pull the cashmere fabric and then release it:

• High-Quality Cashmere: Will bounce back to its original shape without distorting or sagging.

• Lower-Quality Cashmere: May lose its elasticity or retain the stretched shape.

This is an easy way to ensure that your cashmere product will maintain its form over time.

6. Pilling Resistance

Pilling is a natural occurrence in all knitwear, including cashmere. However, the rate at which it happens can indicate quality:

• High-Quality Cashmere: Pills less frequently because of longer fibres.

• Low-Quality Cashmere: Pills quickly due to shorter, weaker fibres.

Pilling often occurs during the first few wears but should decrease over time if the cashmere is of premium quality.

7. Colour and Dyeing

Premium cashmere absorbs dye evenly and maintains its colour vibrancy for years. To assess dye quality:

• Uniform Colour: Check for consistency across the entire fabric. Uneven patches or streaks may indicate poor dyeing techniques.

• Longevity: High-quality cashmere will not fade easily, even after multiple washes.

Opt for neutral or classic colours if you’re unsure, as these shades are less likely to reveal inconsistencies.

8. Craftsmanship and Construction

Examine the finishing touches of the product to gauge its quality:

• Seams: Should be neatly stitched with no loose threads.

• Edges: Scarves and jumpers should have clean, even edges that won’t fray over time.

• Labels: Look for clear labels specifying 100% cashmere, ideally Grade A or sourced from Inner Mongolia.

9. Price as a Quality Indicator

While cashmere is a luxury material, a higher price does not always guarantee superior quality. Many brands overprice their products due to branding rather than material excellence.

• Affordable Luxury: Our cashmere scarves, sourced directly from Inner Mongolia, exclusively crafted from Inner Mongolia cashmere, are available for £69 — offering incredible value compared to competitors charging over £100 for similar items.

• What to Avoid: Extremely cheap cashmere products often blend in synthetic fibres, reducing the quality and durability.

10. Certifications and Transparency

Reputable brands often provide certifications to verify the authenticity of their cashmere. Look for terms like:

• OEKO-TEX®: Ensures the fabric is free from harmful chemicals.

• 100% Pure Cashmere: Clearly stated on the product label.

Brands that are transparent about their sourcing and production practices are more likely to offer high-quality products. See our cashmere certificates for what makes our cashmere special. 

Conclusion 

Knowing how to identify high-quality cashmere ensures that you invest in a product that delivers on its promise of luxury, comfort, and durability. From the origin of the fibres to their length, texture, and craftsmanship, each aspect plays a vital role in distinguishing superior cashmere.

Shop Now and Experience the Difference

Silk is a popular choice for the warm weather not only because it is naturally breathable to help us stay cool and fresh but also because its naturally tightly woven long fibre helps to protect our delicate skin from UV damage.

So is silk scarf warm enough for the cold weather?

The answer is yes because silk warms to our body and its low thermal conductivity does not readily transfer our body heat to the environment, and its naturally tightly woven fibre helps to shield our skin from cold air, thus keeping us warm.

In addition, because it is naturally breathable it keeps us from feeling sweaty when staying indoors or after exercising, so helps maintain a balanced temperature.

Further, silk is not only wonderfully soft and comfortable to skin, but also divinely light to wear under thick coat, keeping you warm, comfortable, flexible, and stylish, unlike the woollen scarves, which can be quite itchy, bulky, and irritating to the skin.

All our silk scarves are great choice to wear under thick exterior clothing, with

• uplifting bright colours from Rainbow Range,

•  elegant and classy floral prints of Blossom Range,

• chic and fun feel from Versatile Range,

• artistic and sophisticated touch of Oil Painting Range,

• and lustrous statement pieces from Luxury Range ...

So is it time of the year to indulge in some much coveted silk shopping?