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.
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Inner Mongolia Cashmere: Renowned for its superior softness, long fibres, and durability.
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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:
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Durability: Short fibres are more prone to pilling (those unsightly little balls on the fabric’s surface).
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Smoothness: Longer fibres create a smoother finish.
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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:
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:
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:
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:
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High-Quality Cashmere: Pills less frequently because of longer fibres.
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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:
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Uniform Colour: Check for consistency across the entire fabric. Uneven patches or streaks may indicate poor dyeing techniques.
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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:
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Seams: Should be neatly stitched with no loose threads.
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Edges: Scarves and jumpers should have clean, even edges that won’t fray over time.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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.
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