In the chilly winter, don’t just settle for a layered onion-style outfit! Instead, throw on a cashmere coat to stay warm and stylish all season long. When it comes to the most comfortable and insulating fabrics, many people immediately think of cashmere. With so many cashmere products available, how do you choose the right one and style it effectively?
What is Cashmere?
Cashmere is a type of wool fiber. To combat extreme cold climates, goats grow a layer of wool on their surface, and each autumn, they develop a fine layer of short downy fibers between their skin and longer hair for added warmth. This delicate short fiber is what we call "cashmere"! It offers excellent insulation, is lightweight, soft, and has a luxurious sheen, making it ideal for high-end sweaters and scarves. Cashmere fibers are among the finest in animal fibers; while human hair has an average diameter of about 50 microns, cashmere is less than 16 microns.
Why is There Such a Large Price Range for Cashmere?
The significant price differences in cashmere can be attributed to four main factors: origin, purity, area of use, and ply count.
1. Origin: The primary cashmere-producing regions, ranked by quality, are Turkey, Nepal, and Inner Mongolia. Turkey is the largest producer and exporter of cashmere, supplying many renowned brands in Europe.
2. Purity: The higher the proportion of cashmere in a product, the more expensive it will be. Genuine 100% cashmere is incredibly soft and non-itchy; for example, a 200 cm long cashmere shawl typically weighs around 100 grams.
3. Area of Use: The finest cashmere comes from the goat's beard, followed by the belly and neck. The better the quality of the fibers, the higher the price.
4. Ply Count: This refers to how many layers of cashmere are used to make a single yarn. A higher ply count means more cashmere is used, resulting in better warmth. Additionally, the weaving technique can also affect the amount of material used.
How to Distinguish Genuine Cashmere
1. Weight: A 100% cashmere shawl typically weighs no more than 100 grams due to the short, fine fibers.
2. Touch: When you touch it, genuine cashmere should feel soft, smooth, and elastic. If it feels rough or itchy, it may be of lower quality or poorly processed.
3. Color: Authentic cashmere comes in white and purple fibers, with variations in shade between different pieces.
4.Burn Test: When burned, 100% cashmere will turn to ash without producing any unpleasant odor. In contrast, fake or lower-quality cashmere will curl up into a gooey substance and emit a strong smell.
