OUR CASHMERE

The Technical Stuff

So, how do you choose great cashmere? There is a lot of information surrounding cashmere, some of which doesn’t ring true.  In simple terms, when it comes to grading cashmere, three main factors are crucial: micron (which measures the fineness of the fibers), length of the fibres, and their color. While many focus solely on micron, the origin of the cashmere also plays a big role.

For example, cashmere from China and Mongolia have different standards. Chinese Grade A cashmere has a maximum micron of 16, fibre length of 36mm, and is usually white. Mongolian Grade A allows for slightly thicker fibers (up to 17 micron), but has longer fibres (up to 40mm), and can be white or light grey. Mongolian, therefore surpasses Chinese for low-pilling.

Grade B cashmere, whether from China or Mongolia, can have up to 19 micron fibres, shorter length (34mm), and comes in various colors like white, light grey, or light brown. Grade C cashmere has the same micron limit but shorter fibres (28-34mm) and typically comes in dark brown.

To ensure quality, we verify our cashmere through test reports or by testing the fibres in our accredited lab. Our Mongolian cashmere consistently meets Grade A criteria, except for darker hues where appropriate fibre is employed while maintaining micron and length standards.

Fibre Length is Key for Knitwear

Cashmere from India, particularly from Ladakh, has finer fibres but shorter lengths, making it more suitable for weaving, like in traditional pashmina shawls. Afghan cashmere has similar characteristics, making it unsuitable for knitwear as it tends to pill prematurely due to its short fibre length.

What Choosing Our Cashmere Means For You

Superior quality, low-pilling, softness and durability. Our philosophy is “Cashmere, Made for Life” and our Mongolian source of cashmere delivers on every level.

And a last word about our cashmere: it is only hand-combed from the goats in Spring, when they would naturally shed, so not at all cruel to the animals. An infinitely better choice than highly polluting acrylic blends for knitwear. READ THE CARE LABEL. And if the brand you’re browsing has no information about provenance of it’s cashmere, then you may want to investigate further. 

Choose well, wear more.

 Watch this video to find out more about cashmere.