ALL ABOUT Cashmere

Our cashmere is designed to feel softer, wear longer, and fit seamlessly into modern life—bringing together premium materials, comfort, and understated luxury.

What Is Cashmere?

Cashmere is one of the world’s most luxurious natural fibers, known for its exceptional softness, warmth, and lightness. Often called “soft gold,” cashmere comes from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats, which naturally grow a soft insulating layer to survive harsh winters.

Unlike traditional wool, cashmere fibers are much finer and softer. High-quality cashmere usually measures between 14 and 15.5 microns in diameter, while human hair is around 50 microns. This is what gives cashmere its signature soft and silky feel.

Because each goat produces only a small amount of usable fiber every year, cashmere is naturally rare. It can take the fleece of 3 to 5 goats to make just one sweater.

The History of Cashmere

Cashmere has been treasured for centuries. Its name comes from Kashmir, a region between India, Pakistan, and China, where early cashmere shawls were first woven by hand.

Cashmere became especially popular in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. European royalty and aristocrats viewed cashmere shawls as symbols of elegance and status.

One of the most famous stories comes from Napoleon Bonaparte, who gifted luxurious cashmere shawls to Empress Joséphine. From then on, cashmere became closely associated with nobility, wealth, and refinement.

Today, cashmere remains one of the most timeless luxury materials in fashion.

Where Does the Best Cashmere Come From?

Many people assume that Mongolian cashmere is automatically the best. In reality, some of the finest cashmere in the world comes from China.

Around 70% of the world’s raw cashmere comes from China, while Mongolia contributes roughly 30%.

The most important cashmere-producing regions include:

  • Inner Mongolia, China
  • Xinjiang, China
  • Tibet, China
  • Mongolia

Among these regions, Inner Mongolia is widely recognized as one of the best sources of ultra-fine cashmere because of its cold climate, desert environment, and carefully bred goats.

Cashmere from Inner Mongolia is often softer and finer, while Mongolian cashmere is known for longer fibers and greater durability.

The best cashmere is not determined only by country of origin, but by:

  • Fiber diameter (micron)
  • Fiber length
  • Softness
  • Color consistency
  • Strength and durability

Premium cashmere fibers are usually over 36 mm in length and finer than 15.5 microns.

Why Is Cashmere So Expensive?

Cashmere is expensive because it is rare, labor-intensive, and difficult to produce.

Each goat produces only around 150–200 grams of usable cashmere per year after sorting and cleaning. The fibers are collected by hand during the spring molting season, then carefully washed, sorted, de-haired, spun, and knitted.

This process takes time, skill, and craftsmanship.

The finest cashmere is also sourced from regions with extreme climates, where goats naturally grow finer and warmer undercoats.

This is why high-quality cashmere garments from luxury brands can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The actual material comes from the wool of cashmere goats, creatures as playful as they are precious.

How to Judge Cashmere Quality

Not all cashmere is created equal.

When choosing cashmere, the most important factors are:

1. Fiber Diameter

The finer the fiber, the softer the cashmere.

  • 14–15 microns: Ultra-fine luxury cashmere
  • 15–16 microns: Premium cashmere
  • Over 16 microns: Lower-grade cashmere

2. Fiber Length

Longer fibers are stronger, pill less, and last longer.

  • 36 mm and above: High-quality cashmere
  • 30–35 mm: Mid-range cashmere
  • Below 30 mm: Lower-quality cashmere

3. Pilling Resistance

Some pilling is normal for new cashmere because loose fibers naturally rise to the surface. However, high-quality cashmere pills less over time because it uses longer, stronger fibers.

4. Weight and Warmth

Good cashmere should feel lightweight but still warm. One of the most special qualities of cashmere is that it can provide excellent insulation without feeling heavy.

Luxury Brands and Cashmere

Many of the world’s leading luxury brands rely on premium cashmere sourced from Inner Mongolia and other parts of China.

Some of the most famous cashmere brands include:

  • Loro Piana
  • Brunello Cucinelli
  • Hermès
  • The Row
  • Johnstons of Elgin
  • Malo
  • N.Peal

Loro Piana is especially famous for sourcing ultra-fine cashmere from Inner Mongolia and refining it in Italy.

Brunello Cucinelli is known for combining premium Chinese-origin cashmere with Italian craftsmanship and timeless, understated design.

These brands prove that the finest raw material often comes from Asia, while Italy remains famous for spinning, dyeing, and finishing luxury cashmere garments.

Celebrities Who Love Cashmere

Cashmere has long been loved by celebrities because it combines luxury, comfort, and timeless style.

Celebrities often associated with cashmere include:

  • Gwyneth Paltrow
  • Meghan Markle
  • Victoria Beckham
  • Jennifer Aniston
  • Katie Holmes
  • Gigi Hadid
  • Brad Pitt

Katie Holmes helped make cashmere trendy again with her famous cashmere cardigan look in 2019.

Gigi Hadid loves cashmere so much that she created her own cashmere brand, Guest in Residence.

Brad Pitt once said, “I need more softness in my life… and some cashmere,” which later inspired his own cashmere brand.

For many celebrities, cashmere represents quiet luxury — simple, elegant, and timeless.

WHAT MAKES
CASHMERE SO
GREAT?

Breathability

Cashmere is lightweight, breathable, and naturally temperature regulating. Its fine fibers trap warmth while still allowing air to circulate, making it comfortable across seasons. Cashmere can be up to three times warmer than traditional sheep’s wool while remaining lighter and less bulky.

Softness

Cashmere is known for its exceptionally soft feel. Grade A cashmere fibers typically measure just 15–16 microns in diameter, making them much finer than most wool fibers. This gives cashmere its signature smooth, lightweight, and luxurious texture.

Longevity

High-quality cashmere is durable, flexible, and designed to last. Longer, finer fibers create stronger yarns that are less likely to pill or lose shape over time. With proper care, a premium cashmere garment can maintain its softness and appearance for many years.

How do I care for cashmere?

Cashmere requires a little extra care, but with the right routine, it can stay soft, beautiful, and wearable for years.

Lesson 1: Hand wash only
Cashmere should be washed gently by hand in cold water, as the fibers become more delicate when wet. Use a mild detergent designed for wool or delicate fabrics, avoid twisting or wringing, and lay the garment flat to air dry to help maintain its shape.

Lesson 2: Skip the fabric softener
Cashmere naturally becomes softer over time. Fabric softeners and harsh chemicals can coat the fibers, reducing softness and shortening the life of the garment. A simple, gentle wash is all it needs.

Lesson 3: Wash less, wear more
Cashmere does not need to be washed after every wear. Thanks to its breathable and odor-resistant properties, most pieces can be worn 5–6 times before washing. Simply air them out between wears to keep them feeling fresh.

How to Reduce Pilling?

All wool and cashmere will pill to some degree, especially in areas with friction such as under the arms or along the sleeves. This is a natural part of the fabric.

To reduce pilling:

  • Wash less frequently

  • Let garments air out between wears

  • Fold instead of hanging to preserve shape

  • Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to gently remove pills

  • Refresh pieces with a sweater spray between washes instead of cleaning them too often

With proper care, cashmere only gets softer, more comfortable, and more beautiful over time.

Cashmere vs Wool

Cashmere and wool are both natural animal fibers, but cashmere is softer, lighter, and warmer.

Compared with regular wool, cashmere:

  • Feels softer against the skin
  • Is lighter in weight
  • Provides better insulation
  • Is more breathable
  • Is rarer and more expensive

This is why cashmere is often seen as a more luxurious alternative to traditional wool.

The Future of Cashmere

Modern consumers care not only about softness and luxury, but also about sustainability and transparency.

More brands are now focusing on:

  • Responsible goat herding
  • Traceable supply chains
  • Low-impact dyeing processes
  • Sustainable packaging
  • Long-lasting product quality

As consumers become more informed, they are increasingly looking for cashmere that combines premium quality with ethical sourcing and timeless design.

The Cako Philosophy

At Cako, we believe that exceptional cashmere starts with exceptional fiber.

That is why we focus on premium cashmere sourced from regions such as Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Tibet, where the climate creates softer, finer, and warmer fibers.

Our goal is to make true “soft gold” more accessible — without compromising on quality, softness, or timeless style.

COMMITTED TO CASHMERE

We believe quality products can elevate your life. Especially when they're sustainably made and affordably priced.
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