Unlock 6 Secrets of Cashmere Quality

Unlock 6 Secrets of Cashmere Quality

How to tell if cashmere is good quality (in person & online)

It’s really easy to define the best quality cashmere: 

The staple length is 34- 36mm.

And the micron is 14-15.5 microns

OK, great.

So I’ll just take my microscope shopping then to check the micron and I’m sure that snooty salesperson over there won’t mind if I pull out a few fibres from this cashmere sweater to check the staple length.

So what else can you look for if the microscope is not an option?  

1. Softness- cashmere is synonymous with softness so it goes without saying that you should be able to feel the quality as soon as you touch it.  No ‘crunchiness’ or ‘soapyness’ should be under your fingertips.  Running your hands across the fabrics should feel smooth and luxurious. 
2. Fibre Length– OK, microscopes aside.  If you look closely at the fabric, can you see the fibres coming up and how long are they?  If you can see more of them, this is a bad sign.  The longer fibres are a sign of carefully selected, meticulously combed cashmere. The longer length means it will be more durable and last longer
3. Pilling– which brings us neatly to the pilling.  Pilling is every knitwear lover’s nightmare.  The little balls of intertwined fibres that form on the surface of the fabric, ruining the look and feel of the garment.  When that snooty salesperson isn’t watching too closely, rub the surface of the cashmere fabric, can you start to see fibres gathering together- this is a red flag and means that the garment is lower quality.
4. Warmth and Insulation: Personally, I love to wear cashmere when it’s rainy.  When you pull on the cashmere garment it should feel warm but without any bulk or heaviness. 
5. Color Vibrancy: A vibrant and lustrous appearance is another characteristic of high-quality cashmere. Looking closely at the cashmere and see how the color reflects light. Rich, vibrant hues indicate that white fibres have been used and that the dyes are high quality, ensuring your cashmere maintains its brilliance for years to come.  Keep in mind that neon, black and navy colourways will always have worse handfeel than light and ‘goat’ coloured fibres because they will have taken up more dye to achieve the desired look. 
6. Finishing Details: Attention to detail is a mark of true craftsmanship. Examine the seams, linking, and overall finish of the cashmere garment. High-quality cashmere will showcase precise stitching, even seams, and impeccable craftsmanship. These small details speak volumes about the care and expertise that went into creating the piece. Hold the fabric up to the light to check for an even and smooth knitting pattern. Verify that seams are straight and well-aligned, stripes match, and loose ends are properly handled.

OK, so this is all well and good in person, in real life but what do you do if you’re shopping online, scrolling on instagram or Pinterest and come across a cashmere piece that you like the look of and the price seems good?  

1. Reviews, reviews, reviews: When shopping online, customer reviews are everything. Take a peek at what other buyers are saying about the product and the seller. Look for keywords like “soft,” “durable,” and “excellent quality.” If a seller consistently receives glowing reviews, it’s a good indication that they’re offering the real deal.  I also love it if a review has a typo or spelling mistake and 

2. Zoom in: Online shopping may not allow you to feel the fabric, but zoom in on the product images to get a closer look at the texture and fabric details. High-quality cashmere will have a fine, even texture, with no signs of inconsistencies or loose threads. If the images are high resolution and give you a clear view, you’re on the right track.

3. Trust your instincts (and your eyes!): A picture is worth a thousand words, they say, and it couldn’t be truer when it comes to online cashmere shopping. Trust your gut when browsing through product images. If the cashmere looks lush, vibrant, and well-crafted, it’s a good sign that you’ve stumbled upon a gem. On the other hand, if something seems off or the images are low-quality, it might be wise to keep searching.  If the price is too good to be true, most likely it is…

4. Return policies are your safety net: While I’d love to believe that every online cashmere purchase will be a match made in heaven, sometimes things just don’t work out. Make sure to read the seller’s return policy before hitting that “buy now” button. Reputable sellers understand the importance of customer satisfaction and offer flexible return options. This way, you can shop with peace of mind, knowing that you can return or exchange your cashmere if it doesn’t meet your expectations. There’s nothing worse than buying something online and that sinking feeling when you realise that you can’t return it. 

Let me know, what do you look for when shopping for cashmere?