A cashmere sweater is a luxury item that will look fantastic in any wardrobe. Not only does it feel amazing, but it will make you look like a million bucks. These sweaters last for a long time and will quickly become one of your favorite clothing items. Since they don’t need to be washed regularly, they are also great companions on long trips when luggage space is limited.
Cashmere sweaters come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Finding the right one depends on your personal preference. To determine whether a particular cashmere sweater is good quality or not, continue reading our informative article!
What Is Cashmere, and Where Does It Come From?
Cashmere is wool gathered from a specific type of goat called a cashmere goat. China, Afghanistan, and Mongolia produce the most cashmere. Hair is collected from the goats during their natural molting season. The hair collected consists of a soft undercoat of hair and longer, more coarse outer hair.
The gathered cashmere is put in a processor that separates the tiny hairs from the large hairs. The small hairs are turned into yarn and the larger hairs are used for items other than clothing. According to specialists, hand-processed cashmere is softer and better-quality.
How to Tell Good Quality Cashmere
When looking for a cashmere sweater, read the label. There are now laws against claiming something is 100% cashmere when it is not. So if a product doesn’t have a label, it is probably not genuine cashmere.
A cashmere sweater should have some stretch and bounce back into shape when you pull it slightly. A fake cashmere sweater may not bounce back when you pull it. Good quality cashmere will not start incredibly soft (despite popular opinion) but will soften over time.
Many cashmere sweaters in a store start soft because they have been over-washed to become soft. This is because most people purchasing cashmere believe it is better quality if it is super soft. However, this is not the case.
Next, look at the sweater's weave; most cashmere is woven in diamond shapes. If the sweater is not, it may not be cashmere. Choose a compact weave to ensure the sweater will last a long time.
100% Cashmere or Cashmere Blend?
If a product claims to be 100% cashmere, read the customer reviews to see if it is. For example, if a sweater is described as having a cashmere touch or being cashmere feeling, it is not claiming to be 100% cashmere. It may even be 0% cashmere. Sellers can get away with this because they say the sweater is “like” cashmere.
A 100% cashmere product is expensive. However, if you choose a cashmere blend, it will be cheaper, and you can still enjoy a beautifully soft sweater for years to come.
Thickness and Warmth of the Sweater
Both thin and thick cashmere sweaters are available. If you want to wear your cashmere sweater in the spring, you may prefer a thinner design than you would in the winter. On the other hand, a light cashmere sweater can be layered up and worn at any time (other than a hot summer's day).
Consider the Sleeve and Sweater Length
Some cashmere sweaters are long and run down to the top of the thighs. This type of sweater is excellent for layering under a jacket, so you can still see part of the sweater. Alternatively, you could get a cashmere sweater that sits on your hips. You may want short sleeves, a mid-length sleeve, or a long sleeve. Consider which of these features you would prefer before beginning your search.
Choose a Color That Doesn’t Detract From the Cashmere
Cashmere is a beautiful material. If you want a colored sweater, consider purchasing a product close to its natural color. If you choose a color that is too bright or bold, it may distract from the fact that the sweater is cashmere. Cashmere’s natural color is off-white. If you want a different color, choose earthy pale greens, beige, or pink.
Of course, you can also purchase a bold-colored patterned cashmere sweater if you wish, as there are plenty of those available.
Tips on How to Care For Your Cashmere Sweater
Once you find your perfect cashmere sweater, it may be in your life for upwards of 10 years if properly cared for. However, cashmere is delicate and should not be washed in a washing machine or dry cleaned. Instead, you should wash your cashmere sweater by hand in lukewarm water.
Do not wring the sweater out; lay it down flat and press a towel against it to absorb the moisture. Leave it lying flat until it has fully dried. If you hang it up, it will become misshapen. Likewise, it will shrink if you dry the sweater in a tumble dryer.
