Why is cashmere so expensive?
Why is cashmere so expensive? Cashmere is a type of wool derived from the ‘Kashmir goat’. The wool is named after the region of ‘Kashmir’ in India, Pakistan and China. Cashmere is known as one of the world’s softest fibres. Thanks to its thin hairs, it can be woven into incredibly soft garments and lasts a very long time.
How is cashmere sourced?
The Mongolian cashmere goat is the native breed of Mongolia, also present in China as the Inner-Mongolia cashmere goat. Mongolian cashmere is considered one of the best cashmere varieties, in Mongolia the temperature can drop to -40 °C and their extreme cold habitat gives them an incredibly thick and warm coat. Cashmere goats have two layers of hair: thick, stiff topcoat and a super soft cashmere undercoat. Traditionally, cashmere is extracted by combing the goat’s undercoat. Supply is limited due to the small amount of wool each goat produces. You can only comb the goat once a year and even if you have harvested the fibre, its usable weight halves once it is washed. Processing pure cashmere takes a lot of work. It is a delicate process and chemicals or excessive processing can damage the fibres.
How does cashmere differ from wool?
The main difference between cashmere and wool is that cashmere comes from a goat and wool from a sheep. A sheep produces at least 3 kilos of wool a year but a cashmere goat produces only 100 grams of cashmere. The supply of cashmere is limited and the processing process takes more time and attention. Cashmere is 8x warmer than wool and it helps maintain your natural body temperature. Cashmere is also naturally absorbent, allowing your body to breathe. Wool and cashmere will both keep you warm, because the fibres of cashmere are much finer than those of wool, cashmere is better at retaining heat without adding extra weight to the garment itself.
Why is cashmere so expensive?
Cashmere makes up only 0.5% of the world’s total wool production. One goat gives only 100 grams of cashmere, of which only about 50 grams eventually remain. To produce one cashmere jumper, you need more than four goats. Processing cashmere takes a lot of work and it is a delicate process.
