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Cashmere FAQ's
What is cashmere?
Cashmere is a hair that comes from a particular type of goat – Capra Hircus Laniger. It is the soft, fine under layer of natural fiber that keeps the animals warm through the harsh winter conditions of the Asian steppe. The cashmere grown by these goats has incredible insulation properties. Goats also have coarse outer guard hair that is very similar to the hair on our heads. Each spring, cashmere goats are gently combed or shorn to remove the soft cashmere. It is mixed with coarse guard hair, dirt and grease. At Alashan Cashmere, we support a cooperative of herders from Inner Mongolian and procure fine raw fiber that is combed from their white cashmere goats. Learn more about how our products are made.
Why is Cashmere More Expensive Than Other Fibers?
We understand that cashmere is an investment. There are reasons behind the higher cost of cashmere raw material when compared to other fiber production. Cashmere is a luxury fiber due to its rarity, complex production process, and limited global supply.
Scarcity of raw cashmere
Cashmere is produced in remote regions of the Asian steppe, making supply naturally limited and logistically challenging. Annual global production (greasy tons):
- China: 15,000–18,000 tons
- Mongolia: 10,000–12,000 tons
- Iran & Afghanistan: 1,000–1,200 tons
- Total: ~26,000–31,200 tons
Compared to other fibers:
- Wool: over 2,000,000 tons annually
- Cotton: ~25,000,000 tons annually
- Synthetic fibers: over 75,000,000 tons annually
Cashmere is significantly rarer than all major textile fibers, which directly impacts its value.
Labor-intensive production process
Raw cashmere (also called “greasy cashmere”) must go through multiple stages before it becomes usable fiber:
- Hand sorting by color, grade, and contamination
- Washing (scouring), which removes dirt and grease and reduces weight by 20–30%
- Dehairing to remove coarse guard hair, causing additional yield loss
- Final usable yield can drop by 40–50% from original raw weight
Each goat produces only about 110–120 grams (4–5 oz) of usable fiber annually, meaning it can take 2–3 goats to produce one lightweight sweater.
After processing, the fiber is spun, dyed, knitted or woven, and then transported and distributed, each step adding cost and complexity.
Cashmere’s rarity and multi-step production process explain why it commands a premium price compared to other natural and synthetic fibers.
Explore the full production process to understand what makes cashmere so special.
How to make your cashmere last?
Proper care of your cashmere garment helps maintain softness, shape, and longevity.
- Always wash or clean garments before storing, as moths are attracted to natural fibers
- Fold garments and store them in a drawer or on a shelf
- Avoid hanging, as this can stretch and distort the fabric
- Use a sweater stone or comb to gently remove pills caused by friction
You can find our full care instructions in our Caring for Your Cashmere guide.
How do I wash my cashmere?
Cashmere sweaters or accessories should be handled gently to preserve its softness and structure.
- Hand wash in lukewarm water using a mild soap or gentle shampoo
- Gently move suds through the fabric, do not wring or twist
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water
- Press out excess water or roll in a towel
- Lay flat in its natural shape to dry completely
Professional dry cleaning is also an option for added convenience.
Is Cashmere Warmer Than Wool?
Yes, cashmere is warmer than wool despite being lighter in weight.
Both wool (fiber from sheep) and cashmere (hair from goats) are excellent natural insulators and will keep you warm. However, cashmere fibers are finer and trap more air, which improves insulation efficiency.
Cashmere is:
- Up to 8 times warmer than wool by weight
- Softer and lighter than traditional wool
- More comfortable for layering and everyday wear
This makes cashmere one of the most efficient natural fibers for warmth and comfort.
If you have any other questions please feel free to email us at info@alashancashmere.com
Cashmere Buying & Quality FAQs
How can you tell if cashmere is high quality?
High-quality cashmere is extremely soft, lightweight, and has a smooth, even texture. It should feel warm without being heavy or scratchy. The best cashmere fibers are long and fine, which helps the fabric resist pilling and maintain its shape over time. Higher-grade cashmere also has a natural sheen and becomes softer with wear.
What does 100% cashmere really mean—and is it always better?
“100% cashmere” means the garment is made entirely from cashmere fibers with no other materials blended in. While this often indicates luxury quality, it is not always a guarantee of superior performance. The quality still depends on fiber grade, length, and how the cashmere is processed and woven. Lower-grade 100% cashmere can feel less soft or durable than higher-grade blends. Explore our full range of 100% cashmere garments here.
Why is cashmere more expensive than wool or other fibers?
Cashmere is more expensive because it is rare and difficult to produce. Each goat produces only a small amount of usable fiber each year, and the raw material must go through multiple labor-intensive steps including sorting, washing, and dehairing. Additionally, global cashmere production is far lower than wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers, which makes it a limited luxury material. Learn more about the full process in our How Cashmere Is Made guide.
What grade of cashmere is considered the best quality?
The highest quality cashmere typically comes from longer, finer fibers with minimal coarse hair content. Premium grades are often referred to as “Grade A” cashmere, which features the longest and thinnest fibers, resulting in greater softness, strength, and reduced pilling. Higher-grade cashmere also produces smoother, longer-lasting garments.