Cashmere is one of the world's most sought after fashion pieces with a luxurious feel, but with a high price tag attached to cashmere products. It often makes some fashionistas wonder, why is cashmere so expensive?
Cashmere is a luxurious and costly material due to its unique characteristics and production process. It comes from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats, which is rare and requires careful combing. The scarcity of this fiber, along with its exceptional softness, warmth, and lightweight nature, contributes to its high demand
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the high cost of cashmere and unravel the secrets of this exquisite fabric.
What is Cashmere?
Cashmere is a type of wool that comes from the Cashmere goat, also known as Capra hircus.
These goats are primarily found in the high-altitude regions of Central Asia, including China, Mongolia, and Afghanistan.
The undercoat of these goats, known as cashmere fiber, is the source of this luxurious fabric.
Why is Cashmere So Expensive?
One of the primary factors contributing to the high cost of cashmere is its rarity.
Cashmere goats produce only a limited amount of the precious fiber.
Each goat yields around 4 to 6 ounces of cashmere fiber per year.
Considering that a typical cashmere sweater requires the wool from several goats, it becomes evident why cashmere is not as abundant as other types of wool.
Furthermore, the production of cashmere is highly labor-intensive.
The fibers are manually hand-combed or collected during the molting season when the goats naturally shed their soft undercoat.
This meticulous process adds to the scarcity of cashmere and consequently drives up its price.
The Quality of Cashmere
Cashmere is renowned for its exceptional quality.The fibers are incredibly fine, with a diameter of about 14-19 microns.
To put this into perspective, human hair, which is already quite thin, measures about 50-100 microns in diameter.
The fineness of cashmere fibers contributes to its luxurious feel and lightweight nature.
Moreover, cashmere fibers have unique properties that make them highly desirable.
The hollow structure of cashmere fibers allows them to absorb moisture while also acting as a thermal insulator.
This means that cashmere can keep you warm in cold weather and provide breathability in warmer temperatures, making it suitable for all seasons.
The quality of cashmere depends on various factors, including the goat's genetics, living conditions, and the region in which it is raised.
The best quality cashmere comes from goats living in the harsh climates of Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, where extreme temperatures enhance the growth of the fine and warm fibers.
The Labor-Intensive Production Process
As mentioned earlier, the production of cashmere involves labor-intensive processes.After the cashmere fibers are collected, they are carefully separated from the coarser outer hairs.
This step is called de-hairing and requires skilled workers who meticulously remove any impurities and ensure that only the soft undercoat remains.
The sorted cashmere fibers are then thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining dirt, oils, or vegetation.
This process is crucial in ensuring the purity and softness of the final product.
Once cleaned, the fibers are spun into yarn, which is then used to create various cashmere products like sweaters, scarves, and blankets.
The entire production process of cashmere requires skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail.
From the careful combing and sorting of the fibers to the spinning and weaving, each step contributes to the final high-quality cashmere product.
The labor-intensive nature of this process adds to the price of cashmere items.
The Prestige of Cashmere
Cashmere has long been associated with luxury and prestige.Its softness, warmth, and fine texture make it highly desirable among fashion enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Cashmere products are often considered a symbol of status and sophistication.
The prestige associated with cashmere stems from its long history and cultural significance.
Cashmere has been woven into garments for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient civilizations in regions like India and Kashmir.
The craftsmanship and exclusivity of cashmere products have been passed down through generations, further enhancing its luxurious appeal.
FAQs
How is cashmere made?
Cashmere is made from the soft undercoat of the Cashmere goat. The fibers are collected either by hand-combing the goats or by gathering the molting fibers during the shedding season. The collected fibers are then de-haired, cleaned, spun into yarn, and woven into various cashmere products.
What makes cashmere so soft?
The softness of cashmere comes from the fine and delicate fibers that make up the fabric. Cashmere fibers have a thin diameter, typically ranging from 14 to 19 microns. This fineness, combined with the unique structure of the fibers, gives cashmere its incredibly soft feel.
Is cashmere warmer than other types of wool?
Yes, cashmere is warmer than most other types of wool. The hollow structure of cashmere fibers acts as a thermal insulator, trapping warm air within the fabric. This ability to regulate temperature makes cashmere an excellent choice for keeping warm in cold climates.
Why is cashmere more expensive than regular wool?
Cashmere is more expensive than regular wool due to its rarity, labor-intensive production process, and superior quality. The scarcity of cashmere, coupled with the time-consuming hand-combing and cleaning processes, adds to its price. Additionally, the fine and premium nature of cashmere fibers contributes to its higher cost compared to regular wool.
How should I care for cashmere products?
To ensure longevity and maintain the softness of cashmere products, it is essential to handle them with care. Cashmere should be washed using a gentle detergent in cold water or dry cleaned. It is advisable to avoid hanging cashmere garments, as this can cause stretching. Instead, fold them neatly and store them in a dry place.
Summary
Cashmere's allure lies not only in its exceptional softness and warmth but also in its exclusivity and craftsmanship.The rarity of cashmere, the labor-intensive production process, and the overall quality contribute to the high price tag attached to cashmere items.
When you invest in cashmere, you are not only purchasing a luxurious garment but also a piece of history and prestige.
So, the next time you slip into a cashmere sweater, take a moment to appreciate the intricate journey behind its creation and the reasons why cashmere is so expensive.