What Is Cashmere? From Fibre to Finished Knit
Few fabrics carry the weight of expectation that cashmere does. It promises warmth without bulk and softness without compromise, but not many people can explain where that comes from. Understanding the fibre itself is the first step to buying it with confidence. With a foundation built on knitwear heritage, Cable approaches natural fibres with appreciation and technical understanding.
What Is Cashmere?
Cashmere is a natural fibre harvested from the soft undercoat of specific breeds of cashmere goats. These animals endure freezing winter temperatures at high altitudes. To survive, they grow a dense, protective double fleece. The outer guard coat protects against the harsh elements while the fine, insulating undercoat provides extraordinary warmth.
This undercoat is the foundation of cashmere fabric. The resulting yarn is defined by three key properties. It is remarkably soft, lightweight, and incredibly warm. However, the true defining characteristic of cashmere is its scarcity. A single goat produces a yield of approximately 150 to 200 grams of usable fibre per year. It takes the annual yield of three or four goats to produce a single jumper. This low yield directly affects the value, making it a premium yarn.
Where Cashmere Comes From and How It Is Made
The question of where cashmere comes from takes us to high-altitude climates globally, where these specific goats thrive. Instead of shearing the animal, herdsmen traditionally harvest the fibre by combing the goats once a year during the spring moulting season. This gentle, methodical process ensures only the loose, shedding undercoat is collected.
Once harvested, the raw material goes through a critical quality step known as dehairing. This mechanical process separates the coarse outer guard hairs from the fine, soft undercoat. The purity achieved during dehairing plays an important role in the final quality of the cashmere fibre, with only the longest, finest fibres progressing to the spinning stage.
Cashmere vs Merino Wool: The Practical Differences
Comparing these two premium natural fibres helps clarify their place in a modern wardrobe. The fundamental difference begins with the fibre source. Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, while cashmere is sourced from goats.
When evaluating the warmth-to-weight ratio, cashmere excels. It can be up to three times warmer than regular sheep wool while remaining significantly lighter. This makes it an ideal choice for layering during unpredictable spring weather. In terms of softness, cashmere has a finer micron count than even the finest merino. This results in an exceptionally soft hand feel directly against the skin.
Merino wool has the advantage in durability and ease of care. It is a robust, elastic fibre that springs back into shape and withstands frequent wear with ease. Due to its delicate nature, cashmere requires a gentler approach to maintenance. Ultimately, these are not competing products. They offer different use cases. Merino provides dependable everyday resilience while cashmere delivers lightweight warmth with a refined, wearable feel.
How to Identify Quality Cashmere
Understanding how to evaluate cashmere ensures you select a piece crafted for longevity. The first indicator of quality is ply count. A two-ply construction is the standard for durable knitwear. This means two threads are twisted together to create a stronger yarn that resists breaking and maintains its shape.
Industry grading also plays a vital role. Fibres are classified into grades A, B, and C. Grade A represents the longest, finest fibres. These yield the softest, most durable garments while shorter fibres fall into the lower grades and are more prone to breaking.
Pilling behaviour is another reality of natural fibres. All cashmere will pill slightly due to the friction of daily wear. High-quality pieces will stop pilling after the first few washes as the loose surface fibres are removed. Checking the fibre content label ensures you understand exactly what you are purchasing, whether it is a pure natural piece or a thoughtful blend.
The finishing process also defines the texture of the garment. The brushing technique used on specific Cable pieces provides a clear example of this craftsmanship. The Brushed Cashmere Wool Jumper in Navy features a wrap front and a soft, tactile finish. Similarly, the Brushed Cashmere Wool Button Poncho in Parchment functions as a versatile layering piece where the buttons open entirely to form a scarf. Both pieces undergo a specialised combing technique. This teases the surface fibres, creating a distinctive halo effect and a soft hand feel.
Cable's Cashmere Range
For the warmer months, lightweight cashmere knitwear offers a versatile way to enjoy the natural softness and comfort of cashmere beyond winter. Fine-gauge knits provide lightweight warmth without bulk, making them well suited to changing temperatures and transseasonal dressing.
The Pure Cashmere V-Neck Relaxed Top in Buttermilk is an example of this versatility. Designed with a relaxed fit and short sleeves, it can be worn on its own in milder weather or layered under a blazer as the temperature cools. Its soft feel on the skin and breathable construction make it an effortless pairing with tailored trousers or wide-leg pants for an elevated everyday look.
For those seeking the benefits of a blended yarn, the Cashmere Wool V-Neck Cardigan in Pale Lemon demonstrates how combining cashmere with wool creates a knit with a soft feel on the skin and added structure. Its medium-weight construction makes it a versatile layering piece, pairing effortlessly with a shirt, dress or tailored trousers throughout the cooler months.
The Cashmere Wool Logo Jumper in Navy offers another interpretation of this blend, combining the warmth and softness of cashmere with the resilience of wool in a timeless crew neck silhouette that works easily with denim or tailored trousers.
Proper care is essential to help cashmere and cashmere-blend knitwear maintain their softness, shape and longevity. To keep your garments looking and performing their best, we recommend following our comprehensive cashmere care guide.
When choosing a cashmere knit, it helps to look beyond colour and design. Consider factors such as ply count, fibre grade, and finishing technique to better understand how a piece will look, feel, and perform over time. Understanding these details can help you select knitwear that offers genuine warmth and lasting quality, season after season.