Cashmere is one of the most appreciated materials in the fashion world for its extraordinary softness, lightness, and thermal insulation capacity. But one of the most frequent questions is: which animal produces cashmere?
The answer is precise: cashmere comes from the Cashmere goat, a particular breed of goat native to the mountainous regions of Asia, especially Mongolia, China, Iran, and Afghanistan.
From which animal is cashmere obtained
Cashmere is obtained from the undercoat of the Cashmere goat, a very fine layer of hair that grows beneath the coarser outer coat. This undercoat has a fundamental function: to protect the animal from extremely cold temperatures, which can drop below -30°C.
Unlike traditional wool (which comes from sheep), cashmere is much rarer and more delicate. Each goat produces only a limited amount of fiber each year, making this material particularly precious.
How cashmere is collected
Another important aspect concerns the collection process. Cashmere is not obtained by shearing but through manual combing of the animal during the spring molt.
During this period, the goat naturally sheds the undercoat, which is collected without harming the animal. This method allows selecting only the finest and highest quality fibers.
Subsequently, the material is processed to separate the soft fibers from the coarser ones, giving rise to the cashmere we know.
Cashmere names in various languages
It is named, following legal regulations:
- textile labeling abbreviation: WS
- in Germany, kaschmir
- in England and in the United States of America, cashmere
- in France, cachemire
Why cashmere is so valuable
The value of cashmere depends on several unique characteristics:
- Fiber fineness: much finer than traditional wool
- Softness: extremely pleasant to the touch
- Thermal insulation: warm yet lightweight
- Breathability: suitable even for variable temperatures
These properties make cashmere ideal not only for winter but also for lighter garments to be used in transitional seasons.
Cashmere and sustainability
In recent years, attention to sustainability has also involved cashmere. The quality of the fiber is closely linked to the animal's welfare and pasture management.
Quality cashmere comes from:
- responsible farming
- respect for natural cycles
- careful and controlled processing
For this reason, more and more brands carefully select their suppliers, favoring transparent supply chains and natural materials.
Mixed with other fibers such as silk, it creates a unique tactile sensation, as in the case of the Lanaioli men's vest, a perfect garment for spring clothing.
Cashmere in contemporary knitwear
Today, cashmere is used both pure and in blends with other natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, to create more versatile garments suitable for different seasons.
These combinations allow maintaining the typical softness of cashmere while improving durability and practicality at the same time.
