Cashmere is one of the most precious fibers in the fashion world, appreciated for its softness, lightness, and thermal insulation capacity. However, its popularity has led to the spread of imitations and lower-quality blends. Knowing how to recognize true cashmere is essential to avoid disappointing purchases and make a conscious investment.
1. Check the Label
The first step to verify the authenticity of a cashmere garment is to examine the label. A quality product should state "100% cashmere". If the label indicates a blend with other fibers, such as wool or acrylic, the garment is not pure cashmere.
Also, it is useful to check the country of origin: high-quality cashmere often comes from Mongolia, China, Nepal, or India.
2. Assess the Softness to the Touch
Authentic cashmere is incredibly soft and enveloping, but it should not be excessively smooth. If the fabric is too silky, it may have been treated with chemicals to simulate softness, or it may contain synthetic fibers.
A good test is to gently rub the fabric between your fingers: true cashmere has a warm and velvety feel, while imitations can feel rough or plasticky.
3. Analyze the Weave and Consistency
Observing the fabric weave can reveal a lot about the quality of cashmere. An authentic garment has a uniform and slightly "blurred" weave, while imitations may appear too compact or irregular.
Another test is to gently stretch the fabric: true cashmere is resilient but not stiff. If it deforms easily, it may contain lower-quality fibers.
4. Light Test
A simple method to verify cashmere authenticity is to examine the garment against the light. Pure cashmere should be slightly transparent, revealing the yarn weave. If the fabric appears completely opaque, it may contain synthetic fibers.
5. The Fire Test
A more drastic but effective test is the fire test. Taking a small thread of the fabric and burning it with a lighter, you can observe the reaction:
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True cashmere shrinks and carbonizes, without producing black smoke.
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Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, burn quickly, producing a plastic smell and dark smoke.
6. Consider the Price
Authentic cashmere is an expensive fabric, as its production requires a long and meticulous process. If the price of a garment is too low, it may be an imitation or a blend with less precious fibers.
Conclusion
Recognizing true cashmere requires attention to detail: from the label to softness, from the weave to the fire test. Buying from reliable brands and verifying quality with these simple tests can help you choose an authentic and durable garment.
If you want to invest in a cashmere garment, take the time to examine it carefully: quality is recognized in the details! 😊
