Which sheep does cashmere wool come from? The most common errors

cashmere is a fine material loved by many for its softness and winter warmth. However, many people are confused about its origin. In this article, we will explore the most common questions in detail: What animals produce cashmere? And is cashmere really wool?

The Sheep or the Goat: which animal does Cashmere come from?

One of the most common beliefs about cashmere is that it comes from sheep, but this is not the case.

Cashmere does not come from the coat of sheep, but from the undercoat of hircus goats .

Cape hircus are native to Central Asia and some regions of the Himalayas. The name cashmere derives from the Kashmir region of India from where the fiber was exported to Europe since the beginning of the 1800s.  

Is Cashmere a type of wool?

Many mistakenly believe that cashmere is simply a type of wool, but in reality, there are significant differences between the two yarns.

Wool , which comes from shearing sheep, is made up of keratin fibers found in both the outer and inner parts of the sheep's hair. Wool is notoriously durable and suitable for a wide range of uses, from clothing to furnishings. However, wool fibers tend to be thicker and may feel rough or itchy for some people.

Cashmere is a natural yarn , known for its extreme softness and lightness. This soft fiber comes from the undercoat of hircus goats and is significantly finer than wool. Cashmere fibers are thin, smooth and incredibly warm. This combination of qualities makes it an ideal material for luxury clothing such as sweaters, scarves and blankets.

Common Beliefs about Cashmere

In addition to misconceptions about its origin and composition, there are some common ideas about cashmere.

1. Cashmere is unaffordable: Cashmere is often synonymous with luxury clothing, but affordable options exist. For example, you can buy sweaters in regenerated cashmere or made with a blend of natural yarns that do not contain 100% cashmere, but which still offer its distinctive characteristics allowing you to enjoy all its benefits.

2. Cashmere is too delicate: Cashmere is certainly delicate, but with proper care, it can last a long time. Follow the advice in our blog to best preserve and wash your sweater.

3. Cashmere is only suitable for winter: cashmere is known for its warmth, but there are light garments ideal for mid-seasons. Discover our merino wool, cashmere and silk blend garments to enjoy the comfort of cashmere all year round.