What is Cashmere and Where Does it Come From?

Cashmere is a type of ultra soft wool that comes from the Cashmere goat. In order for the wool to be rated as Cashmere it has to be 18.5 micrometers or thicker in diameter and at least 3.175 cm longs. The wool that is spun into Cashmere is usually harvested from the side hair of the goat, however, ultra fine hair is also sheered from the goat’s underbelly and neck.

Cashmere is known for its diversity and adaptability. Cashmere comes in three different natural colors including gray, brown and white. This wool can be spun into either fine yarn or thick yard and it can be woven into light weight fabric or heavy weight fabric. Cashmere also has a high moisture content which allows its insulating strength to adjust according to the relative humidity of its environment. This makes it a great fiber for just about any climate. If you live in an area that gets very cold then Cashmere makes a great layering material as even lightweight materials made from Cashmere can keep you warm.

While Cashmere is typically used to inaccurately describe just about any ultra soft wool, 100% pure Cashmere only comes from the Cashmere goat. These goats can be found in the high plateau regions of Asia, including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China. Few, however, still live in the Cashmere region of India where their name originated from. To ensure that you are getting real Cashmere when shopping for a sweater or jacket, make sure that the label states that the item is made from 100% pure Cashmere.

Black Chandelier is your source for Cashmere sweaters