Everything You Need To Know About Cashmere Knitwear
Dressing to impress doesn’t mean compromising comfort or warmth—and that’s where cashmere knitwear comes into play. With this guide, you’ll become a cashmere connoisseur who understands its origin appeal, can spot quality, and can care for cashmere pieces. So grab your favorite cup of tea, and let’s embark on everything you need to know about cashmere knitwear.
What Is Cashmere Knitwear?
Cashmere knitwear refers to clothing made from the wool of the cashmere goat, a special breed found in the mountainous regions of Mongolia, Tibet, Northern India, Iran, Afghanistan, and China. Cashmere is the “diamond of fibers” due to its softness, lightness, and incredible warmth.
It makes for highly coveted knitwear—from sweaters and scarves to gloves and socks—that lends an air of luxurious elegance while offering unparalleled comfort and coziness. When you don a piece of cashmere knitwear, you’re wearing an intricate piece of art crafted from one of the most exquisite yarns known to humanity.
How Manufacturers Make Cashmere
Creating cashmere knitwear is as unique and intricate as the yarn itself. It begins in the chilly spring when cashmere goats naturally shed their winter undercoat. This soft, insulating undercoat is what we know as cashmere. Each goat yields only a small amount of usable fiber. After collecting the raw cashmere wool, we must meticulously sort it by hand to separate the fine, soft undercoat from the coarse and straight guard hairs.
The selected wool then goes through a washing process to remove dirt or grease before it goes through the dying process. Finally, we can spin the dyed cashmere fibers into yarn, and we can use that yarn to make the luxurious pieces of cashmere knitwear we adore. The painstakingly detailed process is a testament to why people value and cherish cashmere.
Different Types of Cashmere
There are multiple grades of cashmere: Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. Grade A cashmere represents the highest quality, boasting the longest and finest threads. This process produces a light, soft, and extremely warm fabric.
On the other hand, Grade B cashmere is slightly heavier, with a thickness that sits between the two other grades. It’s less expensive than Grade A but offers notable warmth and comfort.
Lastly, Grade C cashmere is the lowest grade, featuring coarse fibers that are significantly thicker and heavier than the upper grades. While it’s the most affordable, the quality, softness, and warmth it provides are incomparable to its superior grades. Being aware of these distinctions can aid you in making informed decisions when purchasing cashmere knitwear, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
The Benefits of Cashmere Knitwear
Cashmere knitwear is an investment in comfort, warmth, and durability. Cashmere fibers are better insulators than wool, providing superior warmth without the added bulk of heavier materials. This element makes cashmere knitwear perfect for layering during colder months.
Cashmere is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. Unlike synthetic fibers, it allows your skin to breathe, minimizing the risk of irritation. Cashmere knitwear is also incredibly resilient. With proper care, it can retain its shape and softness for years, making it a sustainable choice in a world of fast fashion.
Lastly, the timeless elegance of cashmere adds a touch of luxury to any wardrobe, making it suitable for both casual and formal wear.
How To Care for Cashmere
Caring for cashmere knitwear properly is crucial to maintain its softness, shape, and longevity. Although dry cleaning is one of the best options, you can wash your cashmere at home with a little extra care. Always opt for hand-washing in a basin filled with cold water and a gentle wool-friendly detergent.
Submerge your cashmere piece in the water and gently swish it around to clean. Avoid twisting or wringing, as it can damage the fibers and cause the garment to lose its shape. Then, rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove all soap residues. Finally, lay the item flat on a clean towel, roll it up to absorb excess water, and then unroll and reshape it before leaving it to air dry flat. Never hang your cashmere to dry, as it can stretch the fibers.
You should keep cashmere neatly folded and stored in a breathable cotton bag to protect it from dust and moths. Be sure to avoid plastic, as it can lead to yellowing. Remembering these tips will ensure your cashmere knitwear continues to deliver unmatched comfort and style for years.
How To Style Cashmere Knitwear
Cashmere knitwear is incredibly versatile. Pair a cashmere sweater with your favorite jeans and ankle boots for a chic, casual look. You can layer a long, cozy cashmere scarf over it for added warmth and style.
For the office, you can wear a fine-knit cashmere cardigan over a crisp white shirt and tailored pants for a sophisticated and professional look. For a touch of luxury during colder evenings, swap the cardigan for a cashmere wrap or shawl to achieve a classy yet cozy aesthetic. Don’t shy away from pairing a cashmere dress with elegant heels for a timeless, elegant look at formal events.
Mixing and matching cashmere with different textures like denim, leather, or silk can also create a visually appealing contrast. Remember, the key to styling cashmere knitwear is balancing elegance with comfort—but you should always make this luxe fabric the star of the show.
Now that you have a complete guide to cashmere knitwear, you can truly appreciate the luxury of this fashion staple. Its production process, from the gentle combing of the cashmere goat’s undercoat to the final spinning of the yarn, is a testament to the value and quality of this extraordinary fabric.
Understanding the different grades of cashmere and proper care techniques can ensure that your investment in cashmere knitwear continues to pay off in terms of style and comfort for many years. Check out Beachwood Baby’s luxurious selection of cashmere knitwear today. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or enjoying a cozy day at home, there’s a piece of cashmere knitwear that perfectly complements your style and needs.
