Of course, we all love wool fiber fabrics for their durability and thermally insulating qualities. This fiber is obtained from animal fur, the hair that provides these animals warmth during cold seasons. We have several fabrics from this fiber, each having similar but distinct properties.
However, our focus here will be cashmere fabric, a natural fiber fabric. This fabric is a type of wool fiber, but it has some qualities that make it stand out among its peers: it is softer and lighter than most wool fabrics. And because of this, it is considered one of the most expensive wool fabrics.
But what are Cashmere fabrics made out of? This is one of the many discourses we will have here in this blog about these highly-priced fabrics.
What are Cashmere fabrics?
Cashmere is a soft woven wool fabric from the hair of Kashmir or Cashmere goat. This fabric is incredibly soft, lightweight, and silky to the touch.
Cashmere is majorly used for making clothes like lightweight sweaters, cardigans, dresses, and shawls, as well as jackets and outerwear coats.
What is Cashmere fabric made out of?
Cashmere wool fabric is made essentially from the Cashmere goat. However, the fabric can also be made out of Pashmina goats and some other goat breeds.
What fabric is Cashmere?
Cashmere is a kind of wool fabric made from the hair of a goat that is native to both Central Asia and the Gobi desert.
Cashmere fabrics origin
The breeding of Cashmere goats in its native country started before the dates given by several historical accounts. This is because, in most accounts, reference to these fabrics dates far back to the 3rd century BC, whereas cashmere wool’s production dates far beyond the stated timeline.
The trading of Cashmere wool started with the Turkestan, who brought the fabric to the middle east, and from there, trading was further boosted through the traditional trading route, which made the fabric famous in Europe and beyond. Even though trading during this time was quite risky, merchants were still amenable to taking dangerous trading routes.
This risk led to the fabric’s popularity in France and the European market at large.
In the 19 century, there was mass production of Cashmere wool in Europe, a giant stride that brought about positive economic impact throughout several geographical regions.
How is Cashmere fabric made?
The production of Cashmere wool fabric involves several stages, entirely different from the stages involved in producing other fabrics. Read about these stages below.
Step 1 – Shearing
Here, before shearing the hair from the goats, they are left to have a fully grown coat of hair. There are several ways shearing can be done, and in most cases, it is done so that the goats are not harmed during the process.
Step 2 – Cleaning
At this stage, the sheared wool will be picked through and cleaned to remove any impurities.
Step 3 – Combing
This stage involves combing individual wool fiber into a straight line and then cleansing and disentangling it into light groups of fibers.
Step 4 – Shinning
Here, carded fibers are put into a spinning machine which will twist the wool fiber into yarn. The resulting yarn may be thick or thin depending on the kind of textile product that is desired.
Step 5 – Cleaning and dyeing
The yarn will be cleaned at this stage, as well as dyeing if it is desired.
Step 6 – Weaving
This stage is where the Cashmere yarn will be woven into a textile product. Some examples of Cashmere products include; sweaters, vests, and scarves.
Step 7 – Final treatments
Here, the finished product may be given further treatment, like applying a flame retardant, before they are sold in the market. However, you should know that this is not always the case, as wool fibers are naturally resistant to flame.
Step 8 – Packaging and fulfillment
This is where the resulting textile products are packaged, branded, and prepared for the market.
Where does Cashmere fabric come from?
Originally, Cashmere fabric came from the Himalayan mountain, where the goats used in making the fabric naturally exists in numbers.
However, in recent times, northern China and Mongolia are now significant sources of this fabric. Only the fabric from these regions is not as soft as the ones from the native country, but it provides a much cheaper option.
What is 100% Cashmere made from?
100% Cashmere is produced with the hair of Cashmere goats.
Why is Cashmere so expensive?
I was not mincing words when I said Cashmere is pricey; yes, they are! Here are the following reasons why they are so expensive;
- Cashmere fabric is highly durable.
- It is made with high-quality fiber.
- It involves a complicated production process.
- The fiber is obtained from rare goat breeds.
- Cashmere fiber is the most treasured and luxurious yarn.
Is Cashmere cotton or wool?
Cashmere is a Wool fabric. Even though both fibers are natural, they are from different sources: cotton fibers are obtained from plants, and wool fabrics are derived from animal furs. And since Cashmere is gotten from a particular goat breed, that makes Cashmere a wool fiber fabric.
Does Cashmere come from Sheep or Goats?
Although some certain wool fabrics are made from sheep, Cashmere fabrics are made exclusively with Goat hair.
What fabrics are better than Cashmere?
In the fabric market today, only a few fabrics can boast of being better than Cashmere fabric. However, topping this list is the Yak wool or Khullu fabrics.
This fabric is believed to be better than Cashmere fabrics in terms of durability, sustainability, breathability, and the level of warmth provided.
How long does Cashmere last?
Cashmere fabric is made from one of the most durable fibers. A typical Cashmere fabric can last up to 30 years, and some experts even claimed that Cashmere fabric could last for a lifetime if it is well cared for.
