7 Tips for Choosing High-Quality Cashmere
Are you a fan of cashmere? We certainly are. It's luxurious, soft and warm while being lightweight, sophisticated and effortlessly stylish.
Cashmere can be a great investment. If you take good care of it, a cashmere piece can last a lifetime.
But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know whether you're getting a high-quality cashmere item or a subpar one. In this article, we share seven questions you can ask to make sure that you're buying a quality cashmere item that will last you for years to come.
1. Is it 100% Cashmere?
Make sure to check the label. “100% cashmere” is what you're looking for. If there’s no label, avoid!
2. How soft is it?
When testing the softness of cashmere, it's recommended to brush the fabric gently against the sensitive skin beneath your chin. This is because the skin in this area is more delicate and sensitive compared to other areas of the body. As a result, it can provide a more accurate indication of how soft the cashmere feels against the skin.
Ideally, high-quality cashmere should feel soft to the touch, but not overly so. It's worth noting that some cashmere products may be treated with chemical additives to enhance their softness, but this can compromise the longevity of the garment over time.
3. How fluffy is it?
Hold your cashmere at eye level. Can you see 1mm-2mm of fluffiness? This is a sign of high quality cashmere. When the fluff is higher than 2mm, it is an indication that shorter hairs have been used, which do not bind together as well as long hairs, and the item will pill and wear more quickly.
4. What is the stretch like?
To determine the quality of a cashmere item, try stretching a piece of it and observe if it returns to its original shape. High-quality cashmere should regain its shape, whereas lower quality cashmere will remain stretched out. Additionally, examine the fabric by stretching it and looking through it. Cashmere with a tightly knit fabric will maintain its shape better and be less prone to developing holes.
5. Does it pill?
Gently run your hand over the cashmere item a few times. If you notice small balls forming on the surface, this indicates that the cashmere contains an excessive amount of shorter hairs, which signifies lower quality. While all cashmere will pill over time, if the fabric pills immediately upon rubbing, it is a clear indication of poor quality.
6. How does it look in the light?
To determine the quality of a cashmere item, hold it up to the light and inspect for any uneven or thin patches. A high-quality cashmere product should be evenly knit from top-quality yarn and appear uniform throughout. Uneven patches, on the other hand, can be a tell-tale sign of an inferior product.
7. How much does it cost?
Typically, lower priced cashmere suggests lower quality. However, if the item successfully passes all the aforementioned tests, you can be confident that you are investing in a durable and high-quality cashmere item.
With these seven questions in mind, you can confidently navigate the world of cashmere and make informed purchasing decisions. Investing in a high-quality cashmere piece is worth it for the luxurious feel, warmth, and longevity it offers.
Wear your new cashmere with confidence
With proper care, your cashmere item can last for years to come, making it a wise investment for any fashion-conscious individual. So go ahead and treat yourself to a piece of high-quality cashmere, knowing that you can now make an informed decision.