Why Cashmere is Expensive (And Why Cheap Cashmere is Never a Good Deal)
Why Cashmere is Expensive
Cashmere is renowned for its luxurious softness, warmth, and elegance, making it a coveted material in the fashion world. However, if you’ve ever shopped for a cashmere sweater, you’ve probably noticed a vast range in prices. While some cashmere products are notoriously expensive, others seem surprisingly affordable. But as with most things in life, you get what you pay for.
Let’s explore why cashmere is expensive and why cheap cashmere is almost always a sign of compromised quality.
1. The Origins of Cashmere: A Precious Resource
Cashmere comes from the undercoat of goats, specifically the cashmere goat, which is found in regions like Mongolia, China, and parts of India. Each goat produces only a small amount of cashmere annually—on average, about 150 grams.
For comparison, a single high-quality cashmere sweater typically requires the wool from 3 to 5 goats. The rarity of the raw material alone is one of the primary reasons for cashmere’s high price. Gathering, combing, and cleaning the fibers is a labor-intensive process, further adding to the cost.
2. Long vs. Short Fibers: The Key to Cashmere Quality
One of the most important indicators of cashmere quality is the length of its fibers. High-quality cashmere is made from long, fine fibers, usually ranging from 30 to 42 millimeters in length. These long fibers are stronger, less prone to pilling, and produce a smoother, more durable fabric.
In contrast, cheap cashmere is often made from shorter fibers. These shorter strands result in a sweater that might feel soft initially but will wear out quickly. Short fibers tend to pill, causing those unattractive little balls of fuzz that make a garment look old and worn after just a few wears.
3. The Hidden Reality of Cheap Cashmere: The Dust Factor
If you see cashmere priced too low, it's important to understand what you’re really getting. Cheap cashmere is often not made from pure cashmere fibers at all, but rather from “cashmere dust”—the leftover bits from the production of premium cashmere products. Factories that produce high-quality cashmere threads inevitably generate waste, such as fibers that are too short or too brittle for luxury use.
Rather than discard this waste, it’s repurposed to create low-cost garments. These cashmere dust products lack the softness, strength, and longevity of true, high-quality cashmere. The result? A sweater that may initially look and feel like cashmere but soon shows its inferior quality after a few wears and washes.
4. Labor and Craftsmanship: Adding to the Cost
The production of quality cashmere is not just about the material; it's also about the craftsmanship. Skilled artisans carefully spin, weave, and knit the fibers to create a smooth, flawless fabric. This process takes time, expertise, and attention to detail—qualities that don’t come cheap.
In contrast, cheap cashmere products are often mass-produced, with little regard for maintaining the integrity of the fibers. The result is a poorly constructed garment that may fall apart at the seams or lose its shape.
5. Ethical and Sustainable Production
Another factor contributing to the cost of cashmere is the ethical and sustainable practices involved in its production. High-end cashmere brands often invest in sustainable sourcing and work closely with goat herders to ensure the well-being of the animals and the preservation of their natural habitat. This eco-friendly approach adds to the cost but also ensures that the cashmere is of the finest quality.
Cheap cashmere, on the other hand, is often produced in a manner that exploits both workers and animals, with little concern for the environmental impact. When you opt for a lower-priced option, you may be supporting unsustainable and unethical practices.
6. How to Identify High-Quality Cashmere
If you want to invest in a cashmere piece that will last for years, here are some tips to help you identify high-quality cashmere:
Feel the fabric: High-quality cashmere should feel incredibly soft and smooth to the touch. It will have a slightly fluffy texture but still feel substantial and not flimsy.
Look at the fibers: A good cashmere sweater will be made from long fibers. You can test this by gently pulling at the fabric—long fibers will remain intact, while short fibers may come loose.
Check for pilling: While all cashmere will eventually pill to some extent, high-quality cashmere should resist pilling for much longer. If a sweater starts pilling after just a few wears, it’s likely made from shorter, lower-quality fibers.
Consider the price: While you don’t need to buy the most expensive option, be wary of cashmere that seems too cheap. True, high-quality cashmere is an investment, and if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Final Thoughts: The True Value of Cashmere
Cashmere is expensive for good reason. From its rarity and the labor-intensive production process to the importance of long fibers, high-quality cashmere represents luxury, durability, and craftsmanship.
While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper alternative, remember that you’ll likely end up with a product made from cashmere dust—leftovers from the production of real cashmere. Investing in a high-quality cashmere piece may cost more upfront, but it will reward you with years of warmth, comfort, and style.
When it comes to cashmere, quality truly is worth the price.
