Cashmere is a wool desired by many fashion-conscious women because of its fine, strong, feather-light, and silky texture. The word “Kashmir” is derived from the Kashmiri spelling. It is known simply as cashmere, but is sometimes referred to as pashmina, a fiber from the fur of a Kashmiri goat. Kashmir goats are raised primarily on the high plateaus of Asia, which include China, Mongolia, and Tibet, India, and China. Today, the province of Indian Kashmir, from which its name is derived, offers little. American shepherds have also joined the international cashmere production market in recent years.
Cashmere wool grows very densely on goats and acts as a protective layer against the harsh winter weather in the high desert climates where they live. During the molting season, cashmere is harvested when Kashmiri goats shed their down or are sheared. The finest cashmere is produced from the belly and throat. The longest fibers come from the belly and throat areas, where the wool is especially soft. These fibers can be woven into sweaters, shawls, scarves, blazers, gloves, muffling capes, dresses, and coats for men and women. It takes four years for a goat to produce enough wool to make a single cashmere sweater. The natural color of cashmere is white, gray and brown, but wool can easily be dyed in other colors.
Cashmere produces natural lightweight insulation without bulk. The fibers are very adaptable and can be easily woven into fine or thick yarns and light to heavy fabrics. A high moisture content allows the insulation properties to change with the relative humidity of the air. This makes cashmere wool ideal for use in all types of climates.
Wearing a cashmere garment will not only make you look good, but it will also be comfortable and affordable. The quality and feel of cashmere make you want more.
