The Clotheshound

Cashmere sweaters are made from the luxuriant wool of the Cashmere (Kashmir) goat and are experiencing strong demand this Holiday Season. These sweaters’ silken feel, feather-light weight, and appreciable status make them highly desirable.

Garments made of cashmere were once only available to royalty because the rarity of the wool increased its value. Napoleon is said to have popularized the use of cashmere as shawls or wraps when he gave his second wife, Empress Eugenie, seventeen of them. Despite the glamour associated with cashmere, its roots are humble. Cashmere is the wool or fur of the Kashmir goat, originally raised and sheparded by mountain nomads. Kashmir goats are primarily raised in Mongolia, but many are bred in Iran, Tibet, India and China. American herders have also joined the international cashmere production market in recent years.

Cashmere is harvested from the goats during their annual molting season through the shedding or the shearing of their down. In the frigid high desert climates where most of the goats are raised, the dense inner coat guards against harsh winter weather, but once seasons change, goats begin to lose the protective layer of down.

The finest cashmere comes from the underbelly and throat of the goats, but a lesser grade is also taken from the goats’ legs and backs. Longer fibers from the belly and throat area make the wool especially soft and cause less “pilling” when the fibers are woven into garments such as sweaters, shawls, capes, dresses, and coats for both men and women. The shorter fibers from the backs and legs are heavier and less expensive, making it easier to afford a luxury garment. Cashmere comes naturally in white, gray and brown, but the wool is easily dyed.

Quality cashmere wool sweaters provide a luxurious feeling and comfortable warmth as well as style. Pure, quality cashmere is unavoidably pricey, but the resulting high quality garments makes it a worthwhile purchase.  Tuttle offers only the finest quality cashmere sweaters, scarves and (even) socks and hats for men and women.

Tagged: cashmere hat, cashmere scarf, cashmere sweaters, Kashmir, men's cashmere, women's cashmere