Why you should not buy cheap Cashmere
Why you should not buy cheap Cashmere?
How is it possible that cashmere continues to get cheaper and cheaper? It is amazing how affordable this fabric has become over the years. Now, this should be a good thing? Not necessarily.
There’s are discounters who advertise lady’s cashmere dresses for about 19.90 euros. Though this appears to be a good deal, a deeper look into the fabric composition reveals that it is made from 22% polyamide and 37% viscose, so how much of it is cashmere?
At some point, you begin to wonder if this should not be considered consumer fraud.
You cannot compare the quality you will get from a 19 euros cashmere material to that of, say, a material that costs 90 euros. But still, one will expect to at least get cashmere when cashmere is being advertised.
There is a huge market for cheap cashmere today
There was a time when cashmere was considered an epitome of luxury; those days are long gone. According to Dr. Phan, a textile expert, “A pure cashmere sweater costs from 70 to 80 euros, sometimes less.
But for good quality, you have to pay from 150 to 200 euros.” These days, you can get a cashmere sweater for as low as 50 euros, sometimes even less.
The cashmere industry is booming with increased demand for this unique material. Unfortunately, there has been no corresponding increase in goat production since they can only be found in the cold regions of Mongolia, Afghanistan, China, and Kashmir. This explains the scarcity of the material and the continued demand for faux cashmere.
There has been a surge in cashmere production in recent years. Most of these so-called cheap cashmere products are obtained from lower-grade cashmere. Some manufacturers even go as far as mislabeling their products which explains why you’ll find yak hair contained in supposedly 100% cashmere fabrics and why a cheap product professing to be 100% cashmere is probably too good to be true.
With the number of discount deals on cashmere products out there, should consumers be worried about cheap cashmere?
You should, if you care about the ethics of their production.
[the_ad id=”23188″]
Why cashmere wool is expensive
Have you ever wondered why there is an astronomical price gap between two identical-looking crewneck sweaters? Cashmere is more refined, lighter, more robust, and softer than other wool materials, so it is hardly surprising that it cost more than a penny.
- Culled from the stomach of certain scarce goats, its fine hairs are scarce and accordingly priced; it is no wonder it was nicknamed the “diamond fiber.” However, you can now get this once pricy fiber at a bargain. You can now get a crew neck cashmere for as low as $75. But is there a difference between these fabrics?
- There are different ways to harvest cashmere; cashmere products owe their longevity and feel to the length and fines of the unprocessed fiber. Fibers gotten from traditional harvesting methods tend to be longer, pricier, and generally more desirable. In contrast, machine-sheared fibers tend to be cheaper and shorter.
- Apart from their kissability, another reason for the disparity in the prices of cashmere products is the design details. Most lower-priced finds are constructed simply, while refined pieces usually feature more elaborate details.
- The manufacturing process can also factor into the final retail price. Brands like Brunello Cuinelli employ their workforce from Italy and Scotland, which explains their exorbitant retail prices.
- The limited amount of cashmere produced by the goats limits supply substantially. Cashmere accounts for only 0.5% of global wool production. It is not a common fiber and is only found in the high plateaus of China, Mongolia, and the Himalayas, where you can find these goats. The goat’s undercoats take six long winter months to develop. You will need hair from about 2-3 goats to produce just one scarf, so imagine how long it will take to get a traditional scarf going by this.
Jennie Liu
Jennie Liu
Jennie Liu
* Disclosure: Links marked with Asterix or some picture links on world’s-finest-wool are affiliate links. All our work is reader-supported – when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The decision is yours – whether you decide to buy something is entirely up to you.
Climate change also affects the Himalayas and remote regions of Mongolia
True Kashmir is found only in a few regions of the world with extreme seasons: In the former sovereign state of Kashmir in the Himalayas, in the high plateaus of Mongolia, Afghanistan, China and Iran, where the Cashmere goats live.
Once a year, during the natural hair change, the precious soft undercoat is combed out of their dense wool. However, climate change is also affecting these remote regions. For example, 90 percent of Mongolia now consists of a drought area, and there is hardly enough grass for the goats to survive.
On the other hand, given the increasing demand, many Nomads are still increasing the size of their herds.
They no longer roam as far and as regularly. So the pastures no longer have enough time to recover after being grazed. This further promotes desertification, especially since the goats tear out the grass along with the roots.
You should, therefore, rather look twice before you strike at a supposed “snapper”: Where was the cashmere piece produced? Especially in China and Mongolia, cashmere goats are often kept in huge herds.
This makes it almost impossible to give the animals sufficient care, leading to diseases and suffering for the animals.
In our guide about cashmere brands you can also find out about manufacturers with sustainable production!
How sustainable is cashmere wool
[the_ad id=”24921″]
As a natural animal fiber, cashmere is not vegan. 90% of the global cashmere production comes from China and Mongolia and is distributed from there all over the world.
Cashmere goats can be kept and bred in other regions, but only in Central Asia’s particularly harsh climatic conditions do the goats grow the coveted undercoat.1
Due to the increasing demand, the number of goats in Central Asia has dramatically increased. For example, in 1990, 4.5 million goats were grazing on the Mongolian steppe; today, there are 27 million animals. The result is overgrazing and soil erosion. In addition, the goats eat the grass along with the roots, which means that hardly anything grows back.
It is estimated that 60 to 70% of the Mongolian steppe is overgrazed. As a result, the steppe is increasingly becoming a desert, with sandstorms spreading more and more frequently. Intensive animal husbandry not only consumes the resources of the steppe but also an enormous amount of water. In less than ten years, goats and herders will no longer be able to survive there.
Thus, cashmere production not only impacts the lives of millions of animals but also leaves irreparable damage to nature at its current intensity.
Nevertheless, wool is a renewable resource that is also biodegradable. With gentle care, garments made of wool are very durable and are aired out more often and washed less frequently – saving water and energy. In addition, wool does not emit microplastic when washed and is considered a very durable material.
What to look out for when shopping for cashmere
You shouldn’t be so eager to get a bargain that you fall for a price scam. While your cashmere is expected to be soft, be wary of any cashmere fabric that is extra fuzzy or overly soft at the point of purchase.
Everybody deserves to have a fine cashmere sweater. In addition to keeping you warm in the winter months, you can also wear cashmere during the cool summer months.
These tips will help you find the perfect cashmere garment to suit your needs:
Take a look at the label!
People often take this for granted – always check the labels when shopping for garments. The label often states the garment’s composition, which is vital when shopping for cashmere. If you’re determined to have pure cashmere, make sure you buy those labeled “100% cashmere”.
Don’t get me wrong; a cashmere blend is not necessarily inferior – all it means is that it is a blend of different fabrics. Cashmere blends often comprise quality fabrics like silk, so a blend does not necessarily mean inferior quality.
But if you want to wear your cashmere during the winter seasons, you might want to stick with 100% cashmere materials. That is not to say fabrics with 100% cashmere do not have their pitfalls.
Cashmere fabrics come in different quality, which explains the disparity in their raw material cost, with some going for as low as 30 USD per kilogram and some as high as 150 USD per kilogram. It all depends on factors like the fineness, length, color, style of the fiber.
Do a ‘Pull Test.’
Another simple way to determine the quality of a cashmere sweater is to conduct a pull test.
This entails grasping both ends of the sweater and pulling in opposite directions. If the sweater snaps back to its original shape, then you know it is quality cashmere. And if it doesn’t, you know it was not properly woven, and the quality is inferior.
[the_ad id=”23184″]
Check out the length of the cashmere fibers
You can use the fiber length to determine cashmere quality. Fabrics with longer fiber lengths have better quality. The fibers used to produce cheap cashmere are often shorter because it is cheaper to buy cashmere wool.
Pay attention to the ply count!
Ply refers to the number of yarns that have been twisted together. Cashmere sweaters usually come in one or two-ply counts: the higher the ply, the warmer and thicker the cashmere.
The label of most cashmere garments indicates whether the ply is single or double, and even if it doesn’t, all you have to do is touch it to feel the difference. Single-ply cashmere fabrics are usually not as bulky or as thick as their double-ply counterparts.
Although, cashmere sometimes comes in more than two-ply.
Conduct a simple touch test
The touch test is probably the easiest method of determining the quality of cashmere. A good cashmere fabric should be fluffy and soft; anything outside this doesn’t seem right.
In the words of Jerry Ooms, Founder of Hommard, “Cashmere should be soft; if it doesn’t feel as soft as you think it should feel, it is probably because the cashmere yarns and fibers used are not high grades.”
Like everything else in life, good quality comes at a price. You can hardly expect to enjoy good quality and durable cashmere with a 50 euro purchase value.
When shopping for cashmere, it is always better to invest in the best you can afford because nothing beats a good quality cashmere attire.
Buying cashmere with a clear conscience
You may now want to know what good cashmere from sustainable production costs?
A cashmere sweater usually requires the fluff of three to five goats. On the world market, a kilogram of pure cashmere costs between 60 and 150$.
For an exclusive sweater, you should pay at least 120$. A cashmere scarf should cost around 60$. For a cashmere hat, you should put at least 40$ on the counter and a larger blanket made of fine, high-quality cashmere fibers costs at least 250$.
Of course, a high price does not guarantee sustainable production and compliance with animal welfare rights.
In case of doubt: It is better to refrain from buying clothes.
Therefore, the simplest rule is: When in doubt, do without, no matter how tempting the garment.
The power of the consumer is often underestimated. Retailers notice this very well when questions increasingly come to them in the individual stores as to whether or not the individual items of clothing come from sustainable production and are offered in accordance with animal protection and species protection laws.
Read also about the Climate Change in the Himalayas and how shepherds life is affected.
[the_ad id=”23025″]
The History of Merino Wool: A Journey Through Time
From the dawn of human civilization, natural fibers have been the backbone of textile production for garments, bedding, and various …
Which socks are best to wear for everyday or sports? – Three tips for your next sock purchase
They are the daily companion of your feet and shoes: Socks are always in action and must withstand a lot …
The Role of Cashmere in the Fashion Industry
Cashmere is a luxurious and high-quality fiber that is widely used in the fashion industry. It is made from the …
The Journey to Ethical Sourcing of Merino Wool Products: An In-Depth Look
In recent times, the ethical and environmental consequences of consumer choices have taken center stage, leading to an increased call …
Look Gorgeous with these Small Crochet Accessories you can make: The Hottest New Trend
Crochet accessories are the hottest new trend and for good reason! They are small, easy to make, and can really …
Why should you customize greeting cards
Why should you customize greeting cards Personalized greeting cardsNot even 40 years ago, letters and postcards were the only way …
Autumn decoration ideas – The 10 best DIY crafts for autumn
Autumn is the season of many great options for home decor. It is also the season when nature provides entertainment …
Famous Markets in Bolivia – Where to buy Souveniers and Alpaca Fashion?
Famous Markets in Bolivia – Where to buy Souveniers and Alpaca Fashion? Amazing Places – Where to buy souvenirs and …
Alpaca Coats and Alpaca Ponchos
Alpaca Coats & Alpaca Ponchos Alpaca Clothing Coats and Ponchos Sweater and Cardigans Alpaca Accessoirs Alpaca Blankets Ponchos Coats The …
Discover the World’s Finest Wool – Origin and Properties of Alpaca Wool Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on …
Merino Clothing Jackets and Sweaters Baselayer and Underwear Merino Accessoirs Merino Blankets Why Choosing Merino Wool? Whether climbing the world’s …
Merino Baselayer & Underwear Merino Clothing Jackets and Sweaters Baselayer and Underwear Merino Accessoirs Merino Blankets Merino Baselayer With a …
Thank You for Reading
Kayla Kinsella
Kayla Kinsella is a freelance writer with a penchant for trying new things. She has a passion for words, which is reflected in her ability to transform even the most mundane of topics into a literary work of art. When she’s not working, you can find her traveling, listening to music, or checking out the latest sustainable fashion trends! Her preferred fabrics are merino wool and mohair from South Africa.
0 Comments