How to Identify Good Quality Cashmere

Cashmere, with its unmatched softness and warmth, is a beloved luxury fabric sought after by many. However, not all cashmere is created equally, and discerning its quality can make all the difference.  

Here is everything you need to know about what constitutes good quality cashmere. We will explain the different types of cashmere and how to identify the best quality cashmere.

Is Cashmere Good Quality?

Cashmere is generally considered to be of exceptionally good quality. This luxurious natural fibre, sourced from the soft undercoat of Cashmere goats, is renowned for its unmatched softness, fine texture, and exceptional warmth despite its lightweight feel.

High-quality cashmere has all of the above along with durability, making it a premium choice for luxury garments and accessories. It has a reputation as a symbol of refinement and comfort, making it highly desirable as a luxurious fabric.

Are There Different Types of Quality Cashmere?

There are varying levels of cashmere quality. These distinctions are often based on the source of the cashmere fibres and the processing methods used. We only use the longest, softest fibres in all of our cashmere garments.  

Here are the different grades of cashmere and how to recognise them: 

• Grade A is the highest quality cashmere, typically sourced from the neck and underbelly of Cashmere goats. It features the finest, softest fibres and is the most desirable. 
• Grade B is of slightly lower quality and is often sourced from other parts of the goat, such as the back and legs. While still soft, it may not be as fine as Grade A. 

• Grade C Cashmere is the lowest quality of cashmere and may include fibres that are coarser or have more imperfections. It is often used in blends or lower-end cashmere products. 

Cashmere blends, synthetic alternatives and other types of fibre - such as sheep wool or wool from other breeds of goat - labelled as “cashmere” can all lead to experiencing inferior types of “cashmere” products too. These aren’t pure, quality cashmere garments so won’t feel the same as high-quality cashmere.

How to Check Cashmere Quality

When shopping for cashmere, start out by reading the label for information on the fibre content of the garment. Look for products that specify 100% cashmere, rather than blends with other materials. 

Run your fingers across the fabric too. High-quality cashmere should feel incredibly soft and silky, without any prickliness or roughness. While some pilling is normal with new cashmere, excessive pilling may indicate lower quality or a blend with lower-grade fibres. No matter how well you care for cashmere of lower quality, you will still experience pilling.

While price alone is not an indicator of quality, unusually low prices may signal lower-grade or blended cashmere. Look for reputable brands and read reviews from other customers to get a feel for what you’re actually looking at. 

Identifying good quality cashmere means assessing its softness, fineness, warmth and durability. Understanding the different grades of cashmere and inspecting any garments can help you make a decision. Quality cashmere is a wise investment that can bring warmth and style to your wardrobe for years to come – as long as you take proper care of it, store it correctly and keep it in shape.