Just the mention of the word cashmere will bring a smile to anybody’s face who’s ever worn it. Cashmere’s softness, durability and lightweight warmth is legendary and clothing made from it has been the choice of royalty and the privileged since ancient times. Increasing worldwide numbers of the goats who produce cashmere wool have made it more available though, and as a result more affordable to more people.
Until a few years ago the majority of the world supply of cashmere came from Afghanistan, Iran, Outer Mongolia, India and China. As many of those countries have experienced a disruption of their exports because of political unrest, countries like Australia and New Zealand have stepped in and picked up the slack. But the demand for cashmere still outweighs its availability and that’s what keeps the prices so high.
Some cashmere-producing goat herds are now being seen in the US and it’s a new industry that’s gaining momentum. Handspun cashmere is hard to find though and pricey when I can find it. But because so little is needed in the making of a cap, it’s still a very reasonable choice and one that produces a comfort and softness that almost nothing else can touch.
Even though cashmere isn't as strong as wool, it will often outlast it and is a perfect choice for those who can't wear wool next to their skin; which is most of us really.
Cashmere derives its name from the region of Kashmir in northern India and southern Pakistan where the fiber was first collected and spun into yarns. Cashmere isn’t a breed of goats but rather the name for the downy undercoat that comes from the various kinds of goats who produce it. Those goats however, are often referred to collectively as cashmere goats while maintaining their distinctive breed names.
