Almost all Cashmere that is sold in the market nowadays is never 100% pure. Some are mixed with sheep wool, while others with nylon as a strengthening fibre. However, there are types of ‘impure’ that are chosen by customers themselves. One of them is silk Cashmere. What is it? We will come to this question later, but first, let us know about pure Cashmere and the reasons why this fibre is mixed with other fibres.
What is Cashmere?
Cashmere is one of the most expensive fibres in the world. It comes from a goat and is manually processed to craft shawls, wraps, scarves, sweaters, blankets, and more. The fabric is cherished by women all over the world because of its fine texture, lightweight and graceful demeanour.
Origin
The best and finest quality Cashmere comes from Ladakh, India. Over 14000 feet above sea level lies an area called Changthangi where a local yet rare goat species is found. The goat is called the Changthangi goat or Pashmina goat. It is this goat that produces fibre, as it grows it on its underbelly. This coat of soft and warm fleece protects the goat from the extreme temperature in winter that the region witnesses.
Come Spring and the goat loses almost all of this fleece as a result of hormonal changes. This makes the herders aware and they use specialized combs to comb off the wool gently. This wool is packed in small packets and sent to Kashmir for processing.
Processing raw wool for luxury products
Processing of pure Cashmere, which comes from Ladakh, takes place in Kashmir. Only the most experienced artisans are at the helm of affairs when it comes to processing the fine threads. The packets received from Ladakh are manually spun over a spinning wheel by local women, and lumps of wool are transformed into threads. These threads are just 12 to 16 microns in diameter. It is the speciality of Ladakhi Cashmere that produces threads so fine and soft. These threads are later woven into the fabric, which results in breathtaking shawls, wraps, or scarves.
Why is Cashmere the best?
Even though one may have a large number of choices when it comes to winter clothing and accessorizing, if pure, is certainly the best. Here are some of the qualities of Cashmere that make it the most loved and cherished fibre in the world
- It is lightweight. A large shawl weighs just around 500 grams
- It is fine and even a large shawl doesn't feel like wearing a heavy layer of wraps. It's graceful and comfortable
- It is immensely warm. In fact, it is 8 times warmer than sheep wool.
- It doesn't cause allergies to the skin. even individuals with the most sensitive skin can wear Cashmere scarves or wraps.
- Products made from Cashmere can be dyed in all colours and hence do not limit to natural shades only.
- It is handcrafted and hence acts as the best gift to give to someone special
Pure Fabric vs Mixed Varieties
Although pure Cashmere is still available in a few markets and online shopping websites, mixed variants are more spread out. Since the demand for this luxury fabric is much, a large number of dishonest sellers mix Cashmere threads with sheep wool and sell it at Cashmere’s original prices, which are well deservingly huge. Other sellers use machines to make these products and hence mix pure threads with nylon or silk to make the fabric bear the strain of a machine. Originally Cashmere threads are so delicate that even a little friction with the body can cause it to wither! This results in the making of new varieties. As such, we have semi Cashmere fabrics and sheep wool mix fabrics and silk. Among these, silk Cashmere is the most famous one, and is highly in demand.
Also read: KASHMIRI SHAWLS IN MID-VICTORIAN NOVELS
What is Silk Cashmere?
Silk Cashmere, as the name suggests is a mixed variety of silk and Cashmere. It is a fabric that consists of 70% Cashmere and 30% silk. The addition of silk makes this fabric more sturdy and easier to craft. The resulting fabric has warmth and comfort, as well as the lustre of silk fibres. It can wrinkle, but not much because the silk threads prevent it.
Overall, buying silk Cashmere can work for those who do not want the original warmth and comfort of pure Cashmere. Those who want to give up supreme quality for a cheaper product may do so. However, silk Cashmere will never match the grace and elegance of pure Cashmere. It might be cheap and certainly has properties of a pure piece, but as they say, ‘original is always the original’.
An unmatched grace
Pure cashmere, synonymous with grace, embodies an unparalleled elegance that captivates hearts and ignites admiration. Additionally, this precious material exudes a refined charm that transcends fashion fads and time, making it an everlasting symbol of luxury and sophistication.
At the core of its graceful being is the extraordinary softness and smoothness. Each fine and delicate thread embraces the skin with a gentle caress. The luxurious warmth it bestows is an exquisite embrace during chilly winter days, yet it remains light and breathable, becoming the perfect companion for cool summer evenings.
Beyond its looks is the flow and fall of its base, creating elegant silhouettes that flatter any body shape. Whether it is a sumptuous scarf, a graceful shawl, or a timeless wrap, each piece of pure cashmere holds an essence of timeless elegance showcasing one's refined taste.
The beauty of pure Cashmere lies not only in its appearance but also in its longevity. When properly cared for, this luxurious fabric has the potential to become a cherished heirloom. Pure Pashmina shawls crafted from Cashmere pass through generations while retaining a pristine beauty and softness.
Fashion vs Sustainability
As a testimony to its timeless appeal, pure cashmere remains coveted by fashion connoisseurs and comfort seekers alike. Each thread in the masterpiece is a tribute to the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of skilled artisans. It is they who pour their heart and soul into creating wearable works of art.
The elegance of pure cashmere is more than skin-deep; it reflects an appreciation for sustainable luxury. Sourced from Himalayan goats, the fibre embodies a commitment to ethical practices. This promotes responsible farming and reduces environmental impact. In a world where conscious choices matter, embracing pure Cashmere is an embrace of beauty and responsibility.
Wearing pure cashmere is not merely adorning oneself with a garment; it is embracing a feeling of sophistication, grace and responsibility. Each touch of this remarkable material evokes a sense of indulgence and refinement, in addition to making one a responsible shopper.
Concluding
In the journey of fashion, where trends come and go, pure stands as an eternal muse. Its unmatched grace weaves a tale of timeless allure, making it a beloved and cherished companion in the realm of luxury fabrics. As the years pass and styles evolve, the beauty of pure cashmere will continue to shine with an undying radiance, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion and the hearts of those who embrace it.