The History of Cashmere

Cashmere is simply known as Cashmere or sometimes called “Pashmina”. Cashmere is a fiber obtained from the Cashmere Goat, it is derived from an archaic spelling of “Kashmir“. As far back as the 11th Century, Cashmere was being woven into Shaw’s. By the late 18th early 19th Centuries, Cashmere had a thriving industry producing Shaw’s from Goat down which was imported from Tibet and Tartany. Cashmere seems to have originated from the West Himalayas in India.

Since it’s introduction, Cashmere has been used in Men’s and Women’s clothing. Cashmere Wool is classified as a special hair fiber, these fibers are highly adaptable and are easily constructed into fine or thick yarns. Cashmere is used in the making of Sweaters, Coats, Slacks, Scarves, Socks and other clothing. Cashmere is very warm and comfortable , providing exceptional warmth in the cold months of winter. Cashmere provides natural light insulation and it is not bulky.

The Cashmere Goat predominately live in Asia and Northwestern Providence of China. At present, China is the largest producer of Cashmere. In addition, it is estimated that China produces an estimated 10,000 metric tons of Cashmere per year. While magnolia seems to produce an estimated 3,000 tons per year.

The transformation of Cashmere happened in Scotland. Using more than a Century of wisdom, the fiber was transformed in to top quality Cashmere Yarn prior to being knitted and transformed in to many types, color, and sizes of different garments.

Cashmere is fine in texture, very strong, light, and as soft as cotton. Cashmere has become associated with “Luxury”, probably due to the fact that any clothing or garments containing the product tends to be quite expensive. Cashmere is much warmer and has a smoother feel as opposed to Sheep’s Wool.

Cashmere comes mostly in natural colors such as, Gray, Brown, and White. In addition, Cashmere has a high moisture content which allows insulation properties to change with humidity in the air.

Cashmere today is as popular as ever, it is easily dyed when being made into clothing garments, it is also used in Quilts, Bedding, and Sheets.