What is Cashmere?

Cashmere comes from the fine, downy undercoat that cashmere goats grow during winter to survive extreme cold. These goats are primarily raised in Mongolia, China, Iran, and Afghanistan. Each goat produces only about 150-200 grams of usable cashmere fiber per year (enough for roughly one sweater requires 3-4 goats' annual output), which is why cashmere commands premium pricing. The fiber is characterized by its extraordinarily fine diameter — typically 14-19 microns, compared to 20-40 microns for standard wool — which gives it the signature softness. In fashion, cashmere occupies the top tier of natural knitwear and fabric. A cashmere sweater, scarf, or coat immediately elevates an outfit through texture and visual quality. The fabric drapes beautifully, resists wrinkles, and has a subtle luster that distinguishes it from regular wool. However, cashmere requires more careful handling: it pills if exposed to friction, should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned, and needs to be stored folded (never hung, which stretches the fibers) with cedar or lavender to prevent moth damage. The quality spectrum within cashmere is enormous. Budget cashmere (under $100 for a sweater) typically uses shorter, coarser fibers that pill quickly and thin out after a few washes. Mid-range cashmere ($150-$400) uses longer fibers with tighter knitting and offers good longevity. Premium cashmere ($400+) uses the finest, longest fibers with dense, multi-ply construction that can last a decade or more with proper care. For most people, mid-range cashmere from reputable brands offers the best value. TRY can help you determine how often you'll actually wear a cashmere piece by showing which outfits it pairs with — justifying the investment through cost-per-wear math rather than impulse purchasing.

A mid-grey two-ply cashmere crewneck sweater worn over a white oxford shirt collar, with navy chinos and brown suede loafers — the texture and drape of cashmere add a quality signal that cotton or regular wool cannot match.