Cashmere: The King of Luxury Fibers

Cashmere is one of the most valuable fibers in the world, thanks to its remarkable thermal capacities. Cashmere garments offer unique sensations ranging from warm and soft to enveloping, silky, and velvety. In our decades of working with this extraordinary fiber, we have seen firsthand why it commands such devotion from both fashion designers and hand knitters.

The Origins of Cashmere

The raw material is obtained from the shearing of a particular breed of goats that grow in regions with extreme climates: Iran, Mongolia, Tibet, Afghanistan, and obviously in the area of Kashmir in Pakistan — hence the name.

The climatic conditions in which these animals live range from freezing to scorching heat. In some periods of the year, severe temperature changes can occur within the same day. Therefore these wonderful animals develop a fleece, and in particular an undercoat, suitable to protect them at the same time from both cold and extreme heat.

The cashmere fiber is therefore naturally suited for offering an excellent thermoregulatory effect for the human body as well — an effective effect for both the coldest and the hottest temperatures. This is why cashmere is not merely a winter fiber; a fine cashmere garment breathes and regulates temperature year-round.

Italy: The World's Leading Cashmere Processor

Italy is the first processor in the world of fine cashmere. Some of the most important companies in the world that process this fiber through a complete cycle are located in Piedmont and are specialized in selecting the best cashmere from the origin — from the longest fibers up to transformation into yarn and then into high quality fabric.

This excellence is made possible by the experience of Italian artisans and the purity of the waters of the streams used by many manufacturers in the Biella textile district. The cashmere obtained offers an absolute softness, difficult to reproduce elsewhere in the world.

The Great Italian Cashmere Mills

Among the main luxury cashmere converters located in this district are:

• Loro Piana — perhaps the most recognized name in cashmere worldwide, known for selecting only the finest fibers
• Zegna Baruffa — leaders in worsted yarn spinning with impeccable quality standards
• Lane Borgosesia — historic mill with deep expertise in fine fiber processing
• Lanificio Colombo — specialists in cashmere and other precious fibers since 1966
• Ermenegildo Zegna — legendary fashion house with its own yarn production
• Piacenza Cashmere — one of the oldest Italian manufacturers, founded in 1733
• Cariaggi — creators of the famous Jaipur cashmere-silk blend

In our warehouse, you will always find an excellent stock of cashmere yarns from these and other prestigious Italian mills, available at stock prices.

Cashmere Blends: The Best of Multiple Worlds

The cashmere blends are extremely precious yarns, which combine the properties of other refined fibers with the already precious cashmere. These blended yarns often offer unique characteristics that pure cashmere alone cannot achieve.

Cashmere-Silk (WS 70% / SE 30%)

Among the most widespread and appreciated cashmere blends, the cashmere 70% and silk 30% blend stands out. Cariaggi's famous Jaipur is the benchmark for this composition, often produced in the popular 2/60 count. These yarns are particularly suitable for making extremely soft scarves and pashminas with iridescent colors. The silk adds a beautiful luster and strength that complements cashmere's softness.

Cashmere-Linen (WS 50% / LI 50%)

This blend brings together the warmth and softness of cashmere with the cool crispness of linen, creating a versatile yarn perfect for transitional-season garments.

Cashmere-Wool (WS 50% / WV 50%)

Combining cashmere with fine merino wool creates an excellent yarn that offers the luxury hand-feel of cashmere with the durability and elasticity of wool, at a more accessible price point.

Cashmere-Cotton (WS 50% / CO 50%)

A wonderful summer-weight option that pairs cashmere's softness with cotton's breathability, ideal for lightweight knits and summer accessories.

In our warehouses you will always find an excellent stock of noble yarns in all these compositions, sourced from the finest Italian spinners.

How to Choose Cashmere Yarn

When selecting cashmere for your project, consider these key factors:

1. Yarn count (Nm) — higher numbers indicate finer yarn. A 2/28 is a standard weight; a 2/60 or 2/80 is very fine 2. Fiber length — longer fibers mean less pilling and greater durability 3. Origin — look for Italian-processed cashmere from established mills 4. Composition — pure cashmere for maximum luxury, or blends for specific properties 5. Color quality — Italian dyeing produces deep, lasting colors with excellent uniformity

Cashmere in Our Collection

We specialize in stock cashmere yarns from Italy's finest producers. Because we purchase directly from the mills, our prices are typically 50% below retail — making luxury cashmere accessible to everyone from large knitwear factories to individual hand-knitters.

Caring for Cashmere

Premium cashmere deserves proper care to maintain its luxurious qualities for years:

• Hand wash in cool water (under 30°C) with a gentle, pH-neutral detergent
• Never wring or twist — gently press water out, then roll in a clean towel
• Dry flat on a towel away from direct heat and sunlight
• Store folded (never hung, which causes stretching) with cedar blocks for moth protection
• Rest between wears — give cashmere garments at least a day between wearings to recover their shape
• Pilling is natural — use a cashmere comb to gently remove pills; quality cashmere pills less over time as loose fibers work free

A well-cared-for cashmere garment can last decades, actually becoming softer and more beautiful with age. This longevity is part of what makes premium cashmere a true investment.

The Sustainability Question

Cashmere production faces increasing scrutiny regarding environmental sustainability. Overgrazing by cashmere goats in Mongolia has contributed to desertification, leading to growing demand for responsibly sourced fiber. Italian processors, with their ability to work with the finest, longest fibers, play an important role — they can produce exceptional yarn from smaller quantities of superior raw material, reducing the total environmental footprint per garment.

When you choose Italian-processed cashmere from established mills like Loro Piana or Cariaggi, you are choosing producers who have invested heavily in responsible sourcing practices and traceability.

Cashmere in Our Collection

We specialize in stock cashmere yarns from Italy's finest producers. Because we purchase directly from the mills, our prices are typically 50% below retail — making luxury cashmere accessible to everyone from large knitwear factories to individual hand-knitters.

Browse our catalog to discover our current cashmere selection, or contact us to discuss your specific needs. With our constantly refreshing inventory, there is always something new to discover.