Cashmere (Cashmere Goat)
category
Cashmere is the ultra-fine undercoat fibre obtained from cashmere goats (Capra hircus), characterized by exceptional fineness (14-19 μm), length (28-42 mm), and softness. Global production ~25,000 tonnes annually (greasy basis, ~15,000 clean) with 70-80% from China and Mongolia, 10-15% from Afghanistan and Iran. Premium pricing $80-150/kg for raw cashmere, $200-400/kg processed.
Role
The ultimate luxury animal fibre prized for unmatched softness, lightweight warmth (8× warmer than sheep wool per unit weight), and prestige value in luxury knitwear, scarves, and high-end apparel commanding 10-30× wool prices and defining luxury textile markets globally.
Ask AI about this topic
Understand
Apply
Explore
Learn
Watch & Learn
Loading videos…
Subtopics
- Cashmere Production and Harvesting Cashmere harvesting: spring collection (April-June) during natural molting when undercoat sheds, met…
- Cashmere Fibre Structure and Properties Cashmere structure: similar α-keratin to wool but finer diameter (14-19 μm vs. Merino 17-23 μm), smo…
- Cashmere Quality Standards and Authentication International quality standards: fibre diameter mean ≤19.0 μm, coefficient of variation ≤24%, medull…
- Cashmere Processing and Manufacturing Processing challenges: delicate fibres prone to breakage (requiring gentle carding with finer wire s…
- Cashmere in Luxury Fashion and Knitwear Luxury applications: knitwear (sweaters, cardigans using 200-400g cashmere at $200-1000+ retail), sc…
- Cashmere Blends and Combinations Common blends: cashmere/silk (70:30 to 50:50—enhanced luster, drape, strength for scarves, lightweig…
- Cashmere Sustainability and Environmental Impact Sustainability challenges: grassland degradation (Mongolia and Inner Mongolia cashmere goats increas…
- Cashmere Authentication and Fraud Prevention Fraud issues: adulterant fibres include yak down (similar diameter, $30-50/kg), fine wool (16-19 μm,…
- Cashmere Care and Maintenance Care requirements: hand wash or gentle machine wash (cool water 30°C, wool detergent pH 6-7, short c…
- Cashmere Market Trends and Future Outlook Market dynamics: global cashmere market $3-4B currently, growing 4-6% annually driven by Asian luxur…