WHAT IS CASHMERE:-

 

Cashmere was often referred to as the "diamond" of all fibers.  It is one of the most luxurious, lightweight and rarest fibers found in the world.  Cashmere is a unique form of pashmina that comes from the soft underbelly of the Chyangra Mountain Goat.

 

WHY CASHMERE:-

 

Cashmere is one of the warmest natural insulations in the world.  Fabric made of cashmere is warm and comfortable to the wear and it has excellent draping qualities with a soft texture.

 

WHY IS CASHMERE EXPENSIVE:

 

The harsh geography of this area of the Gobi Desert supports a very limited number of goats.  It takes one of these rare goats four years to grow enough cashmere for one sweater.  Each goat is combed by hand every spring.  Then the fleece is collected and sorted by hand.  Cashmere sweaters are usually knit on hand-operated machines. Therefore the scarcity of the fiber and the handwork required to convert that fiber into a luxurious garment both contribute to cashmere's price.

 

WHY DO SIMILAR CASHMERE SWEATERS HAVE VERY DIFFERENT PRICES:-

 

There are significant differences in the quality of cashmere and therefore the price of the fiber that can be used in a cashmere garment.  There are variations in the fineness of the cashmere from various origins.  Finer cashmere is more expensive than coarser cashmere.  Colour also plays a role with the whiter more expensive fiber needs less dye to colour it.  Dying harms the feel of the cashmere so this is important.

 

Cashmere fiber is also priced by its length.  Longer fiber is more expensive because it makes stronger yarn that pills less.  All of these variables play a role in the cost variation between seemingly similar garments.  Usually you get what you pay for.

 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT GRADES OF CASHMERE:-

 

Cashmere is available in several grades including Grade A, Grade B etc.  Virkotie offer only the highest quality cashmere products made with Grade A cashmere.  All the cashmere pieces that Virkotie offer are made with this very fine grade of wools.

 

HOW DO I TELL A GOOD CASHMERE SWEATER FROM A POOR ONE:-

 

Your fingers are very good judges.  Your cashmere piece should feel smooth, soft and luxurious.  The other critical factor is density and weight.  Loosely knit limp fabric is the hallmark of a cheaply made sweater.  A good sweater should feel hefty and substantial even if it is lightweight.

 

HOW LONG WILL MY CASHMERE SWEATER LAST:-

 

That depends on the quality and how it is worn and cared for.  Generally speaking more expensive pieces will last longer than less expensive cashmere clothing.  With normal wear and proper care a high quality cashmere sweater should last many years - maybe a lifetime.

 

HOW MANY PLY'S ARE OUR CASHMERE PRODUCTS:-

 

Ply's are strands of yarn twisted together to make one piece of yarn.  Two-ply is thicker than one-ply and so on.  Virkotie cashmere are offered in the following ply's:

 

Cashmere Clothing = 2 and 4 ply

Cashmere Baby Blankets = 2 and 4 ply