1/ What is cashmere?

To be called "cashmere," this precious and expensive fiber must come from goat hair with a diameter of no more than 19.5 microns. Furthermore, it must contain at least 30% more down than hair. This specificity is what makes cashmere so rare and high-quality.

2/ Cashmere and water: a winning duo

As surprising as it may seem, cashmere loves water. According to a Mongolian belief, the more you wash it, the more beautiful it becomes. When it comes into contact with water, its fibers contract and then return to their original shape as they dry, like a natural regeneration that restores its luster and softness. This phenomenon also helps to reduce pilling and maintain the garment's suppleness. To preserve the beauty of your cashmere pieces, wash them regularly following our recommendations in the "Cashmere Care" section on our website.

3/ Is cashmere hypoallergenic?

Devoid of lanolin, cashmere is a hypoallergenic fiber that does not cause irritation or itching. Incomparably soft, it can be worn directly on the skin, making it an ideal material for sensitive skin.

4/ What is the origin of the word "cashmere"?

The term "cashmere" (or cashmere in English) originates from India, where exceptionally fine fabric was woven from the down of goats from Kashmir and Tibet. These goats, living at high altitudes in extreme conditions, produced rare and precious wool, particularly around the Kashmir region, at the foot of the Himalayas.

5/ What are the natural colors of cashmere?

Raw cashmere comes in only three shades: white, beige, and dark brown. At Studio Cashmere8, we carefully select the finest, longest, and lightest fibers to guarantee cashmere of incomparable softness, deep colors, and lasting quality.

6/ How many goats does it take to make a cashmere sweater?

A single goat produces only about 100 grams of usable down per year. Therefore, it takes the wool of two goats to make a two-ply cashmere sweater. With a limited global production of between 7,000 and 10,000 tons per year, which is only 0.5% of total wool production, cashmere remains a rare and precious material. Moreover, its price fluctuates annually depending on the quality and quantity of the harvest, like any agricultural raw material.

7/ What is the origin of cashmere fiber?

Cashmere comes from the Capra Hisca goat, a breed that primarily lives on the high plateaus of Mongolia. To survive freezing temperatures that can reach -40°C in winter, these goats develop a dense down under their thick coat, which protects them from cold, wind, and snow. In spring, this down is naturally shed, and Mongolian herders carefully collect it using ancestral brushing techniques, preserved for over 200 years. This exceptional fiber is the raw material for Studio Cashmere8.

8/ Is cashmere finer than our hair?

Cashmere is extraordinarily fine: its fiber is up to six times finer than a human hair, giving it an unparalleled softness to the touch.

9/ How to recognize quality cashmere?

Not all cashmere is created equal. To identify exceptional cashmere:

  • Feel it: It should not be too soft or excessively fluffy, as it will gain suppleness and softness over time.
  • Observe the surface: If the fabric shows too much pilling from the start, it may indicate the use of short, less resistant fibers.
  • Test elasticity: By gently stretching the fabric, it should quickly return to its original shape, a testament to its quality and durability.

10/ What does the ply count of cashmere mean?

The ply count of cashmere determines its thickness and weight. The more plies a model has, the warmer and denser it is. However, this does not affect the quality of the fiber, which primarily depends on its fineness and length. A 2-ply cashmere, light and breathable, can be worn all year round, while 4-ply or more pieces are ideal for winter. Some models can have up to 24 plies, offering ultimate comfort for the coldest temperatures.