Cashmere isn't just luxurious—it's legendary. For centuries, this rare and precious fibre has been coveted by royalty, traded along the Silk Road, and prized as one of the softest, warmest materials on earth.
The name "cashmere" comes from Kashmir, the region between India and Pakistan where the fibre was first woven into exquisite shawls in the 15th century. These shawls became so sought-after in Europe that Napoleon gifted one to Empress Joséphine, sparking a fashion obsession that continues today. Cashmere's rarity—each goat produces only about 150 grams per year—has always made it a symbol of true luxury.
There's a reason cashmere has remained the gold standard for premium knitwear: it works. It's warmer than wool, softer than silk, and naturally regulates temperature like no synthetic ever could.
At Le Edit, we believe cashmere should be experienced in its purest form and never blended with synthetics. Learn why cashmere is worth the investment, and what makes ours different.
What Is Cashmere?
Cashmere is a natural fibre sourced from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily found in Mongolia, China, and the Himalayan regions. Unlike sheep's wool, which is sheared, cashmere is carefully combed from the goats during their annual spring molt when they naturally shed their winter coat.
This delicate harvesting process, combined with the small amount each goat produces (only about 150 grams per year), makes cashmere one of the rarest and most valuable natural fibres in the world. The fibres are incredibly fine—measuring just 14-19 microns in diameter—which gives cashmere its signature softness and lightweight warmth.
Why does some Cashmere feel softer than others?
Not all cashmere is created equal. The reason why cashmere varies so much in price isn't just because it has or hasn't been blended with plastic or other fibres — it also comes down to grade, purity, and processing.
Cashmere Grades
Cashmere is graded based on fibre length and fineness:
- Grade A (Premium): The finest, longest fibres (14-15.5 microns, 34-36mm length). Exceptionally soft, durable, and resistant to pilling. This is what we use.
- Grade B: Slightly coarser fibres (16-17 microns). Still soft, but less durable and more prone to pilling over time.
- Grade C: The lowest grade, with shorter, coarser fibres (over 17 microns). Pills quickly, feels rougher, and doesn't last.
What Affects Cashmere Quality?
Beyond grade, several factors influence how cashmere feels and lasts:
- Purity: Is it 100% cashmere, or blended with wool, acrylic, or polyester? Blends compromise softness and performance.
- Processing: How the fibres are cleaned, spun, and knitted affects texture and durability.
- Ply: Single-ply cashmere is lighter and more delicate; two-ply is thicker and more durable. Both can be high quality—it depends on the intended use.
- Construction: Tighter knits last longer and pill less; looser knits are softer but more delicate.
Why Price Varies
Cashmere pricing reflects multiple factors:
Grade and purity – 100% Grade A cashmere costs more to source due to longer fibres and stricter selection
Ethical sourcing & certifications – RWS, OEKO-TEX and GOTS ensure animal welfare, safe dyes and supply-chain transparency, adding to cost
Production volume – smaller, considered batches carry higher per-unit costs, while larger orders benefit from economies of scale
At Le Edit, we use 100% Grade A Cashmere with full certifications.
What Makes Le Edit Cashmere Different?
Next time you're shopping for cashmere, check the tags. You'll find that many brands—even luxury ones—blend their cashmere with wool, acrylic, or polyester to reduce costs. A "cashmere blend" often means you're paying premium prices for diluted quality.
The result: you lose the exceptional softness, warmth, and longevity of pure cashmere, and gain fabrics that pill faster, feel coarser, and don't regulate temperature as effectively.
We don't blend our cashmere. It's 100% pure cashmere—giving you all the natural benefits this premium fibre has to offer, without compromise.
When you choose pure cashmere, you're not just investing in luxury—you're investing in a garment that works with your body and really lasts - an investment worth making.
What Are the Benefits of Cashmere?
Warmer Than Wool—By Up to 8x
Thanks to its higher loft—the structural ratio of fibre to air—cashmere provides superior insulation while remaining lightweight and breathable. You get exceptional warmth without the bulk.
Exceptionally Soft
With ultra-fine fibres measuring just 14-19 microns, cashmere is significantly softer than wool and ideal for sensitive skin, reducing irritation and itchiness. Once you experience pure cashmere, nothing else compares.
Naturally Temperature-Regulating
Cashmere helps maintain your body temperature, keeping you warm in winter yet cool in summer—unlike synthetic blends that trap heat and moisture. This natural thermoregulation makes cashmere a year-round essential.
Hygroscopic & Moisture-Wicking
Cashmere absorbs moisture and wicks it away from your skin, allowing sweat to evaporate rather than trapping it. This keeps you fresh and comfortable throughout the day, allowing your skin to breathe naturally.
Odour-Resistant
Cashmere's breathable fibres naturally inhibit bacteria growth, helping to prevent odours and keep your garment fresher for longer. This means you don't need to wash it very often—only when it's truly necessary—which extends the life of your piece.
Hypoallergenic
Cashmere's exceptionally fine, smooth fibers are naturally free from lanolin - the oily substance in sheep's wool that triggers allergies. This makes it gentler on sensitive skin, unlike coarser wools and synthetics that can cause irritation.
Lightweight Yet Durable
Despite its delicate feel, high-quality cashmere is remarkably strong and resilient. With proper care, cashmere pieces last for decades, becoming softer and more beautiful with age.
100% Biodegradable
At the end of its life, pure cashmere returns safely to the earth. Unlike synthetic fibres that sit in landfills for hundreds of years, cashmere breaks down naturally, enriching the soil like compost. Because it is composed of the natural protein keratin, it can act as a slow-release fertilizer, releasing nitrogen, sulfur, and magnesium into the soil as it decomposes.
Where can you find Ethically Sourced Cashmere?
Our ethically sourced cashmere comes from Inner Mongolia—widely regarded as producing the finest cashmere in the world.
Why Inner Mongolia?
The region's extreme climate—with harsh, freezing winters and hot summers—causes the cashmere goats to develop an exceptionally soft, dense undercoat for insulation. This natural adaptation produces longer, finer fibres than cashmere from other regions, resulting in superior softness and quality.
Our cashmere is Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) Certified, which means the suppliers must uphold the highest standards in animal welfare, traditional herding practices, and sustainable land management.
Additionally, our cashmere meets OEKO-TEX and GOTS Certifications, ensuring full supply chain transparency. Every piece has been produced responsibly, with respect for both the animals and the environment.
When you choose Le Edit cashmere, you're choosing transparency, traceability, and ethical luxury from the world's finest cashmere region
How do You Care for Cashmere?
We don't recommend washing your cashmere often. Cashmere is naturally stain and odour resistant. The fine, tightly packed fibres create a barrier that prevents dirt and liquids from penetrating deeply into the fabric.
Cashmere is also naturally breathable. The unique structure of cashmere fibres allows them to wick moisture away, transferring sweat to the outer surface of the garment where it can evaporate quickly. This helps prevent the build-up and absorption of odour-causing bacteria.
In fact, frequent washing can damage the delicate fibres, causing the garment to shrink, lose its softness, and show signs of wear faster. Only wash your cashmere when truly necessary.
For the times when washing is necessary, we've created a guide on how to spot wash, hand wash, dry, store, and care for your cashmere pieces to ensure they last.
How Can You Incorporate Cashmere Into Your Capsule Wardrobe?
With a focus on classic styles, our cashmere collection is designed to outlast seasons and trends. Cashmere's versatility means it works across seasons and occasions—from cozy weekend knits to elevated everyday essentials.
Start with one investment piece—a classic crewneck, a timeless cardigan, or a versatile scarf. Each piece you add builds a wardrobe that feels as good as it looks.
By choosing 100% pure cashmere, you're investing in pieces that:
- Feel exceptionally soft on your skin
- Last for decades and improve with age
- Regulate your body temperature naturally across seasons
- Reduce your environmental impact
- Don't shed microplastics into your body or the environment
- Biodegrade at the garment's natural end of life
Discover our pure cashmere collection and start curating your capsule wardrobe with pieces designed to last a lifetime.
Warning: Cashmere is a gateway product. Once you experience the softness, warmth, and comfort of Pure Cashmere, you'll find yourself reaching for it every day—and wanting more. Don't say we didn't warn you.
What's Next in the Series?
Next, we'll explore the benefits of Merino Wool—and help you understand the difference between merino and cashmere, so you can choose the right fibre for your needs.