CASHMERE
THE FIBRE
CHARACTERISTICS
Cashmere is one of the finest and most precious fibres in the world. It is referred to most reverently by the Chinese as “soft gold”
China produces 50% of the world’s cashmere with Mongolia representing 25% and Iran/Afghanistan making up the balance.
The physical characteristics of the fibre are extremely unique possessing properties of softness, elasticity strength and durability which cannot be found in any other fibre.
A slogan which is often used refers to cashmere garments as having “warmth without weight”
It is recognized that China has the finest cashmere in terms of micron diameter and is used predominantly in the knitwear sector whereas Mongolia produces a more flexible fibre with greater length having more adaptability to both knitted and woven products.
Afghan and Iranian cashmere fibres due to their relative coarseness is mostly used in woven products
The Mongolian climate is very well suited to producing good quality fibre with harsh winters and good summers contributing to its unique physical characteristics.THE PROCESS
The cashmere fibre is removed from the goat during spring time by combing. The average weight of the fleece is around 250-300 grams
In its raw state the fibre consist of down, hair, body fats and body oils, vegetable matter dust and sand.
The fibre is then washed and dried to remove the soluble impurities which make up around 30% of the original weight and then the coarse outer hair is separated from the soft downy fibre leaving only the fine cashmere fibre. This process is called dehairing and roughly 50% is left from the original fleece.
