Cashmere: Not A Luxury Just For The Rich And Famous-00-4716

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Set apart from other wools for its smooth and silky soft texture, cashmere garments are a prized item in anyone's wardrobe.

The History of Cashmere:

The name cashmere derives from the region of India called Kashmir. The 18th and early 19th century saw a successful trade in shawls made by the down of goats in that region. Cashmere appeared in France and England from about 1775 by way of being brought back as gifts by travellers and the military. One such gift was part of the trousseau of Charlotte Carpentier, the wife of Sir Walter Scott.

Cashmere was popularised in France by Empress Josephine, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. This trend was continued by Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III and in England, cashmere appeared in the wardrobe of Queen Victoria. She liked cashmere so much so that she had her own herd of cashmere goats in Windsor Park. The descendents of those very goats can still be found in Wales' Great Orme Park.

Determining the Quality of a Cashmere Garment:

However, like any other material, there are often differences in the quality of cashmere. While even the least expensive ...
... cashmere garment is usually softer and warmer than most other wools, not to mention lacking the itchiness, there is still a variety in quality.

Nevertheless, all cashmere is gathered by the same process. This process begins with shearing or combing the goat during the few weeks in Spring in which the animal moults. Then the wool is sorted by hand, in order to separate the down from the rougher hair, and then it is washed to remove any impurities. Finally, the wool is dehaired, a process that removes the course outer guard hair.

The quality of a cashmere garment is first determined by the width and length of the fibres used. The softest cashmere available, known as Grade A cashmere, must fall within certain parameters. The width of the fibres determines the softness, while the length determines the strength.

When looking at cashmere garments, you will see two terms: single-ply and two-ply. These refer to the number of strands used in the weave. A single-ply cashmere garment is not considered to be as durable as a two-ply, which compensates for any weaknesses in individual fibres.

The original colour of the cashmere also plays a role. The lighter the colour, the less dye is required to colour it, maintaining more of the softness that cashmere is famous for.

What sets cashmere apart:

So, you've found a cashmere garment that you like the look of. Why should you buy it, when cheaper alternatives are available?

Firstly, a cashmere garment is far less bulky than other woollen products, yet it is widely considered to be much warmer. A good cashmere garment is very durable, if cared for properly. Cashmere will get softer with age and good cashmere will not wrinkle, making it suitable for travel, but on a more superficial note, who doesn't like a little luxury in their life once in a while?

About the Author:

Uniqlo is a Japanese company founded in 1984, specialising in affordable casual clothing. To add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe, visit Uniqlo's website for a wide range of men's http://www.uniqlo.co.uk/catalogue/men/cashmere/ jumpers and women's http://www.uniqlo.co.uk/catalogue/women/cashmere/ clothes.