Why is Cashmere so Expensive? Cashmere is a luxury fiber that is known for its softness, warmth, and durability. It is obtained from the undercoat of cashmere goats, which are found primarily in the high plateaus of China, Mongolia, and Tibet. The process of obtaining cashmere fibers is labor-intensive and time-consuming, and the limited supply of cashmere due to the small number of cashmere goats is one of the main reasons for its high cost.
In addition to the production process, other factors such as quality and grading, branding and marketing, also contribute to the high cost of cashmere.
In this article, we will explore these factors in more detail to understand why cashmere is so expensive.
Why is Cashmere so Expensive?
Cashmere is considered a luxury fiber and is known for its softness, warmth, and durability. However, it is also a relatively expensive fiber due to several reasons:
- Limited supply: Cashmere is obtained from the undercoat of cashmere goats, and the process of obtaining cashmere fibers is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The limited supply of cashmere due to the small number of cashmere goats is one of the main reasons for its high cost.
- Quality and Grading: The quality of cashmere fibers can vary widely, and the finest and longest fibers command the highest prices. The grading process is based on thickness and length, and the fibers are sorted based on their thickness and length, with the longest and finest fibers considered to be the highest quality.
- Brand and Marketing: Luxury brands often charge premium prices for cashmere products due to their reputation for quality and craftsmanship. These brands invest heavily in marketing and branding to create a perception of exclusivity and luxury around their products.
- Production process and labor costs: The process of obtaining cashmere fibers is labor-intensive and time-consuming, which increases the cost. Additionally, luxury brands often use skilled labor to produce the cashmere products, which also increases the cost.
- Location and logistics: The region where cashmere goats are raised is remote and harsh, which increases the cost of transportation and logistics, making it more expensive to process the fibers.
The Production Process
The production process of cashmere is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process that begins with the raising of cashmere goats. These goats are typically found in the high plateaus of China, Mongolia, and Tibet, where they are raised for both their meat and their cashmere fibers.
The process of obtaining cashmere fibers begins with the annual shedding of the cashmere goats’ winter coats. The fibers are then carefully combed out by hand, and the shorter, coarser fibers are removed. The remaining fibers are then washed, carded, and spun into yarn.
One of the challenges in the production process is that cashmere fibers are very fine and delicate, and they can only be obtained in small quantities from each goat. This limited supply is one of the main reasons for the high cost of cashmere. Additionally, the process of obtaining cashmere fibers requires a significant amount of manual labor, which also drives up the cost.
Furthermore, the region where cashmere goats are raised is remote and harsh, which increases the cost of transportation and logistics, making it more expensive to process the fibers. To produce 1 kg of cashmere wool, it takes the wool of three to four goats. And, this is another factor that contributes to the high cost of cashmere.
Quality and Grading
Quality and grading is another factor that contributes to the high cost of cashmere. Cashmere fibers are graded based on thickness and length, with the finest and longest fibers commanding the highest prices.
The grading process begins with sorting the fibers by color and removing any impurities. The fibers are then classified based on their thickness, with the finest fibers considered to be Grade A and the coarser fibers considered to be Grade B. The fibers are also sorted based on their length, with the longest fibers considered to be the highest quality.
The finest and longest fibers, known as “Grade A” cashmere, are the most sought-after and command the highest prices. These fibers are soft, warm, and durable, making them ideal for high-end cashmere products such as sweaters, scarves, and blankets.
On the other hand, lower-grade cashmere fibers, known as “Grade B” or “Grade C” fibers, are often blended with other fibers such as wool or silk in order to lower costs. These blended fibers are used to make lower-priced cashmere products such as cashmere blend sweaters or scarves.
In addition, the way the cashmere fibers are treated after shearing also affect the quality of cashmere. The cashmere fibers that are treated with care and processed properly will retain its natural characteristics, resulting in a higher quality cashmere. But if the fibers are treated poorly, it will result in low-quality cashmere, which will be less soft, less durable, and less warm.
Brand and Marketing
Brand and marketing are also significant factors that contribute to the high cost of cashmere. Luxury brands often charge premium prices for cashmere products due to their reputation for quality and craftsmanship. These brands invest heavily in marketing and branding to create a perception of exclusivity and luxury around their products.
For example, a luxury brand cashmere sweater may cost several hundred dollars, while a non-luxury brand cashmere sweater may cost significantly less. The difference in price can be attributed to the added value that luxury brands bring to their products through their reputation, marketing, and branding.
In addition, luxury brands often use high-quality cashmere fibers, which is more expensive than lower-grade fibers, and also use skilled labor to produce the cashmere products, which increases the cost.
Furthermore, luxury brands often have a wider range of product offerings and they are more likely to offer higher-end cashmere products such as cashmere coats, cashmere suits, or cashmere accessories.
FAQ
Is cashmere worth the cost?
Whether or not cashmere is worth the cost is a matter of personal opinion and can depend on several factors.
Cashmere is known for its softness, warmth, and durability, which are qualities that many people find desirable in clothing and accessories. Additionally, cashmere is a natural and renewable resource, which can be a factor for some consumers in determining its worth.
On the other hand, cashmere can be expensive, and some may feel that the cost is not justified for the product. It is important to consider the quality and grading of cashmere when determining its worth. Higher-grade cashmere, which is made from the finest and longest fibers, is considered to be of higher quality and is typically more expensive. Lower-grade cashmere, which is often blended with other fibers, is generally less expensive.
It’s also important to consider the way the cashmere fibers are treated after shearing, the place and the way they are produced, the skill of the labor that is used to produce the cashmere products. These factors contribute to the quality of the final product and therefore its worth.
What is so special about cashmere?
- Softness: Cashmere fibers are extremely fine, making them soft to the touch and comfortable to wear.
- Warmth: Cashmere fibers are hollow, which gives them insulating properties that help to keep the wearer warm in cold weather.
- Durability: Cashmere fibers are strong and resilient, making them resistant to wear and tear.
- Lightweight: Cashmere is lightweight, making it comfortable to wear even in warmer weather.
- Hypoallergenic: Cashmere fibers are hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin.
- Natural and Renewable: Cashmere is a natural product that comes from cashmere goats, which are raised and sheared annually, so it is a renewable resource.
- Elegance: Cashmere is considered a luxury fiber, and it is often associated with elegance and exclusivity.
Why is cashmere so itchy?
Cashmere is generally known for its softness and comfort, but some people may find that it is itchy to wear. There are a few reasons why this might be the case:
- Quality: The quality of cashmere fibers can vary widely, and lower-quality fibers may be coarser and more itchy to wear than higher-quality fibers.
- Processing: The way cashmere fibers are processed can also affect their texture and softness. If the fibers are treated harshly during processing, they may become coarser and more itchy.
- Blending: Some cashmere products are blended with other fibers such as wool or silk, which can make them itchier to wear.
- Sensitivity: Some people may have a sensitivity to cashmere fibers, which can cause itching and discomfort.
- Care: If cashmere products are not washed and dried properly, it can cause itching. It’s important to follow the care instructions for cashmere products, which typically recommend hand-washing or dry-cleaning.
Can you wash 100% cashmere?
Yes, 100% cashmere can be washed, but it requires a special care to ensure that it retains its softness and shape. The recommended method for washing 100% cashmere is hand-washing or dry-cleaning.
Hand-washing:
- Fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a mild detergent.
- Gently press the cashmere garment into the water, taking care not to wring or rub the fibers.
- Soak the garment for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the garment in cool water and gently press out the excess water.
- Lay the garment flat to dry, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Dry-cleaning:
- Take it to a professional dry cleaner.
- Make sure to mention that it is 100% cashmere and ask for the gentle cycle.
It’s important to note that cashmere can shrink and lose its shape if exposed to hot water, high heat or agitation, so it’s best to avoid machine washing or using hot water. Additionally, never use bleach or fabric softeners on cashmere as it can damage the fibers.
Why a cashmere sweater can cost $2000 or $30?
A cashmere sweater can vary greatly in price, with some costing as little as $30 and others costing as much as $2000. The main factors that contribute to this wide range in price are:
- Quality of cashmere fibers: The quality of cashmere fibers can vary greatly, and higher-quality fibers command higher prices. Fine, long, and strong cashmere fibers are considered to be of higher quality and are typically more expensive. Lower-quality cashmere fibers are often blended with other fibers in order to lower costs.
- Brand and reputation: Luxury brands often charge premium prices for their cashmere products due to their reputation for quality and craftsmanship. These brands invest heavily in marketing and branding to create a perception of exclusivity and luxury around their products.
- Production process and labor costs: The process of obtaining cashmere fibers is labor-intensive and time-consuming, and the limited supply of cashmere due to the small number of cashmere goats is one of the main reasons for its high cost. Additionally, luxury brands often use skilled labor to produce their cashmere products, which also increases the cost.
- Location and logistics: The region where cashmere goats are raised is remote and harsh, which increases the cost of transportation and logistics, making it more expensive to process the fibers.
- Additional features and designs: Some cashmere sweaters may have additional features such as buttons, zippers, unique designs or patterns, which can increase the cost of the sweater.
Can you ruin cashmere?
Yes, cashmere can be ruined if it is not cared for properly. Cashmere is a delicate material that requires special care to ensure that it retains its softness and shape. Some ways in which cashmere can be ruined include:
- Machine washing: Cashmere can shrink and lose its shape if exposed to hot water and high heat from a washing machine. It is recommended to hand wash or dry clean cashmere to ensure that it retains its quality.
- High heat: Cashmere can also be ruined by exposure to high heat from a dryer or iron. It is best to lay cashmere flat to dry, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Improper storage: Cashmere can also be ruined if it is stored improperly. It should be folded and stored in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture.
- Using bleach or fabric softeners: Using bleach or fabric softeners can damage the fibers of cashmere and make it less soft and durable.
- Aggressive agitation: Rubbing or wringing cashmere fibers can cause damage to the fibers making it less soft and durable.
How much is a 100 cashmere sweater worth?
The cost of a 100% cashmere sweater can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the quality of the cashmere fibers, the brand and reputation, the production process and labor costs, location and logistics, and additional features and designs.
A basic 100% cashmere sweater from a less-known brand may cost around $100 to $200, while a 100% cashmere sweater from a luxury brand can cost several hundred dollars or even more than $1000. A high-end 100% cashmere sweater can cost up to $2000.
It’s important to note that the price of a cashmere sweater also depends on the region and the currency, some places may be cheaper or more expensive than others. It’s also important to consider the quality of the cashmere fibers, as higher-quality fibers can command higher prices. Additionally, some cashmere sweaters may have additional features such as buttons, zippers, unique designs or patterns, which can increase the cost of the sweater.
*Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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