First things first, some basics - Where does cashmere come from?
All cashmere fiber comes from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats found in the mountainous regions of Mongolia, Tibet and Nepal. These remarkable animals have evolved to thrive in harsh climates, growing a dense and incredibly soft under-layer to insulate themselves from the extreme conditions. Each spring, when the weather warms, cashmere goats naturally shed their winter coat, allowing farmers to harvest the fine cashmere fibers. This delicate process requires meticulous combing or shearing to collect the special down, ensuring the highest quality cashmere yarn.
The limited regions where cashmere goats are raised, particularly Inner Mongolia and the Kashmir territory near the border of Nepal play a considerable role in the quality and superiority of the cashmere produced. Altitude, climate, and even grazing conditions greatly influence the fineness and length of the fibers, ultimately affecting the plush texture and performance of cashmere yarns. Responsible grazing practices and fair treatment of herders in these higher regions ensure the well-being of cashmere goats, which in turn, produce the best yarn.
The finest of raw materials are almost exclusively found in these difficult-to-reach areas and find their way to spinners and yarn specialists in China, Italy, Inner Mongolia, New Zealand, and Scotland, where they’re transformed into some of the most coveted clothing and accessories in the world. Responsible sourcing in this way helps maintain the long-term sustainability of cashmere production while minimizing environmental impact and supporting local communities.