Cashmere – Luxury to wear: Properties, benefits & tips for working with it
Cashmere is one of the most valuable natural fibers. It is soft, warm, light, and exceptionally comfortable on the skin. At Alta Moda Fabrics, we regularly offer exquisite cashmere deadstock fabrics from Italian production – ideal for luxurious winter clothing, high-quality accessories, and timeless fashion.
In this article, you will learn what makes cashmere so special, how to care for the fiber properly, and which projects are particularly well-suited.
What is Cashmere – and why is it so exclusive?
Cashmere comes from the fine undercoat of the cashmere goat, which lives in the high mountain regions of Central Asia.
What makes it special:
- Only about 150–200 g of undercoat per animal per year can be used for high-quality yarns.
- The fibers are extremely fine (<19 microns) and exceptionally light.
- The extraction process is elaborate and requires careful handwork.
This rarity and quality make cashmere one of the most exclusive natural fibers in the world.
Why cashmere is so popular – key characteristics
1. Unmatched softness
Cashmere fibers have a particularly smooth surface. This makes the fabric exceptionally soft and luxurious – without scratching.
2. Warmth without weight
Cashmere insulates up to eight times better than virgin wool, yet remains feather-light. Perfect for winter clothing that keeps you warm without feeling heavy.
3. Temperature-regulating & breathable
Cashmere provides reliable warmth but at the same time prevents heat buildup. This makes the fiber suitable for clothing that can be worn all day.
4. Durable & high quality
Well-cared-for cashmere retains its softness, shape, and quality for many years. It is a truly timeless material.
What types of cashmere fabrics are there – and what are they suitable for?
• Pure Cashmere (100%)
Luxurious, very soft, and light.
Ideal projects: scarves, sweaters, coats, fine jackets, elegant accessories.
• Cashmere-Wool Blends
Slightly more robust, often firmer to the touch, and more attractively priced.
Ideal for: coats, blazers, transitional jackets, skirts.
The best of both worlds – light, elegant, with a subtle sheen.
Ideal for: luxurious tops, fine knits, accessories.
• Double Face
Particularly warm, two sides – ideal for reversible coats or jackets.
Tips for working with cashmere fabrics
Cashmere is wonderful to work with if you follow some basic rules:
1. Use fine needles
Narrow universal or microtex needles (70–80) to avoid damaging the fiber.
2. Carefully finish edges
Cashmere frays easily – overlock or zigzag stitch is recommended.
3. Gentle ironing
On a low setting and never directly with the iron – always place a cloth in between.
4. Allow to relax thermally
Cashmere fabrics benefit from being laid flat and allowed to breathe before cutting.
How to care for cashmere properly?
Cashmere requires some attention but rewards with decades of great quality.
Washing
- Hand wash in cold water
- Use special wool or cashmere detergent
- Never rub or wring
Drying
- Lay flat on a towel
- Do not hang, as the material will stretch out of shape
Refresh instead of washing
Cashmere needs fewer washes than other fibers – often airing out is enough.
Remove pilling
With a fine cashmere comb or a soft lint remover – never aggressively.
Which sewing projects is cashmere suitable for?
Cashmere is ideal for:
- Coats & transitional jackets
- Elegant knit sweaters (for knitwear)
- Scarves & stoles
- Elegant winter dresses
- Luxurious loungewear
- High-quality business pieces (blazers, skirts)
Why cashmere from Alta Moda Fabrics?
We exclusively offer carefully selected, high-quality deadstock cashmere fabrics from Italy.
This means:
- Exclusive qualities that are often not regularly available
- Limited quantities – perfect for unique projects
- Sustainable reuse of existing resources
- Fair prices compared to regular luxury yardage
- Ideal for designers, small labels, and discerning hobby sewers
Have you already worked with cashmere? Feel free to share your projects in the comments!