Cashmere – Luxury to wear: Properties, benefits & tips for working with it
Cashmere is one of the most valuable natural fibers. It is soft, warm, lightweight, and exceptionally comfortable against the skin. At Alta Moda Fabrics, we regularly offer exquisite cashmere deadstock fabrics made in Italy – ideal for luxurious winter clothing, high-quality accessories, and timeless fashion.
This article will tell you what makes cashmere so special, how to properly care for the fiber, and which projects are particularly suitable.
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.
The 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 complex and requires careful manual labor.
This rarity and quality make cashmere one of the most exclusive natural fibers in the world.
Why cashmere is so popular – the most important properties
1. Unparalleled softness
Cashmere fibers have a particularly smooth surface. This makes the fabric feel exceptionally soft and luxurious – without itching.
2. Heat 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 while preventing overheating. 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 with a better grip, and more attractively priced.
Ideal for: coats, blazers, transitional jackets, skirts.
The best of both worlds – light, elegant, with a subtle sheen.
Ideal for: luxury tops, fine knitwear, accessories.
• Double- faced scarf
Especially warm, two sides – ideal for reversible coats or jackets.
Tips for working with cashmere fabrics
Cashmere is wonderfully easy to work with if you follow a few basic rules:
1. Use fine needles
Narrow universal or microtex needles (70–80) to avoid damaging the fiber.
2. Carefully neaten the edges.
Cashmere frays easily – overlock or zigzag stitching is recommended.
3. Gentle ironing
Use a low setting and never iron directly – always place a cloth between you and the iron.
4. Relax thermally
Cashmere fabrics benefit from being laid flat and allowed to breathe before cutting.
How do you properly care for cashmere?
Cashmere requires some attention, but rewards with decades of great quality.
Wash
- Hand wash in cold water
- Use a special wool or cashmere detergent.
- Never rub or wring
Dry
- Spread flat on a towel
- Do not hang, as the material will warp.
Refresh instead of washing
Cashmere needs fewer washes than other fibers – often airing it out is enough.
Remove pilling
Use a fine cashmere comb or a soft fluffy brush – never aggressively.
For which sewing projects is cashmere suitable?
Cashmere is ideal for:
- Coats & transitional jackets
- Elegant knitted sweaters (at Knitwear)
- Scarves & Stole
- Elegant winter dresses
- Luxury Home Wear
- High-quality business pieces (blazers, skirts)
Why cashmere from Alta Moda Fabrics?
We offer exclusively carefully selected, high-quality deadstock cashmere fabrics from Italy.
That 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 fabric by the meter
- Ideal for designers, small labels and discerning hobby sewers
Have you worked with cashmere before? Feel free to share your projects in the comments!