What Is a Cashmere Sweater?
Amongst the different mediums that compose sweaters, cashmere is one of the most well-known. However, many people are unaware of what cashmere actually is and why it is expensive. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cashmere
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Cashmere comes from the under-coat of goats that inhabit the Gobi Desert, which is located in Northern China and Mongolia. The goats have a tough outer fur coat and soft, fine hair underneath (the wool that is used in cashmere) in order to protect the animals from harsh cold.
How to Care for a Cashmere Sweater
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It is recommended to treat cashmere like you would treat your hair. Wash it in mild shampoo or soap, shape it and let it dry flat on a towel. Dry cleaning works also.
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Good Quality Cashmere
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Good quality cashmere generally has longer fibers and pills less easily. A good quality cashmere has a very soft texture and holds its shape when stretched. A hefty yet light fabric is indicative of a quality cashmere.
Poor Quality Cashmere
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Poor quality cashmere is rough and is composed of shorter fibers. The sweater also will be thin, loose, shapeless, and limp.
Expense
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Cashmere is very expensive because the harsh climate of the Gobi desert makes it difficult to farm high numbers of goats. The fleece is also collected and spun on hand-operated machines. Oftent, the sweaters are pieced together by hand as well.
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