-
Step 1
The first thing to know about cashmere is that there are different grades of fibers that are spun into the yarns that make the sweaters. The best fibers are those that come from the Kashmiri goat (from the chin and belly) and are harvested only once a year. While there isn't a definitive way to know which fibers were used in making a sweater, you'll know it when you feel it. I would suggest going to a bunch of stores and feeling the cashmere sweaters to get comfortable with the different grades. The best will feel heavenly, soft and plush. Not the least bit scratchy. I noticed when I was in a Ralph Lauren factory outlet store, that they had the "Polo" label sweaters on a table next to the "Ralph Lauren" label sweaters. Both were $100% cashmere, and both were $75. Upon closer inspection of the tags, I noticed that the retail price of the Polo sweater was originally $150, and the retail on the Ralph Lauren sweater was $400. The more expensive one was the same price as the less expensive one due to the fact that they only had it in one (ugly) color and the less expensive ones were in every gorgeous color of the rainbow. When I felt each one, I could immediately tell the difference. The Polo one felt soft at first...until I felt the other one. Then it felt scratchy in contrast. So the best way to learn how to distinguish between the good fibers and the cheaper ones is to get to know how they feel.
-
Step 2
The ply and gauge are also something to consider. Ply is the number of strands that are twisted together to give a sweater it's thickness. The higher the ply, the thicker and more substantial the sweater will feel. The gauge is how tightly the strands are twisted. Also, make sure you check the label because some sweaters may be advertised as cashmere, but instead are a blend of cashmere and another wool.
-
Step 3
A great cashmere sweater should have loft. Loft is a spring or oomph in the fabric. To test it, pull the sides of the sweater and then let go. If it springs back into shape, it has loft. If not, there is a good chance that it will stretch out after only wearing it once or twice.
-
Step 4
A good sign of a quality sweater is one that was knitted in Scotland or Italy. Also, the best sweaters are handknitted. An easy way to tell is if the cuffs are identical inside and out. Cheaper versions are put together in panels by a sewing machine. Anything handknitted, however is likely to be very pricey.
-
Step 5
A great hint is to test the feel of the different colors of the same sweater. Lower grades of cashmere don't dye well, so manufacturers may use a lower grade of yard for dark colors like Navy or Black. Light or pastel colors like cream or pink won't dye well unless they are a high quality fiber. So if you decide that you want a dark color, check to see that it feels just as soft as the lighter colors.
Comments
OOOObubblesOOO said
on 11/8/2008 Thanks! Very Informative and inspiring. I have a Gianni Bini from Cashmere sweater that cost $220 from Nordstrom's and a cashmere Target Sweater that cost $50. The difference is real. The better quality is sooo worth it. If I could I'd wear only cashmere all the time. In fact that may be my wardrobe goal this winter....