When it comes to socks, none are more comfortable or warm than ones made of cashmere. Cashmere socks are made from natural wool which has been knitted into a soft and fluffy texture. Unlike many synthetic materials which can be scratchy and thin, cashmere is designed by nature to be exceptionally soft and warm. It makes the perfect material for cold weather clothing because it packs the most heating ability into the least amount of material. Besides socks, other products like sweaters, beanie hats and gloves can be made.

A 100% cashmere product can be on the expensive side, but the cost is well worth it. Out of all the natural wools in the world, the wool taken from the Cashmere goat is of the highest quality. This material is used in the manufacture of many high end products seen in luxury stores. However, these products are rapidly becoming more accessible to the average consumer as more is being fiber is produced. Both mens and womens cashmere socks are available, including children too.

When shopping around for the perfect pair, it is important to consider the different blends that are available. Products labeled as pure cashmere consist of only cashmere wool and no fillers. If the price of a pure product is too expensive, there is another option. Partial blended socks consist of a certain percentage of cashmere blended with another material such as cotton or polyester. These socks closely match the softness and warmth of their pure counterparts and can be a viable option for people on a budget.

Clothing has a bad reputation for being a bad thing to give as a gift, but cashmere products are an exception. When the recipient opens their package to discover a pair of cashmere socks in their favorite color, they are sure to smile in delight. They may not understand exactly what cashmere is but once they try them on there will be no question as to their comfort.

Washing these socks should be done with care, as this material can become distorted if not treated properly. Start by putting the pair into a bucket or sink filled with warm water and mild detergent. Using your hands or a dull utensil, slowly stir the socks around in the water. This will work out any dirt particles and sweat which have gathered within. Make sure that you don’t twist or squeeze the socks, as this can cause permanent deformation. Set the socks onto a dry towel on a flat hard surface and let air dry. If needed you can press the socks in between two towels to remove excess moisture.

Origins and Characteristics of Cashmere

Cashmere wool is a natural fiber which is harvested by the Cashmere goat and several others. The modern day spelling of the word comes from the original word Kashmir. This soft and lightweight material has a fine texture and can be quite strong when woven. These characteristics make the wool an excellent insulating material when used in the manufacture of clothing. Unlike some materials which provide warmth at the cost of weight, cashmere achieves warmth without the bulk. These fibers are quite versatile and can be formed into varying thicknesses of yarn which form different thicknesses of fabric. Without being dyed, you can find cashmere in three natural colors of white, brown and grey.

Cashmere is generally defined as the soft, de-haired fibers obtained from the belly area of a goat. The thickness of each fiber should not exceed 19 microns. However, up to three percent of the product may contain fiber thicknesses up to 30 microns.

The sources of this prized material are quite modest in nature, coming from goats of Cashmere origin among others. The specific goats used in this process come from the sub-family of Caprinae in the family Bovidae. One of the features that make these animals special is that they produce dual fleece which consists of a fine under coat of fibers which are lined on the edges with a thicker coating called guard hair. This guard hair must be removed from the softer varieties before it can be considered for use in clothing. After the coarse hair has been removed, the hair can be processed further and dyed different colors. It can then be converted into yarn and woven into the products we see in stores such as cashmere socks.

The moulting season is the best time to gather cashmere from the goats because this is when they naturally shed their fibers. This process generally occurs sometime between March and May in the Northern Hemisphere. In some areas the goats generate a mix of coarse and down hair which must be removed manually using a brush. This brush pulls out clumps of fibers as it is drawn through the fleece. Washing and de-hairing is then done to achieve a high purity of true cashmere. The coarse hair is not without a purpose, however, as it can still be used in the manufacture of things like paint brushes, linings and other products.
China currently produces the most cashmere in the world, with Mongolia at second place. Areas like Pakistan, Turkey and India create substantial amounts but none compare to the two leaders. The worldwide production estimates include grease, coarse hairs and dirt which may still be present within the wool.

Cashmere can be dyed many colors and knitted into commonly used garments such as socks, sweaters, gloves and more. Some products are made from cutting woven cashmere into sections and then sewing them together.