Cashmere robes sell at a premium cost for a single reason- a ton of cashmere wool is needed to make them. Unlike cashmere socks or gloves, robes need head-to-toe coverage. A completed robe contains several animals’ worth of fur, which is quite an investment on the manufacturer’s part. One must also consider that the cashmere is probably coming from somewhere far away such as Nepal. Still, you do not need to spend up to $2000 on a robe. With a little searching, robes can be found for several hundred dollars. Is the price worth it? Frequent wearers say yes!

With the hefty price, one should expect to have a broad color and pattern selection. Gender often plays a big role in choosing the color. Cashmere robes for women are seen in colors using white, red, pink and other bright hues. A mens cashmere robe would be more likely made in dark blues, greens, and shades of gray. Patterns such as plaid incorporate more than one color in the robe. This is done by weaving different solid colored yards into a certain pattern. Companies like Ralph Lauren create elaborate plaid colored robes, along with basic colors.

Pure cashmere robes need to be treated delicately in regards to cleaning. Dry cleaning or hand washing is the only way to clean the robe without damage or discoloration. The most common form of damage is permanent stretching from pulling when wet. Blended robes known as Kashwere combine cashmere with chenille and can be machine washed. While not entirely real, robes like Kashwere allow for easy washing in the machine. Despite the delicacy involved, don’t be afraid to wash the robe frequently to keep it light, fluffy and fresh. After all, that is what cashmere is all about.

Buyers of cashmere scarves should know that there are several different varieties of cashmere, and that this wool is sometimes woven together with other materials to form a “blend”. Pashmina is one of the most sought after cashmere materials because it is so fine, and therefore soft. Pashnima refers to the breed of goat which the wool is taken from. Every part of the manufacturing process is done in the town of Kashmir located in the Himalayan region. The processes include hand spinning, embroidering and weaving the garment to completion. Look for scarves with one hundred percent Pashnima for maximum warmth and feel.

Blended scarves are more cost effective because they are not made from 100% cashmere. They are comprised of a blend of cashmere and some other material, typically silk. These budget garments are still very soft and can save you a few bucks.

Advanced patterning techniques can combine cashmere fibers of different colors to form an stylish design, such as plaid or hounds tooth. Cashmere takes color well, and can be dyed in anything from black to red. Different colors can be bought in an effort to color coordinate your attire for different times of the year. Tassels on the ends are applied on some scarves for looks and for added weight. The scarf should be long enough to wrap around the neck once, and allowing the two ends to hang down the chest. The ends should have enough weight so that the scarf if kept snug around the neck and doesn’t unravel. Too heavy of ends can result in the scarf causing uncomfortable restriction. Simply wrap the scarf around the neck once more if this is the case.

Cashmere scarves may seem like attire for women only, but that is simply not the case. Men are getting in on the popularity of cashmere too. Women can easily find a mens cashmere scarf in a color that their husband would enjoy wearing in public. Men also enjoy cashmere socks, especially in the business sock form.

Companies like Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and Ann Taylor have cashmere sweaters on sale all over the internet. While the variety is numerous, you can organize the sweaters into several key types. Cardigan sweaters button up all the way down, from the neck to the base. However you can create your own signature style but not using all of the buttons at once. It is common to only button up a few in the center, allowing excess heat to escape, thus stabilizing your temperature as the weather changes throughout the day. Cardigans come in V-necks and round necks. Elaborate cardigans can have ruffles along the buttons.

Button mock sweaters do not have buttons all the way down. Instead, they have two to three buttons starting from the neck and going down just a few inches. Users must put their head and arms through the bottom of the sweater to put it on. This style is seen frequently in mens cashmere sweaters, although it has been applied to women’s too.

While men’s sweaters are more subdued, cashmere sweaters for women can have more elaborate designs. A common addition to the solid sweater is to have a bow starting at the neck and running down to the stomach. Other sweaters consist of a single piece which drapes over the body similar to a parka. Don’t forget that cashmere comes in a lot more colors than brown and black. Bright and vibrant colors like red, white, green, blue and everything in between can make the sweater uniquely yours. Large v-necks allow you to show off an undershirt to compliment the sweater. Whether you go for simple or extravagant, get into the cashmere craze today!

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.

Cashmere is positively one of the softest and most comfortable around. Its elegance and beauty ensures that it never goes out of style. The exceptional feel of it your feet, hands or neck is unparalleled in comfort and warmth. This amazing material actually comes from modest means. It is actually wool that is spun from a Himalayan mountain goat. Local workers high up in the Himalayan mountains harvest the cashmere fibers and process it all by hand. As if the remote location and hand processing weren’t enough to make this material expensive, it takes a single goat 4-5 years to make enough wool for a one garment. Most commonly bred in Iran, the goats can also be found in China, India, and Tibet.

Because of the extreme rarity and value of the wool, it is highly prized. Many people who own a garment such as a pair of gloves, a sweater or throw cherish and take great care of it. The rarity make it somewhat expensive,  although the benefits are well worth it. Cashmere socks are very soft and comfortable, and provide excellent warming benefits. This makes them perfect for wearing around the house, during outings, or outdoor events. The snug feeling will keep you toasty no matter how cold it is.

Another factor that influences the price of the material is the location it is removed from the goat. Wool removed from the stomach and throat is softer and better quality than wool from other areas like the back and legs.

The versatility of it means that a variety of garment types can be made, including dresses, gloves, socks, and throws. There are even enthusiasts out there who collect many different types of clothing made out of this wonder material. As with any garment,  proper cleaning is essential. Wash it in cool water with mild detergent. Make sure to handle it carefully and refrain from ringing or twisting it, resulting in deformation.

With a little more knowledge on this great fabric, you can be a more informed shopper, and look for cashmere socks that will fit your needs best!

Some people think that because cashmere is soft, it is also delicate and can tear easily from the friction caused by shoes and the floor. This is actually a misconception in most cases, as many manufacturers are using special techniques to improve the durability of these socks. Cashmere socks are prone to wear and tear just like any other sock, but there is a certain kind to buy if you want to improve their lifespan.

When shopping for these socks, look for cashmere blend socks. These types feature a blend of both natural materials and man-made synthetics. The synthetic fibers are very strong, and when weaved in with the natural fibers, makes the whole sock stronger and more resistant to tearing and wear. This is especially important if you are concerned about protecting your investment. If you have kids in the family, getting the blended type is a smart choice if they are active outdoors.
For people who want maximum comfort, you want to go with the natural fibers only. These socks are composed entirely of natural Cashmere materials, ensuring maximum softness and warming benefits. The only drawback is that these types are more prone to tearing, as the natural fibers are more delicate. However, if care is taken, you can enjoy the luxury of 100% natural cashmere.

The methods for washing both types of socks are the same, but take a little extra care when washing the natural kind. Washing tips also apply to socks made for all genders, such as womens and mens cashmere socks.  To compliment your socks, consider other types of Cashmere garments too, like scarves for women and men. These are great for wintertime outings in the cold. With blended materials, the entire family can enjoy comfort with the peace of mind that comes from owning this durable fabric.
Do a little searching for the right cashmere sock for you, and you’ll be enjoying its luxurious feel in no time.

For the person who has everything, it is a good bet that they don’t have cashmere socks in their dresser drawer, or at least not more than one or two pairs. The great thing about gifting these socks is that there are so many styles and colors out there that you can find unique socks that match that person’s personality or style. The internet is a great place to find a huge selection and to shop around. When looking for the right size, simply compare the person’s shoe size with the recommended size label on the package and you can ensure the perfect fit.

Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday, or simply showing that you care, a cashmere sock set can brighten up anyone’s day and make them feel special. It’s funny to think that these amazing socks come from the hide of the Kashmir goat. Cashmere products aren’t just limited to socks, either. Cashmere is woven into every type of apparel imaginable, including thermal underwear, hats, scarves and gloves. Stock up on these socks during after winter sales for gifting next season!