Cashmere Guide

Whilst cashmere is known for its ultra-soft handle and price tag, there are various reasons why this fibre is considered the most elite.

 

Withstanding temperatures of - 40°C in the cold, windy mountains, cashmere goats grow an incredibly dense layer of wool, shedding this in time for spring to allow for their lightweight summer coat to come through.

  

We source our cashmere from long time industry favourites Todd & Duncan (Est. 1867) and their decades worth of knowledge and fascinating history is demonstrated throughout the yarns they spin.

 

Only the longest, finest fibres are selected when processing our cashmere and any coarse fibres that may irritate the skin are removed. This provides the wearer with an ultra-warm, ultra-soft surface texture that will continue to get softer when cared for correctly.

 

 

 

Continue reading to discover the five fascinating qualities that make a piece of cashmere knitwear the perfect wardrobe addition.

 Benefits Of Cashmere

Insulating

 
Cashmere is eight times warmer than sheep’s wool which make it perfect for trapping heat and maintaining body temperature. Worn by polar explorers in the British Antarctic Expedition of 1910-3, cashmere is a luxury fibre that has been used for its insulating properties in the most extreme climate conditions. If you’re faced with unpredictable weather, a piece of cashmere knitwear is the ideal companion.

 

Resilient

 
With a simple, yet important wash care routine, when looked after, cashmere is an incredibly resilient and durable fibre. It has a natural amount of stretch and so will retain its original shape for longer. By using 100% natural fibre cashmere and never mixing with synthetics, your Paul James Knitwear piece will keep its strength, flexibility, and high-quality feel.

 

 

 
Only fibres combed from the underbelly of the cashmere goat are used in the spinning process. The diameter of these fibres is incredibly small (14-18 microns vs the standard 30) which results in a luxuriously soft and delicate surface texture. Your cashmere will move with your body and so fibres will not irritate, even for those with sensitive skin. Cashmere also has naturally occurring insulation properties and so you’ll be comfortable and warm, without the risk of overheating.

 

 

 
Due to the short, ultra- fine fibres of cashmere, pilling will occur. This is where friction causes the shorter fibres to collect at the surface of the knit. Unlike other yarns and blends however, luxury cashmere pilling will subside after a couple of wears. Pilling can be easily removed with a knitwear comb and avoiding hard washing, instead opting for a quick freshen up, will keep your cashmere looking brighter for longer.

 

 

 
Unlike dense, bulkier yarns, cashmere contains all the warmth and insulation of your heavyweight winter jumper but is lightweight enough to layer under your outerwear. This makes it perfect for ultra-cold climates or when weather may change at short notice.

 

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