Many people enjoy the smooth texture of cashmere, some enjoy the warmth that it bring them. Cashmere’s amazing ability to lock in heat makes it an exceptional garment for the winter season. After all, who doesn’t want to feel like they are wrapped in a blanket everyday?
The Warmth
Cashmere comes from densely packed goat, sheep, lama, or alpaca wool, that is delicately harvested and handspun. Living in a cold, mountainous terrain, these animals have developed very heat-locking fur. Craftsmen, like those pictures below at AiSPi-ed brand Gobi Cashmere, weave layers of this softly tousled fur together, to create a tightly enmeshed fabric that generates heat and keeps out drafts.
The High Price
As animals such as alpacas, goats, sheep, and lamas thrive in alpine terrain, mountain ranges are the only sources where the wool for cashmere can be harvested, especially in areas such as the Andes, Himalayas, and other high altitude ranges like Mongolia.
Although the supply chain to create and manufacture cashmere is streamlined, this product undergoes a long process from being wool to the beloved winter sweater. The product can travel hundreds of miles from craftsman to atelier, to be shipped then shipped to retailer and then ultimately, to you–the customer. The costs of labour, travel, and shipment make this product more expensive than your average wool. And, because this product is hand crafted by many artisans, it only adds to the cost.
Ethical Production and Sustainable Practices
Most company’s commitment to sustainability can be found on their website readily. Varana is a cashmere company that proudly states that they follow the highest labour standards for their employees, as outlined by the UN’s guiding principles on Business and Human Rights.
A tip? If it’s inexpensive, it is probably not ethical or doesn’t have the same density to keep you cozy and warm
Investment Pieces
By choosing to invest in ethically sourced cashmere, you not only support your personal well-being and amenity, but you also support regional farmers, craftsmen, artisans, designers, and ateliers.
Cashmere is not only a gorgeous statement piece within a wardrobe, but is also extremely soft and warm to wear. Go beyond making a fashion statement, by also choosing to support your comfort and warmth during the winter season.
Written by Phoebe Pierce
Shop these looks at Varana and Gobi Cashmere
Follow AiSPi’s Instagram for more fashion inspiration. To know more about various materials and trends, don’t forget to visit our journal.