5 interesting facts you didn't know about cashmere

As you know, cashmere is one of the most luxurious and sought-after natural fibres. There are things, though, that you may not know and that we'd like to share with you. Here are a few fun facts for lovers of this fabric.

1. No lanolin

Cashmere fibre is very similar to sheep's wool, but it has no lanolin. That's one of the reasons it feels softer against the skin, and it's also why it's such a popular choice for kids' garments.

2. Origins

The name Cashmere comes from the Kashmir region, today split between India, Pakistan and China. Every year, 5 million kilograms of cashmere are produced around the world. The fibre comes from a particular species of goat, the Capra hircus laniger, known as the cashmere goat, raised in countries such as China, Afghanistan, Turkey and India. But the finest and most refined cashmere is the one from Inner Mongolia, a region with a harsh climate.

3. The fibres

In a whole year, a cashmere goat produces only about 3.5 oz (100 g) of usable fibre. Male goats are the most sought after because they yield a greater quantity of fibre.

4. Microscopic

A single strand of cashmere is a small fraction of the diameter of a human hair. In fact, it takes the wool of two or three cashmere goats to make one scarf.

5. Colours

Cashmere comes in three colours - white, grey and brown - but the material can be dyed like any other type of wool.