We've teamed up with London Cashmere Company to talk all things cashmere this Valentine's Day. And since love is in the air, there's no better time to fall in love with this delightful fabric!
Whether you have a cosy cashmere jumper you’ve loved forever or simply not a convert just yet, there are many wonderful reasons why this desirable fabric should be favourites in all of our wardrobes.
Cashmere is a natural fibre obtained from the hair of goats. It is one of the finest and softest fabrics available, making cashmere garments super cosy and stylish. Read on to find out more reasons why we are head over heels for cashmere...
1) Planet-friendly
Since cashmere is a natural resource, it is both renewable and biodegradable. This makes cashmere garments some of the most sustainable on the market.
Whilst we always recommend repairing your loved cashmere items to get as many years wear out of them as possible, there may come a time when your garment is no longer salvable. But the good news is that cashmere is biodegradable, so can be returned to soil, where it will decompose and release valuable nutrients into the ground.*
*Not all fabrics can be composted; some contain dyes that are harmful to the soil and environment, so always check with the manufacturer.
Did you know that synthetic fibres make up 60% of the world's clothing? When washed, synthetic fabrics release microfibres which end up in the ocean. In contrast, garments made from natural fibres such as cashmere shed less fibres and will naturally biodegrade if they reach the ocean.
2) Never too hot or cold
Cashmere is naturally hygroscopic. This means that the fibre absorbs and releases moisture from the air when the humidity changes, and retains heat. This natural insulation makes cashmere garments perfect for cooler climates.
Although cashmere fibres are naturally insulating, they also make really breathable garments.
This means that cashmere garments are far more efficient than other fabrics (even wool) at absorbing sweat and releasing it into the air, before the bacteria can develop and produce odour. This means that they are not only more comfortable, but less washing is required too - win win!
3) Super soft and cosy
Cashmere is a luxurious fabric which make super cosy garments that soft against the skin. Cashmere in particular is a luxurious fabric with an incredibly soft, silky finish. The diameter of cashmere fibres is very small, creating a very fine texture, which gives it that softness.
4) Get better with age
Cashmere garments are extremely durable, due to their unique fibre makeup. These fibres can be bent more than 20,000 times without danger of breaking or any damage.
This means that cashmere garments have the ability to stretch comfortably and then return to their natural shape. This makes them resistant to wrinkling and sagging.
Cashmere also absorb dyes deeply and directly without the use of chemicals meaning that it can be dyed in beautiful, rich colours.
5) Easy Care
One of our favourite benefits of cashmere is that they are super low maintenance and easy to care for.
London Cashmere Company say that "A little TLC at the beginning of your cashmere’s life will go a long way. It’s a bit like a pet, a bit of commitment upfront pays dividends in the future!
You should wash your garment twice in the first 5 wears, after that you can wash as needed as per our washing instructions. Do this right and your London Cashmere Co. garment will look after you for years to come!"
All your cashmere garment needs is a delicate hand wash with Clothes Doctor's Eco Wash for Cashmere and Wool every so often and a 5 minute de-bobble with a Beecwhood or Red Cedarwood Cashmere Comb to renew the fibres. Well cared for cashmere will truly love you forever!
6) Timeless elegance
Cashmere items really are investment pieces. They are not only durable, but also endlessly stylish. So yes - that jumper handed down from you grandparents should still be a wardrobe staple!
Image by London Cashmere Company
These are just some of the reasons why we love cashmere. Feeling inspired?
You can contact Clothes Doctor for any further information or advice on cashmere care.