Traditional wool is gathered from sheep, but cashmere comes from a fine, soft fiber combed from the undercoats of cashmere goats. cashmere goats are found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and can thrive in temperatures as low as -30°C. The goats in this cold environment grow thick, warm coats to keep them warm. A cashmere goat has two layers of hair: an inner layer that is super-soft, and an outer layer that acts as the top coat.
Is all Cashmere the Same?
Cashmere fiber is the finest, softest, and warmest on earth. It is one of the most luxurious and valued natural fabrics in the world. Those who want to buy cashmere may misunderstand the term 100% cashmere. Are you sure that the cashmere sweaters or scarves that you want to buy are made of high-quality cashmere? Are you familiar with the cashmere grade that they are made from?
What are Cashmere Grades?
The quality of a coveted natural product like cashmere differs depending on everything from the region, the season, and even, age, size, and type of cashmere goat it comes from. Experts determine the grade of cashmere by considering its fineness and length of hair. The quality of cashmere products varies depending on the grade of cashmere. In general, the higher the grade of cashmere, the better the quality.
Cashmere is categorized into three grades: fine, medium, and coarse, i.e., grades A, B, and C. It is these grades that determine the quality of cashmere, with A being the highest quality and most expensive. Cashmere of grades A, B, and C is used around the world for various purposes, from high-end luxury clothing to everyday wear.
In this article, we will present a detailed overview of each grade of cashmere and its most common uses:
Grade A Cashmere
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Quality
Grade A Cashmere is of the highest quality of all fibres and is highly valued for its fineness, softness, and durability. Grade A cashmere fibres are extremely thin and long, and measure as low as 14–16 microns in diameter, which is roughly six times as fine as human hair. They have an average length of 36–40 mm. A prominent advantage of these fibres is their softness, which makes them ideal for applications such as underclothes and undershirts, where they can be worn directly next to the skin.
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Softness
Grade A Cashmere’s exceptional softness makes it highly valuable, and it can’t be matched by other natural fibres like wool or cotton. High-end luxury fashion items are made of grade A cashmere, which is a luxurious fabric used in the creation of fine and delicate clothing.
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Durability
A second advantage of Grade A cashmere is its durability. Grade A cashmere fabric is surprisingly strong and resilient, despite its delicate appearance and soft texture. Since the fibres are long and thin, it is less prone to pilling, and its fabric can withstand everyday wear and tear better than cashmere of lower quality.
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Uses
In addition to its softness, Grade A cashmere is also highly prized for its warmth. Despite being lightweight, the fine fibres create an incredibly insulating fabric. Therefore, Grade A cashmere is perfect for making sweaters, scarves, and coats for the cold winter months. The insulating properties of this material make it suitable for making dresses and accessories, including gloves and hats.
Grade B Cashmere
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Quality
Grade B cashmere fibres make a fabric of high quality but are a little coarser and less fine than Grade A cashmere. It is still a soft, comfortable fabric that is ideal for creating warm and cosy clothing and accessories that are perfect for the winter months. The fibre diameter of Grade B cashmere ranges from 19 to 22 microns, with an average length of 34 mm. This is marginally thicker than Grade A cashmere and is considered a fine fibre as it provides fair insulation and warmth.
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Affordability
Grade B cashmere is more affordable than Grade A cashmere. It is therefore a great option for those looking for the softness and warmth of cashmere without paying a premium price. For those not ready to purchase high-quality cashmere fabrics, it is a great choice for experimenting.
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Uses
Grade B cashmere has slightly thicker fibre, so it is commonly used for making sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and other winter clothing items. Some of the accessories, like hats and gloves, are also made using Grade B cashmere.
Grade B cashmere is not as soft and durable as Grade A cashmere, but it is still a high-quality fabric that is often used for mid-range fashion and everyday wear. Home décor items, such as blankets and throws, are also made using it. Grade B cashmere is a popular choice for mass-market brands.
Grade C Cashmere
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Quality
As compared to grades A and B. Grade C cashmere is of lower quality. Grade C cashmere fibres are thicker and coarser, with a diameter ranging from 22 to 30 microns and an average length of 28 mm. This makes the fabric less soft and less comfortable to wear as compared to Grade A and B cashmere.
The lower quality of the grade C fibres used in the fabric makes it less insulating and less warm than grade A and grade B cashmere. Though it provides some level of warmth, it won’t be as effective as higher-grade cashmere.
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Durability
Grade C cashmere is not as durable as Grade A and B cashmere. Its thicker fibres are more prone to pilling and wear and tear. The garments made from Grade C cashmere do not last as long as those made from higher-quality cashmere.
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Affordability
Grade C cashmere is cheaper than Grade A and B cashmere. It is a more accessible option for those who want the look and feel of cashmere and is still more affordable. Although it may not be as soft and warm as higher-grade cashmere, it can still provide some degree of comfort and insulation.
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Uses
The fabric is generally used in garments that don’t come into direct contact with the skin. It is used to make sweaters and other clothing items at lower prices. It is also used for mass-produced items, such as inexpensive scarves, hats, and gloves.
Conclusion
Overall, cashmere is a highly valued and versatile fabric that is used worldwide for a variety of purposes. Whether used for high-end luxury fashion or everyday wear, the quality of the cashmere used can have a significant impact on the look, warmth, and durability of the finished product.
While ordering cashmere products, make sure to check the grade of the fabric so that you get the best quality for your money. Cashmere fabric’s softness, warmth, and durability make it worth the investment. By choosing the right grade, you can ensure that you get the most out of your cashmere products. The highest-grade cashmere will feel the softest and will be better at retaining its shape, so it is well worth the investment compared to its cheaper counterparts.
Leading Premium & 100% Cashmere Manufacturer
Om Cashmeres is a leading cashmere manufacturer from Nepal that supplies the finest cashmere products to its customers worldwide. We are committed to manufacturing the finest cashmere products to meet our customers’ specifications.
We manufacture and supply a wide range of cashmere products with the utmost care, ensuring that they are not only supremely comfortable but sustainable and ethically sourced. We manufacture 100% cashmere products as well as blend cashmere with merino wool, silk, and other fine fibres as per our client’s requirements.
We provide private label, and bespoke services for our customers, top fashion designers, and leading clothing brands around the globe. The design, fabric, and colour of the product can be customized to fit our customers’ requirements. You may also customized your exclusive product with a logo, tag, or embroidery. We also offer after-sales care and repair services. We ship to many countries worldwide and have a large customer base in the US, the European Union, Japan, and Australia.