Ah, cashmere. Is there anything like it? One of my prized possessions and easily one of the best purchases I've made is a pair of Escada cashmere sweat pants. I know. Pure decadence meets loungewear. Bliss!
Cashmere is wool that traditionally comes from the underbellies of Indian and/or Tibetan goats and is spun in Scotland. However, cashmere is now widely available at lower price points than most of us ever thought imaginable. Good, right? Well, sure, but there's a caveat. Understand that buying inexpensive cashmere likely means you are buying a lower quality cashmere item. Many manufacturers today use cost-saving techniques such as spinning the wool before it is dry (after dyeing) or using fibers of different lengths. These kinds of short cuts add up to a lower quality piece. In other words, your less expensive sweater may not last through the winter.
Before you buy your next cashmere piece, try these tricks to make sure it will hold up for more than just one season:
-Check the label. You know how the FDA requires food manufacturers to disclose all the ingredients? It's the same concept in clothing regarding fabric content. Read the label to ensure you are buying 100% cashmere (assuming that is what you want to purchase).
-Stretch the fabric with your hands and then let go. If it goes back to its original shape, it’s a keeper. If not, it may be knit loosely or made from subpar fabric.
-Hold the sweater up to the light. You should not be able to see through it.
-Does the sweater feel "slick?" If so, this may indicate over-processing, which will likely lead to the sweater loosing its shape.
Regarding sweater care, fold your sweaters. Don’t hang them. Air your sweater out for a couple days after you wear it to “give it a rest.” I have found THE BEST solution for pilling sweaters is the sweater stone http://www.sweaterstone.com/thestone.htm Simply rub this stone over the pills to remove them.
It works!
And remember, cashmere is not just for the winter. Double ply cashmere is best for the cold winter months, but single ply cashmere or a cashmere blend, such as a cashmere/linen blend, is a great choice for spring.
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