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What Is Cashmere?

A technical and practical introduction to cashmere fibre, its characteristics and its relevance to premium knitwear development.

Article No. MAT-001
Reading Time 6 Minutes
Last Updated August 2026
Written by Kanchan Cashmere Technical Team

Executive summary

Cashmere is a fine natural fibre valued for softness, warmth and lightness. Its performance in luxury knitwear depends on fibre quality, yarn construction, gauge, stitch, finishing and responsible sourcing.

Overview

Understanding cashmere

Use this section to introduce the subject clearly and establish its relevance for designers, product developers and sourcing teams.

Key facts

01 Fibre

Fine undercoat fibre from cashmere goats.

02 Performance

Lightweight warmth with a refined hand feel.

03 Development

Final result depends on yarn, gauge, stitch and finishing.

04 Sourcing

Supplier continuity and certification scope should be confirmed.

Cashmere is defined not only by softness, but by fibre quality, yarn construction and disciplined finishing.

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Technical perspective

What luxury brands should consider

Use this section for technical guidance, limitations, decision criteria and practical manufacturing context.

Technical Note

Material selection must remain programme-specific

The final yarn choice should be confirmed against gauge, stitch, target weight, hand feel, colour, certification scope and supplier continuity.

Frequently asked questions

What should buyers consider first?

Start with composition, yarn count, gauge, target weight, hand feel, colour and certification requirements.

Continue exploring

Buyer Studio

Start your development

Discuss your cashmere, recycled-cashmere or blended-yarn programme with Kanchan Cashmere.

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