Fabrics labelled as cashmere are not all the same. The higher the content of fine fibre, the more certain that the fabric you are buying will be of higher quality (and therefore probably more expensive). The first thing to check, therefore, when deciding to buy a cashmere cloth is to read the label carefully. By law the label must state the percentages of the different yarns used within the cloth. The international abbreviation for cashmere is WS - this means that if only WS is indicated on the label, then you are faced with a 100% cashmere fabric. This fibre can be mixed with other natural or synthetic yarns for the production of what is known ascashmere blend fabrics.
Cashmere Blends:
As an example, Silk (SE) goes very well with cashmere, giving enhanced shine and improving the wearability of the garments. However, being more rigid, the mixed silk/cashmere fabric will be less soft to the touch than pure cashmere.
Wool (WO) is also commonly used to produce blended fabrics. In this case, the volume of the fabric will vary. This is because the cashmere fibres have an average thickness of only 15 microns, whereas Merino wool, which is even one of the very finest, has a much greater average thickness of 20 microns.
Cotton is also used to create blended fabrics. These blends have the advantage of being less expensive but with a fresher feel.
Among synthetic materials, cashmere is usually mixed with nylon (PA) or, to give the fabric greater elasticity, elastane (EA).
In addition to the label
The expert hand can always recognize a pure cashmere fabric. For example, one can rub the cloth and check if small balls of fabric (pilling) have been created with the friction. Should this be the case it is better to examine the fabric more carefully. Pilling does not immediately denote a cashmere blend, but it can, nevertheless, be an indicator of the presence of shorter fibres which are freed by rubbing. Other simple tests are also possible - one could pull the fabric in two directions and check if it returns to its original shape. If this were not the case, then one might be faced with a loosely knitted fabric or one made with poorer quality fibres.
If you are looking for superior quality pure cashmere or cashmere blended fabrics, predominantly from the best producers in the Biella textile area, then please have a look at our catalogue. There you will find only top quality products at extremely affordable prices.
Italian Textile Biella
