Cashmere

Every rich bitch loves the feel of a quality cashmere sweater, especially as the weather grows colder during the winter months.  But did you know there are very specific rules governing what counts as cashmere and what doesn’t?  There is actually a U.S. Wool Products Labeling Act that dates back to 1939 that was amended with a specific definition of cashmere.  Legally, it is required that the cashmere must come from Capra hircus laniger (the cashmere goat), the fibers must have an average diameter that doesn’t exceed 19 microns, and less than 3% of the fibers can exceed 30 microns. Who knew that so much detail went into the label of your favorite scarf, sweater, or blanket?

There’s also occasionally some confusion about the difference between cashmere and pashmina.   The fact is that they both come from the same source.  However, pashmina is hand-spun Capra Hircus hairs, as opposed to the modern methods that have been developed to handle cashmere.  Today, the term is used almost exclusively for the popular scarves with the knotted fringe.  This has, of course, led to misnomers like viscose pashmina and even wool pashmina, which aren’t actually made from the real cashmere fibers. Whether you’re looking for pure cashmere or you want a blend such as linen or silk, make sure that you’re buying from a reliable source.  That way, you know you can count on the statements they provide regarding the composition and the content of the cashmere you’re buying.