Cashmere: Soft, Lightweight and the Last Word in Luxury

When it comes to luxury fabrics, cashmere from a reputable cashmere boutique is at the very top of the list, and is one of the few that is favored as much by men as it is by women. It is a soft, lightweight material and is so delicate it must be spun by hand rather than by machine. It comes from the fur of goats bred in the Himalayan Mountain region and is 6 times finer than the hair of humans.

Because it is such a naturally soft and comfortable material, garments such as cashmere scarves and cashmere sweaters are extremely popular with both men and women of all ages. Cashmere is elegant and stylish and can be worn casually, to work, or even as part of a more formal ensemble. A pashmina wrap finishes off an elegant evening dress most beautifully, while the same can be said of a cashmere scarf with a tuxedo.

One of the other great properties of cashmere is the warmth it provides, making it a hugely popular fabric in countries with a harsh climate. Cashmere socks, gloves and scarves are a particular asset on a cold winter’s day and, as already mentioned, will finish off an outfit beautifully as well as keeping the wearer warm.

Due to the luxurious nature and comfort of the fabric, a cashmere robe or a cashmere knit makes an ideal gift for a friend or family member, particularly if you can find a reputable cashmere boutique holding a sale! Many stores stock cashmere items of varying quality; however it is definitely worth paying that little bit extra for a good quality 100% cashmere garment. The better the quality, the more comfortable the garment will be to wear and the longer it will last and hold its shape.

If you are a fan of the material but are price conscious, it might be worth checking out cashmere garments online. A quick search should take you to any number of online stores selling cashmere sweaters and a whole range of other garments at discounted prices. You could also consider auction sites like eBay where you may be able to purchase “previously loved” cashmere items.

Because cashmere is such a lightweight, luxury fabric, many people assume that it will be difficult to care for and so are reluctant to purchase cashmere garments. In reality, this is not the case at all – it is in fact very easy to look after as long as you follow these cashmere care steps:

• Never place any cashmere garment on a hanger as it will lose its shape. Instead keep it flat in a drawer or on a shelf
• Be careful when using perfumes or deodorants as they can cause stains
• Keep your garment somewhere dry as damp or moisture will ruin it
• Keep it clean to avoid attracting moths
• Hand wash cashmere clothing in cool water with a mild detergent

By following these simple rules your cashmere garment should remain a prized possession for many years to come.