Cashmere sure ain’t cheap! But have you ever wondered what exactly makes this crazy soft sweater fabric cost more than the gadgets in your shopping cart? Cashmere consistently ranks among the most expensive natural fabrics in the world. What makes it so precious?
Rarity of Fiber
The journey starts with the cashmere goat – a rare breed found roaming the hills and grasslands of Asia. Their claim to fame? Growing super soft, downy winter coats perfect for making luxe sweaters and accessories.
But here’s the thing: each goat only produces around 5 ounces of cashmere fluff per year. That’s barely enough for a pair of gloves! To get enough for a whole sweater takes the fleece from like 60 goats. No wonder cashmere is so hard to come by.
Making things trickier, the fleece can’t just be shaved off like sheep’s wool. Nope – some farmer has to gently comb and brush every single goat when they shed their winter coat. It’s a grueling job combing through all that fur!
Labor-Intensive Process
After it’s gathered from the goats, the raw cashmere gets shipped off to be turned into yarn and fabric – usually in Italy, Scotland, or China. Needless to say, that international shipping doesn’t come cheap!
There’s a whole lot of work to be done before the fibers become a sweater you’d wanna wear. The cashmere’s gotta be washed, carded, spun, woven or knitted, and more. Phew, so much work!
And for real luxury cashmere goods, there’s extra steps like reinforcing seems, adding embroidery, enforcing elbow patches – you name it. Anything to make the pieces last longer and look fabulous.
High Demand and Market Value
Limited supply + soaring demand = higher prices.
Makes sense when you consider the supply. We produce only 15,000 tons of cashmere a year globally compared to 200,000 tons of sheep wool. Limited goods + high demand = $$$.
In 2022, quality cashmere sold for $145/kg, up 60% from 2015. Prices rise as demand swells and outstrips the restricted supply.
By 2030, the global luxury cashmere market is projected to reach a mind blowing $3.8 billion. For the most sublime, dreamy fabric on earth, many find the sky high cost worth it.
Luxury and Quality
At the end of the day, we covet cashmere because it feels so darn amazing. The fibers are way finer than human hair, so clothing just caresses your skin. Plus it’s super warm and lightweight – up to 3 times toastier than regular sheep’s wool.
Cashmere drapes like a dream and holds its shape year after year. Compared to other fabrics, it just makes you look and feel luxe. Even if you’re just lounging on the couch!
Final Thoughts
Cashmere is rugged enough to maintain its shape and feel even after years of constant wear. Unlike cheaper fabrics, your beloved cashmere sweater will only get softer and more luxurious with time.
Brands are looking for ways to track fibers back to the source and make production green and ethical. Let’s be real – no one wants sweaters made from stressed out, overworked goats!
Making cashmere sustainable adds to the costs. But it helps ensure this precious resource will be around for future generations to cuddle up in.
