Buying Cashmere: The Complete Guide to Quality, Origin, and Care
Guide
Cashmere: The Queen of Natural Fibers
What is real cashmere, why is it so special—and how can you tell it apart? This guide explains its origins, quality characteristics, Scotland’s role in the world of cashmere, and how to properly care for your cashmere garment.
Origin · Quality · Care · Our Brands
The Basis
What is cashmere—and why is it so special?
Cashmere is not wool in the usual sense. It is the fine undercoat of the cashmere goat—those soft, dense fibers that the animal produces throughout its body as protection against extreme cold. These fibers are significantly finer than sheep’s wool, lighter, softer, and warmer—and that is precisely why they have been the world’s most sought-after textile material for centuries.
The name comes from the state of Kashmir in northwestern India—the region where the processing of this fiber historically originated. Today, cashmere is produced worldwide, but the quality of the fiber depends heavily on the climate in which the goats are raised.
Kashmir by the Numbers
| Wool per goat per year | 150–200 grams |
| Goats for a Sweater | 3–5 animals |
| Fiber Thickness (High-Quality Cashmere) | 14–16 microns (sheep's wool: 20–40 microns) |
| Legal Minimum "Cashmere" Content | 85% (according to the EU Textile Labeling Act) |
| Global Market Leader in Production | China (approx. 69%), Mongolia, Iran |
Why Scotland?
Scotland and Kashmir—a centuries-long connection
Although the majority of the world’s raw cashmere is produced in Asia, a significant portion of it is refined, spun, and processed into high-quality products in Scotland. As early as 1830, weaving cashmere scarves from yarn produced in Scotland was a major industry. Today, Scotland remains one of the world’s most prestigious destinations for high-quality cashmere processing—alongside Italy and Japan.
What sets Scotland apart is not the raw fiber itself, but the craftsmanship: centuries of accumulated knowledge in spinning, dyeing, and weaving, concentrated primarily in the Scottish Borders —the region along the English border that has been known for its textile industry since the Middle Ages. Towns such as Hawick, Selkirk, and Galashiels are home to some of the world’s most renowned cashmere and wool manufacturers.
"There's a lot of prestige associated with the 'Made in Scotland' label."
— A London boutique owner, quoted in the Yale Global Review
Scottish cashmere isn't just a marketing promise—it's the result of specialists who produce small batches with exceptional care. These are exactly the manufacturers we feature at The Scottish Shop.
The Buying Guide
How can you tell if cashmere is high-quality?
Not everything labeled “cashmere” actually contains real cashmere—and even real cashmere isn’t automatically high quality. These five criteria will help you tell the difference.
1. Fiber length—the longer, the better
Long fibers pill less, last longer, and feel more uniform. Short fibers (often found in inexpensive cashmere) tend to pill quickly—an unmistakable sign of inferior quality. High-quality cashmere retains its smooth surface even after years of use.
2. Fiber thickness – the finer the fiber, the softer the fabric
Fineness is measured in microns. Genuine, high-quality cashmere ranges from 14 to 16 microns—significantly finer than any sheep’s wool. The finer the fiber, the softer it feels against the skin. Cheaper cashmere may contain coarser fibers that scratch rather than caress the skin.
3. Fiber color—the lighter the color, the more valuable it is
White cashmere fibers are particularly rare and valuable because they can be dyed any color. The lighter the raw fiber, the more true-to-color and brilliant the final product. Dark natural colors limit the color options and are therefore less expensive.
4. Processing—by hand or by machine
Cashmere fibers are traditionally combed by hand—a gentle process that leaves the fibers intact. Cheaper cashmere is often obtained by machine shearing, which damages the fibers and reduces the quality. Ask about the manufacturing process or look for information on the product’s origin.
5. Country of origin – where was it processed?
The raw fiber usually comes from Asia—but where it was processed into a finished piece plays a decisive role in determining its quality. Scotland, Italy, and Japan are known for their artisanal craftsmanship in small batches that meet high-quality standards. “Made in Scotland ” is more than just a label—it’s a statement of quality backed by centuries of tradition.
Important Note
Pashmina ≠ Cashmere
“Pashmina” is a trade name, not a material designation—and simply means “wool” in Persian. Labeling a scarf as “100% Pashmina” is prohibited in Germany because it does not provide any information about the material. Don’t be fooled: Genuine cashmere is labeled “Kaschmir” or “Cashmere” on the tag—with a percentage indicated.
Our Cashmere Brands
Scottish cashmere at The Scottish Shop
Every cashmere brand in our store has been personally selected and meets the quality criteria outlined in this guide. Here are our manufacturers—and what makes them special.
Kinalba
Scottish BordersKinalba is our top choice for cashmere-silk scarves and stoles. The combination of cashmere and silk creates a particularly light, flowing fabric with a sheen that pure cashmere alone cannot achieve. All Kinalba products are dry clean only —please note.
Kinalba discover →Rosie Sugden
ScotlandRosie Sugden is known for its colorful, contemporary, boutique-quality cashmere. Particularly popular are their cashmere baby blankets—the softest baby gift we know—as well as their stoles and accessories for women. Colorful, playful, and uncompromisingly soft.
Rosie Sugden discover →William Lockie
Hawick, Scottish BordersWilliam Lockie Hawick —the heart of the Scottish Borders knitwear industry—has been producing knitwear for over 130 years. Its cashmere and lambswool sweaters embody classic Scottish knitwear craftsmanship: timeless designs, exceptional durability, and a perfect fit. A William Lockie sweater is an investment that will last for decades.
William Lockie discover →Kuuhi Scotland
Exclusively at The Scottish ShopKuuhi is our own brand—founded in 2020, with all products handmade in Scotland. Our cashmere and lambswool blankets are available exclusively at The Scottish Shop and nowhere else in the world. The " Ailsa Craig "Tartan, our exclusive collection for lovers of Scotland, is a one-of-a-kind item that no other retailer carries.
Kuuhi Discover Scotland →Proper Care
Caring for Cashmere—How to Make It Last a Lifetime
Cashmere is durable when you treat it with care—and delicate when you neglect it. These rules apply to all cashmere products in our collection:
| What | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Laundry | Dry cleaning is preferred—especially for “ Kinalba ” and “Stolas.” Alternatively: hand wash in cold water with a mild wool detergent. Never machine wash. |
| Drying | Lay flat on a dry cloth to air-dry—never hang to dry (this distorts the shape), and never use a dryer or radiator. |
| Pilling | Slight pilling is normal for cashmere and does not indicate a quality defect. Carefully remove it with a cashmere stone or lint shaver—never pull at it. |
| Storage | Folded (not on hangers), in a breathable bag. Cedarwood or lavender to keep moths away—no naphthalene. |
| Frequency | Cashmere doesn't need to be washed after every time you wear it. Airing it out between wears is usually enough—this protects the fibers and significantly extends the garment's lifespan. |
The Scottish Shop
Our Cashmere Collection
All products meet the quality criteria outlined in this guide—handcrafted in Scotland, made from 100% natural cashmere, and with a certificate of origin.
Additional Guides
|
Buying a Wool Blanket: A Guide Weight, Fiber Type, Origin—Everything You Need to Know |
Scottish Gifts: A Guide The Perfect Scottish Gift for Any Budget and Occasion |
|
What is " Fair Isle"? History of the Scottish Knitting Tradition |
Caring for Your Picnic Blanket Complete Care Instructions |
"You buy cashmere once—and wear it for a lifetime."
Curated with love for Scotland by The Scottish Shop – authentic Scottish products, delivered throughout Europe.