Question: What animal does cashmere come from?
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The cashmere goat.
Cashmere, renowned for its softness, warmth, and luxurious feel, comes from the cashmere goat. These goats are special breeds, known for their long, fine undercoat of hair. They are primarily found in regions with extreme weather conditions such as Mongolia, China, India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey.
The process of collecting the precious cashmere fibers involves combing the goat’s undercoat to separate the soft, downy fibers from the coarser outer coat. This combing process usually takes place in spring when the goats naturally shed their winter coat. Unlike shearing sheep for wool, which can be done swiftly with electric clippers, obtaining cashmere is a labor-intensive process, which contributes to its higher price.
Each goat only produces a small amount of cashmere per year, typically around 150 grams once the coarse hair is removed. It takes the annual yield from several goats just to create a single sweater, another factor contributing to cashmere’s luxurious status.
Once collected, the raw cashmere fiber is cleaned, dyed, and spun into yarn. It can then be woven or knitted into a variety of garments such as sweaters, scarves, and coats. Its remarkable softness, insulating properties, and durability make cashmere a highly sought-after material in the textile and fashion industry.
