What Is Cashmere? Cashmere Fibre, Softness and Blends Explained

In short: Cashmere is a natural fibre from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, prized for being exceptionally soft, light and warm for its weight. Our knits range from 100% cashmere to blends with extra fine merino wool.

There's a reason cashmere feels like a warm hug. Pull on a cashmere knit on a cool evening and it settles around you, light as air yet beautifully warm, and soft enough to wear right against your skin. So what is cashmere, why does it feel so special, and how do cashmere blends compare with pure cashmere? Here we gently explain the fibre, its softness and warmth, the blends in our own cashmere knitwear, and how to care for every piece so it stays perfect for many winters to come.

What is cashmere made from?

Cashmere is a natural fibre that comes from the soft, downy undercoat of cashmere goats. Beneath their coarser outer hair, these goats grow a fine layer of fleece that keeps them warm through cold mountain winters. As the weather warms in spring, they naturally shed this undercoat, and it's gathered by combing or shearing, then cleaned and sorted so only the soft down remains.

Those fine fibres are spun into yarn and knitted into jumpers, cardigans and knit tops. So when people ask "is cashmere wool?", the answer is yes, in the broad sense: it's an animal hair fibre, like sheep's wool, but it comes from a different animal and feels quite different.

Why is cashmere so soft?

It all comes down to the fineness of the fibre. Cashmere fibres are very fine, so they bend softly against your skin rather than pressing into it. That's what gives cashmere its famous cloud-like hand feel, and why a good cashmere knit can be worn without a layer underneath.

Cashmere is also considered non-allergenic, so it's a lovely choice if your skin is sensitive to other fibres.

Cashmere also has a gentle loft. The fibres trap tiny pockets of air, which is what makes a cashmere knit feel both light and cosy at once.

Is cashmere warm?

Yes. Cashmere is wonderfully warm for its weight, which is why a fine cashmere knit can keep you cosy without bulk. That makes it perfect for layering: a light knit over a linen dress on an autumn afternoon, or tucked into linen pants as the evening cools.

Like all natural fibres, cashmere also breathes, so it's comfortable as you move from a crisp morning outdoors into a warm café.

Cashmere vs merino wool: what's the difference?

Both are natural animal fibres, and both are soft, warm and breathable. The difference is in their character:

• Cashmere comes from goats. It's exceptionally soft and lofty, with a buttery, cloud-like feel.
• Merino wool comes from merino sheep. Extra fine merino is soft too, with a little more spring and bounce, which helps knits hold their shape.

Many people find cashmere feels a touch warmer and softer for its weight, while merino is a little more resilient for everyday wear. Neither is better; it's about the feel you love. Our guide to extra fine merino wool explains merino in more detail.

Cashmere blends: why mix cashmere and merino?

Blending cashmere with extra fine merino brings together the best of both: cashmere's softness and warmth, with merino's spring and shape. It also makes a cashmere-soft knit easier to live with every day. In our range, the blend is always written clearly on each care label:

• 100% cashmere: our MIRI cashmere knit is pure cashmere, made with up to 60% recycled cashmere, light on weight and generous on warmth, made for layering over dresses, skirts and pants.
• 70% cashmere, 30% extra fine merino wool: LUMI in Ivory and Olive, with needle design details at the neckline and a relaxed body shape.
• 30% cashmere, 70% extra fine merino wool: our JUNE knit, with its chunky neckline and back split on the hem; EMMA, with its collar design; and KAIDA, with functional neckline buttons and pointelle darts.

Whatever the blend, you'll feel that softness the moment you slip it on. Discover all our women's cashmere tops and jumpers.

Why is cashmere more expensive than wool?

Each cashmere goat grows only a small amount of fine undercoat each year, and it must be gathered, cleaned and sorted by hand-guided processes before it can be spun. Far less fibre comes from each animal than from a sheep's fleece, which is why cashmere is so treasured, and why a cashmere blend can be a lovely way to enjoy its softness in an everyday knit.

Does cashmere pill?

All soft knits can form small bobbles (pills) where they rub, such as under the arms or where a bag strap sits. It's a natural part of wearing a soft, fine fibre, and it doesn't mean a knit is poorly made. Simply remove pills gently with a cashmere comb or fabric shaver, laying the knit flat as you go. Pilling often settles after the first few wears and washes.

How to wash and care for cashmere

Cashmere asks for a gentle touch, and every LILLY PILLY knit carries its own care label. Most of our cashmere and cashmere blend labels read:

• Hand wash cold, separately, with a gentle wool wash.
• Do not wring or twist. Press the water out gently, or roll the knit in a towel.
• Reshape and lay flat to dry, in the shade rather than hot, direct sun, which can fade colours.
• Do not bleach, and low or cool iron only if needed.
• Dry cleaning is optional on most of our knits.

Between wears, fold your knits rather than hanging them, so their shoulders keep their shape, and let them rest a day between wears. Store them clean and folded in a breathable bag through the warmer months.

How to style cashmere

Cashmere is the softest way to carry your favourite summer pieces into the cooler months. Layer a fine knit over a slip dress, pair it with a linen skirt and sandals, or wear it with linen pants for an easy weekend look. Over a linen shirt it's beautifully relaxed, and with a silk cami underneath it feels quietly luxurious. Explore all our knitwear and cardigans.

Cashmere FAQs

What is cashmere made from?

The soft undercoat of cashmere goats, gathered as they shed it in spring, then cleaned and spun into yarn.

Is cashmere non-allergenic?

Cashmere is considered non-allergenic, and its fine, soft fibres feel gentle against the skin.

Do you use recycled cashmere?

Yes. Our 100% cashmere styles, like MIRI, are made with up to 60% recycled cashmere.

Is cashmere warmer than merino wool?

Many people find cashmere feels warmer and softer for its weight, while merino is a little more resilient. Both are warm, breathable natural fibres.

What is a cashmere blend?

Cashmere spun together with another fibre. Our blends pair cashmere with extra fine merino wool, and each label shows the exact mix.

Does cashmere pill?

Soft knits can pill where they rub. Remove pills gently with a cashmere comb; it often settles after the first few wears.

How do I wash a cashmere jumper?

Hand wash cold and separately, don't wring or twist, then reshape and lay flat to dry in the shade. Always follow the label on your knit.

Can I wear cashmere in Australia?

Yes. A fine cashmere or cashmere blend knit is lovely on cool mornings and evenings, and layers easily over summer linen.