Cashmere clothing – coveted not only by the Cashmere Chancellor

At the beginning of his term in office in 1998, Chancellor Gerhard Schröder acquired the less than flattering nickname "Cashmere Chancellor." Intoxicated by his historic success, the telegenic, self-assured, and ambitious Social Democrat had preferred to be photographed in public with Havana cigars and hand-tailored cashmere suits from the renowned Italian fashion house Brioni

 Although Schröder scaled back these extravagances to a more moderate level after criticism from his marketing experts, the image of the upstart was established.

Indeed , cashmere clothing, like almost no other textile, stands for luxury and sophistication. Cashmere, along with wool from camels, yaks, alpacas, vicuñas, musk oxen (qiviut), and Angora goats (mohair), is among the most valuable types of wool in the world.

The rarity of the material and the elaborate production process make cashmere wool a luxury item despite high demand, accounting for only 0.5 percent of global wool production. Yet cashmere wool possesses a number of excellent qualities that offer genuine added value. It's worth learning more about cashmere clothing.

Cashmere goats provide cashmere wool

Cashmere wool, which customers of retailers like the luxury women's fashion brand Princess goes Hollywood can also purchase online, is obtained from the undercoat of the cashmere goat. This breed of goat inhabits the high mountains of the Himalayas and Pamirs, where the goats can be exposed to extreme cold as low as -40°C.

Overall, cashmere wool has six times the heat retention capacity of sheep's wool. Breeders distinguish approximately 20 different breeds of cashmere goats, which exhibit varying compositions of brown, gray, black, and white tones.

The advantages of cashmere wool

The thermal insulation of cashmere wool is not its only advantage, although it is an extremely important one. It arises from the formation of tiny air pockets in the spaces between the fibers and reliably protects against even the harshest winter cold.

Despite its warming properties, cashmere clothing can also be worn in warm conditions because the lustrous natural fabric regulates temperature naturally, has a balancing effect, and is pleasantly breathable, preventing heat buildup. Instead of keeping out the cold, it also keeps out heat, creating a cooling effect.

Cashmere wool can absorb up to 30 percent of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet because the water doesn't penetrate the fibers. Furthermore, the microscopic air pockets contribute to thermoregulation, acting like a natural air conditioner. The water-repellent wool wax on the surface prevents water absorption, thus reducing the amount of moisture that can penetrate the garment.

Those who wear cashmere clothing regularly rave about its exceptional feel. Cashmere fibers have a diameter of only 12 to 19 micrometers, while human hair, merino wool, and sheep's wool, in that order, reach values ​​of 30 µm, 16 to 23 µm, and 30 to 50 µm, respectively.

This results in cashmere wool bypassing the human sensitivity threshold of 25 µm, so it feels like a second skin and neither itches nor pills. Cashmere wool is considered the finest animal hair in the world.

Furthermore, cashmere wool feels feather-light due to its low weight, repels dirt and odors, and possesses self-cleaning properties through air drying. Its flexibility offers the advantage that the wool quickly returns to its original state after being creased.

the "fiber of kings," clings elegantly to the body with its softness and exudes a subtle sheen. In terms of appearance, cashmere clothing thus embodies a refined elegance and timeless sophistication.

The disadvantages of cashmere wool

These fantastic qualities come at a price, and customers have to dig deep into their pockets, especially for pure and valuable cashmere wool. An elegant cashmere sweater for women can therefore easily cost hundreds of euros.

Cashmere wool is not considered particularly tear-resistant, can be infested by moths if stored improperly, and lower-quality cashmere tends to pill. Conservationists lament the depletion of grazing land, and animal rights activists criticize the exploitation of the animals, which are not kept in species-appropriate conditions, especially in mass grazing.

Here, customers have the leverage to find out about aspects such as climate efficiency and animal welfare from the manufacturer.

Solveig

Freelance writer in the categories of art (Art Brut), interior design, handicrafts and literature (novels).

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