Purchasing cashmere is an investment, so it’s essential to ensure you’re getting the real thing. Genuine cashmere is prized for its softness, warmth, and durability, but the increase in demand means there are plenty of counterfeit and low-quality options in the market. Here’s a guide to help you identify real cashmere:
1. Check the Label
Pay attention to the tag. Authentic cashmere is usually labeled as “100% Cashmere” or “Pure Cashmere.” Terms like “cashmere feel” or “cashmere blend” often indicate it’s mixed with other fabrics or isn’t cashmere at all. Reputable brands are more likely to be transparent about their materials.
2. Feel the Fabric
Cashmere should feel luxuriously soft to the touch. However, overly smooth cashmere can be a red flag. Fake or low-quality cashmere often feels slick due to added synthetic fibers. Real cashmere has a soft, warm, and slightly grainy texture when new, which improves over time.
3. Look for Pilling
While cashmere can pill with wear in areas of friction, authentic cashmere typically pills less than synthetic blends. Before purchasing, gently rub the fabric to see how much pilling occurs. Excessive pilling may indicate a lower-quality material.
4. Perform the Stretch Test
Gently stretch the fabric. Authentic cashmere will retain its original shape once released, thanks to its durable fibers. Imitations with synthetic blends may stretch out or feel less elastic.
5. Check for Lightweight Warmth
Cashmere is known for being warm yet extremely lightweight. If the fabric feels overly heavy for its thickness, it could include synthetic fibers or lower-quality wool mixed in.
6. Inspect the Weave
Cashmere should have a tight, even weave. Poor-quality imitations may show inconsistencies, loose threads, or uneven patterns. Hold it against the light to see if the density looks uniform.
7. Ask About the Source
Cashmere is made from the undercoat of cashmere goats, often sourced from regions like Mongolia, China, or Nepal. If possible, ask the retailer about their cashmere’s origin to ensure its authenticity.
8. Perform the Price Check
While real cashmere doesn’t need to break the bank, it’s rarely cheap. Extremely low prices are often a red flag that the material may not be genuine. Quality cashmere is a premium product, and the price will often reflect that.
9. Conduct a Burn Test (only if you own the item!)
If you already own the fabric and want to test its authenticity, snip a tiny piece from an inside seam (if safe to do so) and burn it. Genuine cashmere will burn slowly, smell like burnt hair, and leave a brittle ash. Synthetic fabrics tend to melt, smell like plastic, and leave a hard residue.
By following these steps, you’ll be better equipped to identify whether you’re dealing with genuine cashmere or a knockoff. Always prioritize quality over bargains—real cashmere is an investment that will keep you warm for years to come!