While cashmere is undoubtedly exquisite, several factors contribute to its high price.
1. Limited Supply
Each cashmere goat produces only about 4-6 ounces of usable fiber per year. To put this into perspective, it takes the fleece of at least two to three goats to make a single sweater. This limited production makes cashmere a rare and sought-after commodity.
2. Labor-Intensive Production Process
Harvesting cashmere is a meticulous and time-consuming process. The soft undercoat is hand-combed during the spring molting season when the goats naturally shed. This ensures the highest quality fibers are collected without causing harm to the animal. Post-harvest, the raw cashmere is cleaned, sorted, dyed, and woven into textiles—all of which require skilled artisans to produce the luxurious finished product.
3. Quality Control
Not all cashmere is created equal. The fiber’s quality is determined by its length, fineness, and softness. Longer, finer fibers result in garments that are smoother, less prone to pilling, and more durable. The effort to sort and ensure only the finest quality cashmere fibers are used adds to the cost.
4. Geographic and Environmental Factors
Cashmere goats thrive in harsh climates, such as the cold desert regions of Mongolia and China. Their soft undercoat grows as a natural response to the bitter winters, and the challenging conditions for raising and maintaining these herds further contribute to the scarcity of this fiber.
5. Sustainability and Ethical Practices
With a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical production, many cashmere producers are moving toward responsible sourcing practices. This includes ensuring humane treatment of goats, using eco-friendly dyes, and supporting local herding communities. While this shift is important, it does result in higher costs compared to mass-produced alternatives.