What Does Cashmere Feel Like? Does Cashmere Make You Itch?
The softness and warmth of cashmere is renowned worldwide; it's truly one of the most luxurious fabrics. Its light weight, breathability, and insulation make it a popular choice for garments, blankets, and more. What contributes to its signature feel? What does it feel like and what makes it feel the way it does. The natural fibers are incredibly fine therefore giving cashmere its signature softness while the yarn is tightly spun, trapping in warmth and providing insulation.
In order to get an idea of what cashmere feels like, we must first look into its production. Contrary to popular belief, this fiber is not exclusively made in Italy.
The cashmere goats of Mongolia and China have developed a double fleece as a means of adapting to the frigid climate of the two countries. This fleece is the source of the luxurious and sought-after material known as cashmere although, Inner Mongolia goats provides superior quality fibers.
What does cashmere feel like? Cashmere is renowned for its luxurious softness and warmth. Made from the extremely fine hairs of the undercoat of the Capra hircus goat, cashmere provides superior insulation against cold temperatures and moisture while feeling incredibly smooth on the skin. This combination of insulation and comfort has made cashmere the preferred material for high-end knitwear.
Not all cashmere are created equally but if you are lucky enough to come across one made from the goats of Inner Mongolia, you won't be disappointed. These goats are blessed with the longest, thinnest and softest hairs, thanks to the extreme winter conditions in their country. Their coats/under fleece create cashmere that is incomparably warm and soft, making it as luxurious to wear.
Cashmere 101- Here are the questions we will answer today:
- Is Cashmere Soft or Itchy?
- Does Cashmere Make You Itch?
- Why is Cashmere So Itchy?
- Does Cashmere Get Softer?
- How do You Make Cashmere Less Itchy?
- How Can You Tell Real Cashmere?
- Can You be Allergic to Cashmere?
Is Cashmere Soft or Itchy?
Cashmere is renowned and known for its softness. Not only do the cashmere fibers that make up this fabric have an incredibly small diameter (less than 15.5 microns for the best quality cashmere), but their rough texture also contributes to its plushness.
It's surprising, but those long, fine hairs are full of roughs that hold the fibers together and ensure that none of them stick out and irritate the skin. In comparison, straight fibers like angora are much more likely to irritate the skin. It's amazing how much difference a few roughs can make!
Does Cashmere Make You Itch?
Cashmere is very soft and luxurious. It’s designed to make you feel like you are on cloud 9. It’s not itchy.
Cashmere is very soft and luxurious. It provides a cozy and soft feeling when wearing it. It’s perfect for creating a regal look. Unlike some other fabrics, it won't cause any itchy discomfort.
If you are experiencing intense itching from your supposedly 100% cashmere sweater then be prepared for some unfortunate news. This is not likely to be genuine high-quality cashmere fabric. Quality 100% cashmere does not itch or scratch your skin.
Although a garment may come with a "Made from Cashmere" label, there is no guarantee that it contains 100% cashmere. Often, cashmere is blended with other cheaper fibers to reduce the price. If this is the case, you may experience itching or scratching--but this is not caused by the cashmere itself. All Grade A will be labeled as such. If it’s not labeled as Grade A, then it’s blended.
Why is Cashmere So Itchy?
The thinking that cashmere is itchy is not accurate. The fabric itself is not the problem, but the way it was produced. The notion that cashmere is itchy is entirely false. As a testament, even the most sensitive skin of a newborn should not have any type of reaction when swaddled in a cashmere shawl. If you find that cashmere clothing is making you itch, it is likely due to an issue with how the fabric was made. Take this as a warning sign and take the necessary steps to ensure your garments are comfortable.
Many companies combine cashmere with lower quality materials in order to make it more affordable. This has made the fiber much more accessible, however it has also hurt its reputation as the most comfortable and non-irritating fabric available.
How can you tell if cashmere is real or fake?
You can easily tell if a cashmere garment is genuine or fake, but one tell-tale sign is if it’s making you itchy or scratchy. If you experience this, it's not real cashmere. We'll look at more ways to tell the difference soon.
Does Cashmere Get Softer after a while?
Does cashmere get softer with time? Yes, it does. Cashmere does indeed get softer with age. The fibers of the wool break down over time and become even more luxurious and soft. With proper care and maintenance, cashmere items can last for years and become even more comfortable and luxurious as they age. So, while it may not be quite as romantic as a fine wine or a beautiful woman, cashmere definitely gets better with age.
When you purchase an item of cashmere clothing from the store, it should be incredibly soft and comfortable against your skin. If, however, it is causing any irritation, you should examine the label to ensure it is indeed made from 100% cashmere. If not, you need to return it. Cashmere is a fabric renowned for its softness and luxurious feel, which only grows softer with time, making it a worthwhile investment.
Beware of clothing manufacturers who use chemical additives and softeners to speed up the softening process for cashmere before releasing it for sale.
Cashmere will become softer over time if given the chance to do so naturally. Forcing the process can reduce the longevity of the fabric. When selecting a cashmere item, make sure it is soft to the touch, but not too soft as this could indicate it has been treated by artificial means.
How do You Make Cashmere Less Itchy?
How do you make cashmere less itchy? You need to buy 100% cashmere and not blended materials. To reduce itchiness, look for cashmere that has been carefully brushed or ‘fuzzed’ to raise the fibers. This increases the air pockets that provide insulation, and reduces the amount of direct contact between the fibers and your skin. It’s also a good idea to purchase a garment that has been garment-washed. This process gently softens the fibers, making them less itchy. Additionally, you can choose to machine-wash your cashmere on a gentle cycle in cold water, and use a mild detergent or cashmere shampoo. Tumble-drying on a low heat can also help to soften the fibers.
If you've purchased a cashmere item that has been blended with other materials, it is likely that these materials are causing the uncomfortable itching and scratching sensation. Fortunately, this issue can easily be remedied. Discover a handful of insider tips and tricks, and that irritatingly scratchy sweater will transform into a blissful itch-free garment.
The White Vinegar and Water Method
This is an easy way to make a scratchy garment more comfortable, and it only takes a few common household items.
- Step 1- To soften a garment, start by filling a large bucket or basin with cold water. Stir in 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to the water. Ensure the bucket or basin is deep enough to hold the garment comfortably.
- Step 2-Turn the garment inside out and submerge it in the bucket. Use a weight to hold it under the water if any sections rise to the top. Make sure the entire garment is completely covered.
- Step 3 - Allow the vinegar to penetrate the wool fibers. Do not scrub or disturb the garment as it soaks; even if the cashmere content is low, cashmere does not respond well to rough handling, especially when wet.
- Step 4 - After 15 minutes, take the garment out of the bucket and rinse it with cool water. Place the garment on an old towel, and roll it up to help get rid of any extra water. DO NOT hang the garment up to dry. You need to lay it flat to air dry. By laying it flat to air dry, the garment will maintain its shape.
The Hair Conditioner Method
Did you assume that your hair conditioner was only good for making your hair smoother? Think again! It can also be used to soften up any itchy or scratchy fibers on woolen garments.
- Step 1 - Follow the washing instructions for the garment and make sure not to let it dry completely. Keep it slightly damp for the next step.
- Step 2 - Take a dollop of hair conditioner (without silicones or sulfates) and spread it evenly over the fibers of the garment.
- Step 3 - Allow the conditioner to sit for 30 minutes, which helps soften the pokey, itchy fibers. Be mindful of the time and do not let the conditioner remain on the garment for too long, as it could dry out the garment.
- Step 4 - Rinse the fabric under cool water, making sure no traces of the conditioner remain. With a towel, remove any excess water, and then hang the garment up to air dry.
How Can You Tell Real Cashmere?
Real cashmere and fake imitations may seem alike when seen on a hanger, yet once you have worn genuine cashmere you won't ever confuse it with any other fabric. If the cashmere feels scratchy or itchy against your skin, take it as a warning sign - even if it's become softer over time. It should never cause any discomfort.
If you're unsure if a cashmere garment is genuine or if it's worth the hype the salesperson is giving it, use these tips to verify it.
The Stretch test
To test the quality of cashmere, simply stretch the fabric and release it. If it bounces back instantly, you’ve got a good piece of cashmere. If it stays stretched, it’s not of the best quality and you should consider returning it. For best results, try this test in a changing room or another private area.
Look Through it/ New Paper test
When selecting a quality cashmere fabric, hold it up to a light source and give it a gentle stretch. If you can make out what’s on the other side, it's not a good quality and you should put it back on the rack. However, if the knit is so tight that you can only see the fabric itself, you have found yourself a winner.
The Rub test
Cashmere made from the finest fibers, which tend to be the longest, is resistant to pilling for a longer period of time compared to other types of cashmere. Over time, however, all cashmere will eventually pill. To assess the quality of the garment, lightly run your fingers over its surface. If you notice any small, fuzzy balls forming on the material, this indicates that the fibers used are of the shorter, lower quality variety.
Check for Softness
If you desire a garment that will last for years while maintaining its look and quality, invest in a top-notch cashmere. The best quality is crafted from the extremely thin and long hair taken from the underbelly of a cashmere goat. If you admire the fluffy, plush texture of a cashmere garment when it is caught in the light, it is best to put it back on the rack. Cashmere with shorter hairs is softer but will pill and wear out faster than a garment made of longer hairs.
Check the Price tag
No matter the style or color, all cashmere garments share one common trait: their cost. From bright hues to classic neutrals, cashmere comes in an array of options - but regardless of the selection, the price remains the same.
No matter how you view it, cashmere is expensive (and when you think of the fact that it takes four goats to make one cashmere sweater, it's easier to comprehend why). Don't be fooled by rock-bottom prices on seemingly-authentic cashmere items. If the deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. The "real" label could be misleading - there might be some hidden factor that explains why the item is so inexpensive. Shop carefully and don't let yourself get taken advantage of.
The Roll test
To determine if a garment is made of high-quality cashmere, roll it into a ball. If it emerges from the experience wrinkle-free, it's a strong indication that the fibers are of a superior quality. However, if the fabric is full of creases after being rolled, it's probably not genuine high-quality.
Ask for verified poof
If a sales assistant claims a sweater is made of the finest cashmere, request proof in the form of a certificate before believing them. They may say anything to get a commission so it is important to be vigilant.
When purchasing high-quality cashmere items, it is important to look for a test certificate. This certificate should state the mean fiber diameter, which should be as low as possible, ideally 15 microns or less. Additionally, the certificate should indicate the percentage of coarse hair present, with an ideal rate of less than 2%.
Can you be Allergic to Cashmere?
Can you be allergic to cashmere? No, you cannot be allergic to it. It is naturally hypoallergenic and those who may feel a reaction to it are likely experiencing an issue with the other fibers of the blend, not the cashmere itself. Cashmere is known for being an expensive fabric but it is not to blame when someone has an allergic reaction. Only in very, very rare cases would someone experience an allergy to it.
