Cashmere Unwrapped: Your Quick Guide to Soft, Lasting Luxury!

ARI Cashmere is Sourced with Pride from Todd & Duncan in Scotland

The Scottish cashmere journey begins with goats—not Scottish ones, but resilient mountain dwellers from the Gobi Desert, thriving in harsh conditions.

These goats grow thick coats with coarse outer guard hair and a fine, soft undercoat. Meticulously selecting only the finest fiber, the emphasis is on the white, downy undercoat that runs from throat to belly.

This yields a precious amount: one goat's fiber for a scarf, three for a sweater.

Traditionally, farmers ceremonially combed goats in spring to collect cashmere. Combing persists today, complemented by some who opt for shearing.

Investing in quality cashmere pays off with enduring style, maintaining shape and quality over time. Indulge in the Allure of Cashmere: Once Touched, Forever Spoiled. Elevate Your Sensory Experience – Normal Wool Will Simply Pale in Comparison

Cashmere surpasses wool in several aspects:

  1. Warmth: Cashmere provides three times greater insulation than wool (up to eight times for premium cashmere), maintaining optimal body temperature for warmth without overheating.

  2. Softness: Cashmere fibers are exceptionally small, resulting in an incredibly fine texture—making it the softest among all yarns.

  3. No Itchiness: With a higher fiber density compared to wool, cashmere avoids the scratchy texture, offering comfort when worn directly on the skin or touched.

  4. Lightness: Despite its insulation properties, cashmere jumpers can be lighter than wool while still effectively regulating body temperature.

  5. Shape Resilience: High-quality cashmere, when washed correctly, resists shrinking and maintains its shape better than wool over time.

  6. Durability: Premium cashmere jumpers can endure up to 10 years with proper care, with some individuals wearing pieces passed down from their grandparents.

  7. Pilling: While pilling is inevitable due to shorter fibers, it occurs less frequently in expensive cashmere. Normal pilling diminishes after the initial washes and is easily removable with a cashmere comb, shaving machines, or by hand.

  8. Care: Due to shorter and thinner fibers, following washing instructions is crucial to preserve the integrity of cashmere garments and prevent damage.Here are washing, drying, and maintenance tips for cashmere garments:

Washing:

  • Cashmere can be washed in water, either by hand or in a washing machine.
  • Hand-wash with cool water (30°C), turning the garment inside out.
  • Use a delicate detergent or a specialized cashmere wool wash with a softener. Baby shampoo can also be used for extra softness.
  • Avoid bleach.
  • If using a washing machine, select the hand-wash cycle with cool water and a short duration (no more than 30 minutes). Spin dry but promptly remove the garment afterward.
  • Dry-cleaning with delicate detergent is also acceptable.

 Drying and Ironing:

  • Gently press excess water out with a towel; do not wring the garment.
  • Lay damp cashmere flat on a surface, stretching it to its original shape.
  • Avoid hanging cashmere to dry to prevent stretching.
  • Let it air dry at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
  • Iron at low temperature with a pressing cloth as a divider; never iron directly on the fabric.

Maintenance and Storage:

  • Fold cashmere garments instead of hanging to prevent stretching.
  • Store in a dust bag or sealable container with lavender or mothballs for extended periods of non-use.
  • Remove pilling with a cashmere comb or shaving machine after washing and drying, never on wet or damp fabric.
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    For over 20 years, we've woven the warmth and luxury of cashmere into our everyday outerwear collections, making comfort and style a staple in your wardrobe