Tucked away in Central Asia, Mongolia is known for its rich traditions and stunning land. But there’s something else this incredible country is known for; its luxurious Mongolian cashmere. If you’re into fashion or just love a comfortable, high-quality piece, you’ve probably already heard of this.
Mongolian cashmere stands out for being incredibly soft, warm, and long-lasting, making it a favorite for those who appreciate high-end clothing and accessories. But there’s more to it than just the fabric. It’s a story of deep-rooted traditions, skilled craftsmanship, and sustainability; all of which make Mongolian cashmere truly unique.
What Makes Mongolian Cashmere Special?
Mongolian cashmere is truly amazing, thanks to the tough yet beautiful environment it comes from. The Gobi Desert, which stretches across much of Mongolia, creates just the right conditions for producing some of the finest cashmere fibers in the world. With its extreme changes in temperature. From hot summers to freezing cold winters; the Mongolian goats grow a super-soft undercoat to protect themselves from the harsh climate.
This undercoat is collected by hand, with great care taken to select only the best fibers. The result? A cashmere that’s not only luxuriously soft and lightweight but also strong enough to handle everyday use without losing its beauty.
Is Mongolian Cashmere Good Quality?
When it comes to the quality of Mongolian cashmere, the answer is a definite yes. Mongolian cashmere is regarded as some of the finest in the world, thanks to the unique climatic conditions and traditional production methods that have been used over centuries.
Mongolian cashmere goats are raised with a focus on producing top-quality fiber, not just large quantities. This careful approach means the cashmere they produce is incredibly fine, with fibers measuring just 15-19 microns in diameter. For comparison, most other types of cashmere range from 19-24 microns, making Mongolian cashmere noticeably softer and more luxurious.
The process of turning these fibers into cashmere products is done with great attention to detail. From processing to spinning, every step is carefully handled to preserve the natural beauty and strength of the fiber. This results in cashmere that not only feels amazingly soft but is also strong and long-lasting, giving you the best of both worlds.
Benefits of Wearing Mongolian Cashmere
Investing in Mongolian cashmere is good for your comfort and well-being because of the following:
Softness
Mongolian cashmere as mentioned above, is known for its incredible softness, which is achieved through the fine, downy texture of the fibers. This makes it an absolute pleasure to wear, providing a level of comfort that is hard to match.
Exceptional Warmth
It is a natural insulator, and Mongolian cashmere takes this to the next level. The hollow fibers trap air, creating a lightweight yet incredibly warm garment that will keep you comfortable even in the harshest of winters.
Durability
Contrary to popular belief, Mongolian cashmere is not fragile. In fact, it is incredibly durable, and able to withstand regular wear and tear without losing its shape or luster.
Breathability
Mongolian cashmere is a natural, breathable fiber that allows your skin to "breathe," regulating your body temperature and preventing overheating or excessive moisture buildup.
Hypoallergenic
Mongolian cashmere is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
How to Identify Authentic Mongolian Cashmere
As Mongolian cashmere becomes more popular, it’s important to know how to spot the real deal from imitations. Here are some key things to look for when identifying authentic Mongolian cashmere:
- Fiber Diameter: As mentioned earlier, true Mongolian cashmere has an average fiber diameter of 15-19 microns. Anything outside of this range is likely not genuine.
- Fiber Length: Mongolian cashmere fibers are typically longer than 32 millimeters, which contributes to their exceptional strength and durability.
- Color: Authentic Mongolian cashmere comes in a range of natural colors, including white, gray, beige, and brown. Bright, unnatural colors may be a sign of a synthetic blend.
- Texture: Genuine Mongolian cashmere has a silky, smooth texture that is noticeably softer than other types of cashmere or wool.
- Label and Certification: Look for garments or products that are labeled as "100% Mongolian cashmere" and, ideally, come with a certification from a reputable organization like the International Wool Textile Organization (IWTO).
Is Mongolian Cashmere Itchy?
A common myth about Mongolian cashmere is that it can feel itchy or irritating on the skin. In reality, high-quality Mongolian cashmere is incredibly soft, with fine fibers that are far less likely to cause irritation compared to coarser wool or synthetic materials.
That being said, some people might still experience slight discomfort due to personal skin sensitivities, especially if the cashmere isn't cared for properly. To avoid this, it’s important to choose well-made, well-fitting cashmere pieces and follow care instructions carefully to keep the fabric soft and gentle against the skin.
Caring for Your Mongolian Cashmere Garments
Proper care and maintenance are essential for preserving the luxurious quality and longevity of your Mongolian cashmere garments. Here are some tips to keep your Mongolian cashmere looking and feeling its best:
- Washing: Wash your Mongolian cashmere items by hand in cool water using a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid using hot water, which can cause the fibers to felt and lose their softness.
- Drying: Lay your Mongolian cashmere items flat to air dry, or use a low-heat setting in the dryer. Avoid hanging or tumble drying, as this can stretch or distort the fabric.
- Storage: Store your Mongolian cashmere garments in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Fold them neatly or hang them to prevent creasing or stretching.
- Brushing: Use a cashmere comb or lint brush to gently remove any pilling or fuzz that may develop over time, keeping your garments looking fresh and new.
- Professional Cleaning: For a deep clean or if your Mongolian cashmere item is particularly soiled, it's best to take it to a professional dry cleaner who specializes in delicate fabrics.
Where to Buy Mongolian Cashmere
As Mongolian cashmere becomes more popular, you might be wondering where to get your hands on this fiber.
Here are a few great places to find the real deal:
- Specialty Stores: Check out high-end shops that focus on Mongolian cashmere. They usually work directly with producers in Mongolia, so you can trust their authenticity.
- Online: Platforms like thecashemere.co have plenty of Mongolian cashmere options, from sweaters to blankets. Just make sure to read reviews and do a bit of research on the seller before buying.
- Straight from Mongolia: Some Mongolian cashmere brands offer direct sales online, which is an awesome way to get top-quality cashmere at a fair price, right from the source.
- Local Artisans: If you’re lucky, you might find locally made Mongolian cashmere pieces from artisans or small producers. These unique finds are often top-notch and full of character.
Sustainable Practices in Mongolian Cashmere Production
One of the best things about Mongolian cashmere is how committed the industry is to sustainability and protecting the environment. In recent years, they’ve made big moves to adopt eco-friendly practices that help preserve the land and take care of the animals.
Mongolian cashmere producers team up with local herders to make sure the harvesting process is gentle. They use traditional, low-impact shearing methods and manage grazing carefully to avoid overgrazing and soil damage.
On top of that, many cashmere companies in Mongolia are investing in renewable energy like solar and wind to shrink their carbon footprint. They're also coming up with creative ways to recycle cashmere waste, making sure every step of the process is as green as possible.
These practices are part of a broader industry trend toward cashmere sustainability, which you can explore further in our dedicated article.
Enjoy the Luxury of Mongolian Cashmere
Now that you’ve learned about Mongolian cashmere, you can see why it’s such an amazing natural gem. It’s luxury, comfort, and sustainability rolled into one. From its incredible softness and warmth to the rich traditions behind it, Mongolian cashmere is truly something special that belongs in every wardrobe.
Treat yourself to the luxury of Mongolian cashmere and take your style and comfort to the next level. Check out our handpicked collection of cashmere pieces and feel the unbeatable quality for yourself!