Cashmere

Despite the glamour associated with cashmere, it hails from humble beginnings.Cashmereis the wool or fur of the Kashmir goat.
 * Cashmere **

Kashmir goats are primarily raised inMongolia, but many are bred inIran,Tibet,IndiaandChina.

American herders have also joined the international cashmere production market in recent years.

Cashmereis harvested from the goats during their annual moulting season through the shedding or the shearing of their down.

In the frigid high desert climates where most of the goats are raised, the dense inner coat guards against harsh winter weather, but once seasons change, goats begin to lose the protective layer of down.

The finest cashmere comes from the underbelly and throat of the goats, but a lesser grade is also taken from the goats' legs and backs.

Longer fibres from the belly and throat area make the wool especially soft and cause less "pilling" when the fibres are woven into garments such as sweaters, shawls, capes, dresses, and coats for both men and women.

The shorter fibres from the backs and legs are heavier and less expensive, making it easier to afford a luxury garment.Cashmerecomes naturally in white, grey and brown, but the wool is easily dyed.

Garments made of cashmere were once only available to royalty because the rarity of the wool increased its value.

Napoleon is said to have popularized the use of cashmere as shawls or wraps when he gave his second wife, Empress Eugenie, seventeen of them.

The "original sweater girl," Lana Turner, created a phenomenon when she wore a tight cashmere sweater in a 1937 film called, They Won't Forget.

Woven garments made of cashmere must be dry cleaned, but knitted articles may be hand washed.


 * Note :-**

It takes one little goat four years to produce enough wool to make just one cashmere sweater.