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This is how much more special cashmere is compared to other wool
By the way, is it cashmere or kashmir?
The word drifted all the way over from distant Asia. Named after the northernmost tip of India, the region of Kashmir. That's why some people also spell it as kashmir. At Backbone, we stick with the internationally recognised spelling: cashmere.
So what exactly is cashmere?
Ask for the Rolls-Royce of fibres and there's only one answer: cashmere. It's a type of wool that grows in the undercoat of the cashmere goat. This delicate goat hair — because that's what it is — allows the animal to survive in the most inhospitable places. Such as the Himalayas, where winters are so cold that even polar bears would go looking for firewood. Even when temperatures drop to around minus thirty degrees, you won't hear these goats complaining.
Want to know more? Read the blog “What is cashmere?”
How we obtain cashmere
Cashmere goats are blessed with not one, but two thick layers of hair. On the surface, a coat of coarse guard hair flows freely. Hidden beneath it lies the precious treasure: an incredibly soft undercoat of the finest hair. Those hairs — especially those from the underside of the belly — that's cashmere. In spring, farmers comb or shear the goats. The long, gossamer-thin hairs are then woven into the softest, most luxurious yarns. Mostly used to make garments, such as the scarves from Backbone. They last an exceptionally long time, but… they come with a price tag.
Why is cashmere more exclusive than other wool?
Only 0.5% of the world's total wool production is cashmere. This is because a cashmere goat produces only a very small amount of usable cashmere per year. To put it in perspective: from an ordinary sheep you can easily get three kilos of usable wool per year, and all of the sheep's wool is usable. From the highly prized undercoat of the cashmere goat, however, only a small portion is usable — and it must be harvested with the utmost care. Once you remove the grease, dirt and coarse hairs, what are you left with? A small bundle of wool, roughly enough to knit a pair of socks.
What makes cashmere better than other wool?
There are plenty of beautiful types of wool, but in terms of quality, cashmere leaves them all far behind. With cashmere, you're guaranteed insulation that is three times better than sheep's wool. The fibres are also more delicate: longer, finer and lighter — and so is the end product. Thanks to its unique fibre structure, it's a material from which you can make virtually anything a designer's heart desires. From robust and coarse to gossamer-fine, as delicate as spun sugar. Our featherlight collection is a beautiful example of the latter.
Even more to love about cashmere
Even fibres comparable to cashmere don't offer as many possibilities in terms of processing. Due to cashmere's structure, this wool doesn't itch. Its cuddle factor is irresistibly high. Not surprising — cashmere is known as one of the softest fibres in the world. Where wool tends to pill quickly, the risk is much lower with good-quality cashmere made from long fibres. Cashmere is sometimes combined with other fine fibres, such as merino wool or silk. This makes the material stronger while remaining equally soft to the touch.
The price tag on cashmere
How do you get your hands on a scarf, hat or jumper made from real cashmere without spending a fortune? The answer is simple: you don't. A sweater of pure cashmere quality will easily set you back 800 to 1,000 euros at the till. If you come across a jumper or scarf on your bargain hunt that's priced similarly to a less exclusive wool? Well, then it probably is just that. Or, as also happens, it's inferior-quality cashmere because the fibres have been blended with polyester or nylon. Or worse still, blended with animal hair you didn't even know could be used — we're talking cat or rat (no, we are not kidding).
“There is no such thing as cheap cashmere.”
Cashmere is a sustainable choice
Real cashmere is an extraordinarily exclusive material that lasts a long time and retains its value. Even the most affordable genuine cashmere is still twice the price of ordinary sheep's wool. Keep this in mind: There is no such thing as cheap cashmere.
A scarf like those from Backbone, for example, is something our customers often keep for life. So when you look at it that way, is it really expensive? Not at all — sustainable is the word!
Discover how sustainable Backbone cashmere is in our blog about “sustainable cashmere”
Read Also
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Four ways to wear your cashmere scarf in summer
1. Wonderfully wrapped:cashmere as a wrap
Summer! As soon as the sun is in the sky, we celebrate everything there is to celebrate: outdoors!Picnicking with the kids, barbecuing in the garden, or dancing at a beach party.Unfortunately, as the evening sets in, not only does the sun go down — so does the temperature.Perfect for this is the large cashmere scarf, a generous two metres long and seventy centimetres wide, which you can wrap yourself in completely during those late-night hours.
Cashmere is insulating, making your wrap feel as though it has magical powers.Drape your scarf over your shoulders or across your legs in time. This way you keep the warmth of the sun's rays captured for hours. Because the large cashmere scarf is still lightweight, it's ideal to take on holiday. Choose one in a cheerful, vibrant colour and blend right into Mediterranean or tropical vibes. How stunning is the Blushing Pink ?
Recommended as a wrap: large cashmere scarf 200 x 70 cm
2. The elegant cashmere stole
Are you wearing a sleeveless or strapless dress to a ceremony or formal occasion? As feminine as it is, at formal gatherings or in a church it's more appropriate to cover your shoulders. It's a truly classy choice to use a scarf from the featherlight collection as a stole. These have no fringe at the ends and the fabric is slightly sheer: sexy and festive!
The delicate fabric drapes elegantly around your shoulders. For weddings, pastel shades such as featherlight nude, featherlight brown or featherlight terra are favourites. THE biggest benefit for you: with a cashmere stole you'll never be shivering or sweating. Even if that romantic castle turns out to be a touch too chilly, you'll keep smiling radiantly.
Tuck your stole away safely during the reception that follows. Tip: use the dustbag, which we include free with your order, as a protective (inner) bag. Trust us — you'll thank yourself forever for it, if someone next to you — just to name something — knocks over a glass of red wine…
Recommended as a summer cashmere stole: featherlight collection 230 x 100 cm
3. Cashmere on your head
Yes indeed, in summer we happily wear wool on our heads. It protects your head and hair from the blazing sun, from blowing dust and sand. Too warm? On the contrary! Cashmere wool breathes. The fine fibres wick away moisture, keeping your head feeling cool.
Those same fibres are also absorbent. So wear your cashmere scarf as a bandana, loosely around your head with a simple knot at the back. Let the ends flutter playfully down your back, together with your loose hair.
Do you prefer to put your hair up, or do you have short hair? Then you might be the 'turban type'. Here you tie the ends of the scarf at the front and tuck the loose ends away creatively. Did you know that among devoted turban wearers, quite a bit of cheating goes on with a volumizer cap? It makes it look as though you have an enormous head of hair hidden under your scarf…
Cashmere is a favourite among Muslim women who wear headscarves. Optionally combined with an undercap, the sheer featherlight scarves create an enchanting, Ibiza-like effect.
Always keep in mind: however strong and long the cashmere fibres are, too much fiddling won't do your scarf any favours. And pins in your scarf are definitely not our thing. Instead, use clothing magnets. Click, and your creation is complete!
Recommended as a bandana or turban: small cashmere scarf 180 x 30 cmRecommended as a headscarf: featherlight collection 230 x 100 cm
4. Layering is living — cashmere scarf becomes a poncho
Honestly, many Dutch summer days are rather unpredictable. One moment there's a splash of rain, the next a cloud drifts in front of the sun… We call those 'layering days'. In the morning the cashmere scarf works as a summer poncho so you don't arrive at your destination shivering on your bike. If you're having lunch outside in your crop top in the afternoon, you can transform your cashmere scarf into a matching bandana top in no time.
How does that work in terms of colours? We prefer tone on tone. This means every item you wear has the same colour tone, even if the exact shade differs slightly. We often spot Queen Máxima doing the same. If you go for light tones, combine them with the large cashmere scarf in pearl white or silk/cashmere ivory. This gives you a summery layered look with ultimate comfort.
How lovely that your cashmere scarf, floating loosely over your top, creates a polished look at the office. That extra layer is also ideal when the air conditioning is a touch too cold. Is it five o'clock? Then head straight to the terrace and tuck your scarf away (in that handy dustbag, of course) in your bag. Because the material is so thin, it takes up far less space than, say, a summer jacket.
Recommended as a poncho: silk/cashmere collection 193 x 66 cm and large cashmere scarf 200 x 70 cm
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Do you automatically think of winter when you think of cashmere? You don't have to! Cashmere scarves can also be a wonderful addition to your wardrobe in summer. Here are a few reasons why and how you can wear a cashmere scarf in summer to combine both style and comfort.
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Have you ever seen a sheep or a goat washing itself with shampoo? The very idea! It's rather amusing that humans are the only 'animals' that use soap products. We've become so accustomed to it that we only consider something clean if a cleaning product has been involved. We'd like to gently change that idea: the very best thing for your cashmere scarf is not to wash it. Not with water, not with soap — ideally not at all! Cashmere is a natural product. The goat hair is naturally resistant to grease and water.
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Sustainable and cashmere are two words you don't often hear together. Yet at Backbone, they play a crucial role. Here's why.
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Cashmere is a luxury type of wool that features prominently in the collections of Backbone, both in winter and in summer. It's important to understand what cashmere is and why it is more expensive than sheep's wool.