Learn about our fabrics & yarns
At Laing, we are selective about the fabrics we use, ensuring they meet the practical needs of each garment while remaining true to our sustainability goals.
Cashmere
Cashmere has been prized for centuries for a simple reason: when you experience exceptional quality, the difference is immediate. Sourced from the ultra-fine undercoat of cashmere goats that roam the high plains of Inner Mongolia, this rare fibre delivers remarkable warmth without weight—soft, breathable and beautifully insulating. It is the foundation of the finest cashmere sweaters, cashmere jumpers and cashmere cardigans, designed to be worn often and kept for years.
At Laing, our approach to cashmere in New Zealand is grounded in transparency and restraint. We work exclusively with A-Grade cashmere, sourced through vertical mills that oversee every stage of production—from fibre selection to spinning the finished yarn. This level of control is essential. A-Grade cashmere fibres measure under 14 microns in diameter, resulting in yarns that feel exceptionally soft against the skin while maintaining strength, shape and longevity over time.
True quality cashmere improves with wear. Our A-Grade cashmere develops a softer, more fluid handle as it’s lived in, creating pieces that feel increasingly personal with time. Naturally hypoallergenic and highly durable, these garments are designed to age beautifully—cashmere sweaters and cardigans that become wardrobe constants rather than seasonal purchases.
This is cashmere as it should be: thoughtfully sourced, meticulously crafted, and made to last. An investment in enduring quality, conscious design, and the quiet confidence that comes from wearing something truly considered.
Merino
Merino wool is prized for its quiet intelligence—the way it instinctively adapts to your body, offering warmth when you need it and breathability when you don’t. This natural responsiveness makes merino knitwear uniquely comfortable, whether layered on a cool morning or worn through a milder afternoon. It’s the reason fine merino remains a cornerstone of a well-considered wardrobe.
Our womens merino knit collection begins with carefully sourced merino wool, chosen for both performance and integrity. Naturally renewable and biodegradable, merino is one of the most responsible fibres available. We enhance it further with a refined “cashfeel” finishing process, creating an exceptionally smooth, soft surface that feels gentle against the skin—bringing a level of comfort often associated with far more delicate fibres.
This elevated yarn is knitted across a range of weights and constructions, from lightweight fine merino styles to more substantial knits designed for warmth and structure. Our merino cardigans and sweaters are crafted to move effortlessly between seasons, offering versatility without compromising on form or finish.
Laing merino knitwear designed for modern women—pieces that balance beauty with function, longevity with ease. Thoughtfully made, consciously sourced, and intended to be worn, layered and relied upon for years to come.
Brushed cashmere
Brushed cashmere is cashmere at its most tactile—softened, lifted and gently transformed to reveal a surface of exceptional warmth and depth. Created by carefully brushing the finished knit, this technique teases out the finest fibres of the yarn, resulting in a plush, cloud-like handle that feels both insulating and remarkably light.
At Laing, brushed cashmere begins with the same uncompromising foundation as all our cashmere sweaters, jumpers and cardigans: A-Grade fibres selected for their length, fineness and strength. Only cashmere capable of withstanding the brushing process is used. Short or inferior fibres simply won’t endure it. The result is a fabric that retains its integrity while gaining a softly haloed finish that feels luxurious against the skin.
The brushing process enhances cashmere’s natural properties rather than masking them. Air becomes gently trapped between the raised fibres, increasing warmth without adding bulk. Despite its cosy appearance, brushed cashmere remains breathable and lightweight—ideal for layering, travel and everyday wear. These are pieces designed to feel comforting yet refined, never heavy or overstated.
Over time, brushed cashmere develops character rather than wear. With thoughtful care, the surface softens further, maintaining its warmth and texture while ageing beautifully. It is this balance of softness, durability and longevity that makes brushed cashmere such a considered investment—particularly for women seeking elevated essentials that work across seasons.
This is brushed cashmere as we believe it should be: intentionally crafted, quietly luxurious, and designed to be lived in. A modern expression of one of the world’s most precious fibres, reimagined for women who value warmth, beauty and restraint in equal measure.
Cashmere blends
While we treasure pure cashmere for its unparalleled luxury, there's an art to thoughtful blending that creates entirely new possibilities. When cashmere is combined with carefully selected fibres—whether fine wool, Supima cotton, or silk—the result transcends what either material could achieve alone.
These considered combinations allow us to craft pieces with specific intentions: a wool-cashmere blend that provides structure while maintaining softness, or a cashmere-silk fusion that offers lustrous drape with gentle warmth. Each blend tells its own story through hand-feel and performance.
Our signature 70:30 wool-cashmere blend exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. In our heavier-gauge knitwear, this combination creates pieces that hold their shape beautifully while retaining the luxurious softness cashmere is known for. The wool provides resilient structure, while the cashmere ensures that indulgent feel against the skin.
It's about understanding that sometimes the most sophisticated approach isn't the purest one—it's the most thoughtful. These blends allow us to create garments that serve your life better, combining the romance of cashmere with the practicality modern women deserve.
Polyester Blends
The conversation around synthetic fibres often oversimplifies a nuanced topic. While we'll always champion natural fibres for their inherent beauty and comfort, there are moments when thoughtful use of polyester serves a greater purpose—particularly in pieces designed for durability and performance.
Consider the reality of modern life: some garments need to withstand daily wear while maintaining their shape and appearance. In carefully selected pieces like structured workwear or protective outerwear, polyester's resilience actually supports sustainability by extending garment life and reducing replacement frequency. The easy-care properties also eliminate the environmental impact of repeated dry cleaning.
Our approach is one of intentional curation—using polyester blends strategically where their performance qualities genuinely add value, while prioritising natural and eco-friendly fibres for pieces worn closest to the skin. It's about making informed choices that balance immediate comfort with long-term responsibility.
This thoughtful integration reflects our belief that true luxury lies not in absolutes, but in understanding when each material serves its highest purpose in creating garments that honour both the wearer and the environment.
