Your First Cashmere
Cashmere isn't just another fabric choice—it's an investment in pieces that become more valuable with time. Understanding what makes it exceptional helps you choose wisely and wear confidently for decades to come.
Your first cashmere piece should be something you'll reach for constantly, yet versatile enough to work across seasons and situations, timeless enough to remain relevant for decades. Here's where to start.
Your First Cashmere Piece
What To Look For
Quality cashmere starts with Grade A fibre: 14–15.5 microns in diameter and 34mm+ in length. These specifications ensure softness, durability, and minimal pilling. The fabric should feel soft but substantial — never papery thin — with even colour throughout and no shedding.
In store, try the scrunch test: gather the fabric in your palm, hold for a few seconds, then release. Quality cashmere springs back cleanly. If it stays creased, the fibre is too short or the construction too loose.
Look for clear care instructions from the brand and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Premium cashmere costs more because quality is uncompromised from fibre to finished garment — but considered this way, it is also one of fashion's best cost-per-wear investments. A well-made piece, cared for properly, will outlast a dozen cheaper alternatives.
Laing Women's Cashmere
Explore our collection of women’s cashmere knitwear—designed for warmth, softness, and quiet luxury. From classic crew necks and cardigans to relaxed layers and elevated basics, each piece is crafted in pure cashmere and made to last. This is knitwear that moves with you through the seasons in comfort and style.
Your First Cashmere FAQs
How do I care for my cashmere garments properly?
Caring for cashmere begins the moment you start wearing it. Be mindful of friction — the strap of a cross-body bag, jewellery at the wrist or collar, or extended wear beneath a coat can all cause pilling over time. Between wears, give the piece a day's rest and store it folded, never on a hanger, which distorts the shoulder and stretches the knit. When it's time to wash, follow our guide to cleaning cashmere correctly — it's simpler than you think.
Best way to wash a cashmere sweater
Cashmere asks for very little — but what it asks for, it means. Cool water, a gentle detergent, and a light touch are all it takes to keep your piece looking its best for years. The full guide is worth reading once, and following always. You can find it HERE
Cashmere vs merino wool warmth
Both cashmere and merino are exceptional natural fibres — but they are not equal when it comes to warmth-to-weight ratio. Merino is a superb insulator, but cashmere's hollow fibre structure traps heat more efficiently, meaning a lightweight cashmere knit will typically match or outperform a significantly heavier merino piece in warmth. The result is a garment that travels lighter, layers more easily, and sits closer to the body without bulk.
How to spot fake cashmere?
The label is your first line of defence. Genuine cashmere must be labelled "100% cashmere" — anything listed as a blend, however premium the other fibre, is not cashmere. It is a blended knit, and should be priced accordingly.
Beyond the label, trust your senses. Real cashmere feels soft and matte, never scratchy or shiny. It feels lighter than you expect for its warmth. Scrunch it in your palm and release — it should spring back cleanly. And if the price seems too good to be true, it almost always is. Genuine cashmere cannot be made cheaply.
How to store your cashmere?
Always fold cashmere — never hang it. A hanger distorts the shoulder and stretches the knit over time. Store folded in a drawer or on a shelf, ideally with a cedar block or lavender sachet to deter moths. Give each piece a day's rest between wears, and ensure it is clean before storing for any length of time — moths are attracted to worn, not washed, fibre. You can find out more about how to store your cashmere HERE
Discover more about Laing Cashmere
Care & Maintainence
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Small batch philosophy
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