A blanket is not only a practical but also an elegant addition to our homes. It’s an essential interior accessory from autumn through spring, providing warmth and serving as an intriguing decoration. A high-quality blanket will always look beautiful. Investing in a good quality wool blanket is worthwhile, as it is a purchase for years to come. Warmth, elegance, and no signs of wear even after years – these are all attributes of a blanket made from genuine, high-quality natural fibers like cashmere .
What is cashmere and how is it obtained?
Cashmere is an exceptional natural fiber, considered among the finest in the world. It’s hard to compare it with anything else; it stands out uniquely. Therefore, cashmere is one of the most expensive materials globally. Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats (specifically, from the lower, delicate part of the coat called down), which inhabit the central part of Asia in high-altitude mountainous regions. Thanks to this environment, their coat possesses exceptional properties. The wool derived from this coat is incredibly soft. Cashmere fibers range from 14 to 19 microns in thickness. For comparison, human hair has a thickness ranging from 30 to 120 microns. A micron is a unit of measurement used to determine fiber thickness. The fewer microns, the finer the fiber, hence softer and more delicate.
Advantages of cashmere blankets
A genuine cashmere blanket is ultra-soft and plush. Its softness is difficult to describe in words. At the same time, it is excellent at retaining warmth, much better than sheep’s wool. Additionally, it has thermoregulatory properties. Despite being densely woven, the delicate fibers make it very lightweight, enhancing user comfort. It practically feels like wearing nothing. Moreover, cashmere blankets are breathable, with fibers that effectively absorb moisture vapor without retaining water, drying quickly. Cashmere is highly resilient, maintaining its shape impeccably. Furthermore, this natural material doesn’t retain odors and has high stain resistance. Cashmere blankets do not require frequent washing.
How to care for a wool blanket?
Despite cashmere blankets being rarely soiled, proper care is necessary to maintain their beauty and, most importantly, preserve their exceptional properties. Wool blankets should only be cleaned with suitable products designated for this purpose. When using a washing machine, always choose delicate or wool-specific cycles, without spinning, and with water temperature not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. In the case of handwashing, water temperature and used agents should be the same. Cashmere blankets should not be wrung out. They should be dried flat, away from direct heat sources or sunlight. Hanging wet wool vertically makes it more susceptible to stretching.
How to distinguish a cashmere blanket from a fake?
Cashmere blankets are significantly more expensive than other types of wool or synthetic materials. This fact alone can help distinguish a genuine cashmere blanket from a fake. Counterfeits often consist of a blend of sheep or yak wool with acrylic. How else can you check if a blanket is made of genuine cashmere? Simply by smelling it. Genuine cashmere has its natural scent. Slightly dampened material should emit the scent of a wet animal, which is quite pleasant. It should behave similarly during ironing. Fake cashmere, when ironed, emits a smell of burnt plastic. To verify the authenticity of cashmere, you can also use the sense of touch. Genuine cashmere feels warm to the touch, while a material only imitating cashmere will feel pleasantly cool.
Why is cashmere expensive?
Why are cashmere blankets and other cashmere products so expensive? Primarily because genuine cashmere is very difficult to obtain. Not because of the challenging living conditions of cashmere goats but due to the limited quantity obtained each year. In one year, one goat can provide enough material for making 1-2 smaller garment elements (e.g., a scarf). Moreover, the process of weaving a cashmere blanket can take even hundreds of hours. All of these factors directly influence production costs and the price of the finished product. Cashmere blankets are considered luxury items.
Summary
Undoubtedly, cashmere is one of the best materials globally. Products made from this wonderful natural fiber are perceived as luxury goods. Due to their exceptional properties and the difficulty in accessing a sufficient quantity of material, cashmere is very expensive. However, the quality fully justifies the price. Cashmere blankets are incomparably soft, delicate, and pleasant to touch. Additionally, they provide excellent warmth and have thermoregulatory properties. They don’t absorb odors easily and are resistant to staining. A cashmere blanket is a purchase for years to come. Proper care ensures that a wool blanket will retain its beautiful appearance and properties.
