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Cashmere is synonymous with luxury, softness, and warmth. For centuries, it has been a symbol of refinement, enveloping wearers in its delicate embrace while maintaining a timeless elegance. But the journey from the goat herds of Mongolia to a tailored suit crafted by POLLHEIM is more intricate and fascinating than one might think. This blog will explore the sustainable ways cashmere is collected, the careful processes involved in transforming raw fiber into fabric, and finally how it becomes the bespoke suits and garments cherished by those who appreciate true luxury.
Cashmere wool comes from a special breed of goats that thrive in some of the harshest environments in the world—primarily in Mongolia, China, and parts of the Himalayas. These goats, often called cashmere goats, grow an incredibly soft undercoat to keep them warm through the harsh winter months. When spring arrives, the goats naturally shed this undercoat, which is where the magic begins.
Sustainable cashmere collection starts with the utmost care for the goats. Traditionally, herders use combing techniques rather than shearing, which allows them to gently remove the soft undercoat without harming the animal. This method ensures that the goats are not stressed during the process and allows them to regrow their fleece for the next season. In regions like Mongolia, many of the herders are nomadic and deeply respect their livestock, meaning that ethical treatment is integral to their way of life.
Organizations such as the Sustainable Fibre Alliance and the Good Cashmere Standard are working closely with herders to promote sustainable practices. They focus on limiting overgrazing, ensuring fair treatment for herders, and protecting the welfare of the goats. By supporting these initiatives, luxury cashmere brands can trace their fibers back to ethical sources, ensuring both quality and sustainability in their garments.
Once the cashmere has been collected, it undergoes a series of delicate processes to prepare it for spinning. The raw fiber, known as "greasy wool," is full of natural oils, dirt, and coarse outer hairs. The first step is dehairing—a meticulous task that separates the fine undercoat from the rougher outer hairs. This is crucial, as the softness and quality of cashmere are directly related to how thoroughly these coarse hairs are removed.
After the dehairing process, the clean cashmere is ready to be carded. During carding, the fibers are brushed and aligned to create a soft, fluffy material that is easier to spin into yarn. This carded cashmere is then spun into yarn—a process that requires an experienced hand to maintain the delicate balance between strength and softness.
Each step in this journey—from dehairing to carding and spinning—is labor-intensive and requires expert craftsmanship. It is part of what makes cashmere such a sought-after luxury fiber. The careful handling and dedication to preserving the quality of the fibers ensure that only the softest, finest cashmere yarn makes its way into the next phase—fabric production.
Once the cashmere has been spun into yarn, it is time for weaving. At this stage, the yarn is transformed into fabric by interlacing the threads in specific patterns to produce different textures, weights, and finishes. Cashmere fabric can range from lightweight weaves perfect for layering to dense, plush materials ideal for winter coats.
The weaving process involves a careful balance between tension and technique. The luxurious softness of cashmere demands precise handling to avoid damaging the fibers while weaving. Skilled artisans oversee each part of the weaving process, ensuring that the resulting fabric retains the softness, warmth, and lightness that cashmere is famed for.
Next comes the dyeing phase. The rich, natural hues of cashmere can be dyed to create a wide range of shades—from classic neutrals to vibrant colors. Sustainable cashmere production emphasizes the use of non-toxic dyes and environmentally friendly dyeing methods, which reduce water consumption and limit the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.
Now that we have the finest cashmere fabric, the process moves into the world of tailoring—where POLLHEIM steps in to create garments that reflect individuality, luxury, and sophistication. Tailoring cashmere requires a high level of craftsmanship due to the fabric's unique qualities. Cashmere is incredibly soft, lightweight, and prone to stretching if not handled properly. This makes the cutting and sewing processes particularly challenging, requiring skillful hands and a keen eye for detail.
At POLLHEIM, each garment begins as a vision, informed by our client's preferences and guided by our expertise. The design of a cashmere suit or overcoat must account for how the fabric will drape, move, and feel against the skin. Patterns are carefully cut to make the best use of the fabric, minimizing waste in keeping with our commitment to sustainability.
The sewing process is just as important. Tailors use specialized techniques to sew seams that will hold up against wear while maintaining the softness of cashmere. Interlinings, linings, and other elements are chosen with care to ensure that the garment provides both structure and comfort. Hand-finishing touches, like stitching buttonholes and adding pockets, bring the garment to life, making it truly bespoke for the individual wearer.
Cashmere garments, especially when tailored to perfection, are more than just clothing—they are heirlooms that tell a story of tradition, care, and luxury. The beauty of cashmere lies in its ability to combine warmth, softness, and elegance into one exquisite fabric. But beyond the inherent luxury, what sets cashmere apart in today’s world is the focus on sustainability.
By supporting ethical cashmere production, POLLHEIM helps ensure that our garments reflect both luxury and responsibility. We partner with suppliers who are committed to sustainable herding practices, environmentally friendly dyeing processes, and fair treatment for workers. When our clients choose a cashmere suit, they are investing not only in their own wardrobe but also in a system that values the planet and respects the livelihoods of those who produce this extraordinary fiber.
A cashmere suit is a versatile garment—perfect for formal events, winter weddings, or adding a layer of luxury to a crisp autumn day. At POLLHEIM, we invite our customers to embrace the story behind their garments—to feel the warmth that comes not just from the fibers themselves but from the knowledge that these garments are created with care, dedication, and a commitment to sustainability. Each cashmere garment crafted by POLLHEIM is an embodiment of timeless elegance, a testament to the people and the processes that make luxury possible, and a reminder of the beauty of sustainable fashion.
