How to Judge Cashmere Quality
Cashmere quality comes down to three things: how fine the fiber is, how long the individual fibers are, and where the cashmere is from. Each affects how a sweater feels and how it wears over time. Here’s what those specifications mean and how to check them on any product page.
Fiber diameter (micron count) — what makes it feel soft
Fiber diameter, measured in microns, plays an important role in how a cashmere sweater feels.
Cashmere fibers typically measure 14 to 19 microns in diameter. That’s well under 30 microns, which is where wool fibers become stiff enough to feel scratchy against skin. Finer fibers bend on contact, so they feel like drape and warmth rather than prickle.
Quince Mongolian cashmere measures 15.8 to 16.2 microns in diameter, which sits in that finer range.
Fiber length — what affects how it wears
Fiber length plays an important role in how a cashmere sweater holds up over time. Longer fibers can help reduce pilling, though some pilling is normal. Longer fibers pill less over time because fewer fiber ends are free to move.
The length often cited as a benchmark for finer cashmere is 34 millimeters or longer. Quince Mongolian cashmere measures 34 to 36 millimeters, on the longer end of what’s commonly available.
Fiber length is a spec not every retailer publishes. When it’s available, it gives you additional insight into how the cashmere will wear.
Origin — why the climate matters
Cashmere from cold, high-altitude regions is finer, because the goats’ undercoats grow denser to survive the climate.
Cashmere goats in Inner Mongolia live at around 5,000 feet, where winters can drop to −40°F. That climate produces a denser, finer undercoat than warmer regions. Origin isn’t the whole quality picture, but it’s a useful signal — combined with the numbers above.
The Mongolian cashmere guide covers the origin story in more detail.
What to check on any cashmere page
Three things: fiber diameter, fiber length, and origin.
• Fiber diameter. Look for a published micron count. Under 19 microns is finer cashmere.
• Fiber length. Look for a published length in millimeters. 34mm or longer holds up well over time.
• Origin. “Inner Mongolia” or “Mongolia” named specifically. “Sourced from Asia” isn’t very informative.
Not every retailer publishes all three. When they do, you have more information to compare.
Quince publishes all three on every cashmere product page. Ours: Mongolian, 15.8 to 16.2 microns, 34 to 36 millimeters.
ALL YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
What makes cashmere high quality?
What makes cashmere high quality?
Three specs matter most: fiber diameter (finer feels softer), fiber length (longer pills less over time), and origin (cold, high-altitude regions like Inner Mongolia produce finer undercoats). Quince Mongolian cashmere measures 15.8 to 16.2 microns at 34 to 36 millimeters in length.
What micron count is good for cashmere?
What micron count is good for cashmere?
Cashmere fibers typically measure 14 to 19 microns in diameter. Under 17 is the finer end of what’s commercially available. Under 15 microns is rare and expensive. Quince Mongolian cashmere at 15.8 to 16.2 microns sits in the finer range.
Why does fiber length matter in cashmere?
Why does fiber length matter in cashmere?
Longer fibers stay anchored inside the yarn twist. Shorter fibers work loose under friction and form pills. Around 34 millimeters or longer is often cited as a benchmark for finer cashmere. Quince Mongolian cashmere runs 34 to 36 millimeters.
Where does the best cashmere come from?
Where does the best cashmere come from?
Cold, high-altitude regions produce the finest cashmere because the goats’ undercoats grow denser to survive the climate. Inner Mongolia is the largest source of fine cashmere. Origin isn’t the whole picture, but it’s a useful signal — the Mongolian cashmere guide covers why.
How can I tell if cashmere is good quality?
How can I tell if cashmere is good quality?
Look for three specs on the product page: fiber diameter (in microns), fiber length (in millimeters), and origin. When all three are published, you have enough information to compare cashmere across brands. Not every retailer publishes them.
