Genuine or Fake Cashmere
How can you tell if cashmere is genuine or fake?

Cashmere is a luxurious and highly prized wool obtained from the undercoat of cashmere goats. It is renowned for its exceptional softness, warmth, and lightweight texture. The fibers are carefully collected through combing or shearing during the molting season and then processed to create a yarn used for various clothing and accessories. Cashmere provides excellent insulation while remaining breathable and lightweight. It is known for its durability, ability to retain shape and softness, and is considered a symbol of elegance and refinement. Although it may be more expensive, cashmere offers unmatched comfort, quality, and timeless style.

To determine if cashmere is genuine or fake, there are a few factors you can consider:

  • Label and Certification: Check the label or tag attached to the cashmere item. Look for information about the fiber content, such as "100% cashmere" or "pure cashmere." Additionally, reputable manufacturers or brands often provide certification or authenticity labels to guarantee the quality of their cashmere products.
  • Price: Genuine cashmere is a premium and expensive material due to its rarity and luxurious properties. If a product is being sold at an unusually low price, it may be an indicator that it is not genuine cashmere. Keep in mind that while high price alone does not guarantee authenticity, suspiciously low prices are often a red flag.
  • Softness and Texture: Cashmere is renowned for its exceptional softness and luxurious feel. Authentic cashmere should feel incredibly soft and silky to the touch. It should have a fine texture without any coarseness or itchiness.
  • Warmth and Insulation: Cashmere is known for its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Genuine cashmere should provide exceptional warmth without being overly bulky. If a product claiming to be cashmere feels too thin or fails to provide adequate insulation, it may not be genuine.
  • Pilling and Shedding: Cashmere garments tend to pill slightly with use, forming small balls of fiber on the surface. This is a characteristic of the fabric.

However, if the garment sheds excessively or the fibers easily break or pull out, it could be an indication of inferior quality or fake cashmere.

  • Burn Test: This method is not recommended for general consumers but can be used by experts. Real cashmere burns slowly and smells like burnt hair. Fake cashmere, on the other hand, may burn quickly and have a distinct synthetic odor.
  • Reputable Sellers and Brands: Purchase cashmere products from trustworthy sellers or reputable brands known for their high-quality cashmere. Research customer reviews and feedback to ensure their authenticity and reliability.

It's important to note that some counterfeit products may attempt to imitate the look and feel of cashmere, making it challenging to distinguish between genuine and fake. If you're uncertain, it's advisable to purchase from reliable sources and brands to minimize the risk of purchasing counterfeit cashmere.