5 Cashmere Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Cashmere is surrounded by an aura of mystery and prestige. Because it is an investment fabric, a lot of "rules" and assumptions have popped up around it over the years. Some people think it’s too delicate to touch, while others believe a high price tag automatically guarantees top-tier durability.

It is time to clear the air. Here are five of the most common cashmere myths debunked.

Myth 1: Pilling is a sign of poor quality

• The Reality: Seeing those little fuzzballs (pills) on your new sweater can be frustrating, but it is actually a completely natural characteristic of long, organic fibers. Pilling happens when short fibers loosen and rub together during wear—usually under the arms or where a bag rubs against your side. Even the highest-grade cashmere will pill initially. Simply glide a cedar cashmere comb gently over the fabric to remove them, and over time, the pilling will naturally decrease.

Myth 2: "100% Cashmere" always means luxury

• The Reality: The label "100% Cashmere" only tells you the source of the fiber, not the quality of it. Cheap, mass-market cashmere is often made from shorter, coarser hairs that break easily, lose shape after one wash, and pill aggressively. Luxury cashmere utilizes long, fine undercoat fibers that inherently resist wear and maintain their loft and structure for decades. Quality is about fiber length and tension, not just the raw percentage on the tag.

Myth 3: It is impossible to wash safely at home

• The Reality: Many people panic and sprint to the dry cleaners the moment a spot appears. In truth, cashmere loves water. Harsh dry-cleaning chemicals can actually strip the natural protective oils from the fibers, leaving them brittle. Hand washing your pieces in cold water with a splash of gentle baby shampoo keeps the yarns conditioned, plush, and resilient.

Myth 4: Thicker sweaters are always better

• The Reality: Weight does not equal quality. A thick sweater might just be made of cheap, multi-ply yarn knitted loosely. On the flip side, an incredibly thin, open-stitch summer cashmere top can be made from ultra-premium, tightly spun yarn that provides remarkable breathability and durability. Look at the tightness of the knit and the softness against your skin rather than the overall thickness.

Myth 5: It is strictly a winter fabric

• The Reality: Because cashmere fibers possess a hollow structure, they excel at temperature regulation. They insulate you when it is freezing, but allow your skin to breathe beautifully when things warm up. A featherweight cashmere layer is one of the most comfortable things you can wear on a breezy summer evening or inside a heavily air-conditioned office.