Here is what to look for when choosing one:
| Look For | Be Cautious Of |
| A smooth, naturally soft surface | An excessively fluffy finish |
| An even knit with some substance | A loose or strangely limp knit |
| Cuffs and necklines that hold their shape | Ribbing that already looks stretched |
| Clear information about the fibre | Vague claims such as “luxury cashmere” |
| A price that reflects the product | A price built mainly around the label |
Start With The Fibre
When looking for quality cashmere clothing, the details shouldn’t be hidden. Brands might hide behind vague claims of 100% cashmere, but there is much more to it.
The most important details in cashmere quality are the length and fineness of the fibres. Fine fibres give cashmere its prized softness. The length of the fibre will determine the strength of the yarn.
At Rise & Fall, we use A-grade Mongolian cashmere with fine fibres measuring around 15.5 microns and 34 to 36mm in length. It is beautifully soft, but chosen with repeat wear in mind too.
Soft Is Good. Overly Fluffy Is Not Always Better
A cashmere jumper should feel soft to touch, but being overly fluffy doesn't mean it’s good quality.
As Sandy Lee, Technical Manager for Apparel & Home at Rise & Fall, explains, “Some pilling is completely normal, even with high-quality cashmere. Cashmere is a fine, delicate fibre, and eliminating pilling entirely would mean sacrificing some of its soft handfeel. Over-softening can fluff up the fibres and make them more susceptible to abrasion, so it is about finding the right balance between softness and durability. Gentle hand washing, drying flat without wringing and using a handheld cashmere comb will help keep pilling under control.”
Manufacturers might heavily brush the fabric to create a cloud-like finish, which may feel impressive, but bringing lots of loose fibres to the surface can lead to more visible pilling once the piece is worn.
Your cashmere sweater should be:
- Smooth rather than overly fluffy
- Soft without feeling fragile
- Light but not flimsy
- Warm without unnecessary bulk
Check The Weight and Knit
Sandy Lee, Technical Manager for Apparel & Home at Rise & Fall, recommends looking closely at the knit tension, finish and seams: “A compact knit that does not stretch excessively or become overly draped when worn is a sign of good tension. It means more yarn has been packed into the sweater, giving you more cashmere for your money.”
“The finish matters too. Cashmere that looks excessively fuzzy or fluffy may have been overwashed, which can make it pill more quickly. Finally, check the seams: neat, small linked seams indicate good construction, while thick, lumpy or uneven seams can suggest poorer manufacturing standards.”
Look closely at:
| Area | What To Look For |
| Neckline | Smooth, balanced and sitting flat |
| Cuffs | Firm enough to recover after wear |
| Seams | Cleanly and evenly joined |
| Bottom edge | Flat rather than rippled or stretched |
| Overall shape | Hanging naturally without twisting |
Certifications and Standards
Brands should be clear about recognised certifications that give reassurance about how the cashmere has been sourced and processed.
At Rise & Fall, our yarns are certified to The Good Cashmere Standard, which sets requirements around goat welfare, environmental protection and working conditions across the supply chain.
You may also see textile safety certifications such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD, which tests materials for harmful substances.
Certifications should not replace checking the fibre quality, weight and construction, but they are a useful sign that the brand is being clear about what sits behind the finished product.
Is Pure Cashmere Better Than a Blend?
Pure cashmere gives you the fibre’s softness and lightweight warmth in its most recognisable form. It is an excellent choice for classic cashmere sweaters and accessories worn close to the skin, such as a cashmere scarf.
For us, the best composition is the one that suits the design. A considered blend can improve the way a piece feels, drapes or holds its shape: Merino wool adds structure and resilience, silk creates a lighter, more fluid drape, and cotton can make cashmere feel cooler in milder weather.
The second fibre should be there because it improves the finished piece, not simply because it reduces the cashmere content.
| Composition |
What It Brings |
| 100% cashmere | Exceptional softness and lightweight warmth |
| Cashmere and merino | Softness with greater structure |
| Cashmere and silk | A lighter, more fluid drape |
| Cashmere and cotton | A cooler feel for milder weather |
Where Should You Buy Quality Cashmere?
Cashmere scarves are easily found, but the label alone won’t tell you whether a piece is worth buying or not. What matters most is the quality of the fibre, the weight, the construction and how clearly the brand explains where the price comes from.
Consider:
- Fibre origin and quality
- Weight and intended use
- Construction and finishing
- Sourcing standards
- How the scarf has been priced
For us, the best place to buy cashmere is where the quality is easy to understand, and the price reflects the product itself, rather than unnecessary layers of retail and branding.
Rise & Fall: Our Cashmere Products.
We believe luxury should be felt in the product, not added to the price afterwards.
Our cashmere starts with Grade-A Mongolian fibres, selected for their length and fineness. We work directly with expert makers to create women’s and men’s cashmere designed for repeat wear.
We produce in small, near just-in-time runs to meet demand and avoid the large retail networks and traditional markups that can push luxury prices far beyond the cost of making the piece.
More of what you pay for goes into what you can actually feel:
- Fine, long cashmere fibres
- Generous, wearable weights
- Expert construction
- Timeless women’s and men’s styles
- Shapes designed for repeat wear
-
A soft finish that does not rely on excessive brushing
Good cashmere has a real cost. Our aim is simply to make that cost easier to understand, with more of the price invested in the fibre than in the label.
Explore our collection of cashmere sweaters, scarves, hoodies and accessories.
Cashmere Quality FAQs
1. How can you tell whether cashmere is good quality?
Look for a smooth finish, an even knit and a shape that recovers after gentle stretching. The brand should also explain the fibre rather than relying on words such as “premium” or “luxury”.
2. Should quality cashmere pill?
Some pilling can happen where the garment experiences friction. Better-quality cashmere made from longer fibres should generally pill less and settle with careful wear.
3. Is expensive cashmere always better?
A higher price may reflect excellent fibres and craftsmanship, but it can also include retail costs, prestige and the value of the brand name.
4. Where can I buy cashmere that is worth the money?
Choose a brand that is transparent about the fibre, construction and pricing. Rise & Fall works directly with specialist makers to offer A-grade Mongolian cashmere without traditional luxury markups.
5. Does Ply Count Matter?
Ply tells you how many strands of yarn have been twisted together. More plies can add warmth, weight and structure, but the highest number is not automatically the best. A lighter sweater made from long, fine fibres may be far better than a thicker one made from shorter cashmere.
