Cashmere has always been associated with luxury. It is light, warm, incredibly soft and it lasts for years! But today, when choosing clothes, we are no longer only interested in how we feel in it, but also in where it comes from and how it was made. And this is where the question arises: can cashmere be beautiful and sustainable at the same time? The answer is simple - it can. You just need to know what to look out for.
Where does cashmere come from?
Cashmere is obtained from a sub-set of Kashmir goats, which live mainly in Mongolia, China, and surrounding countries. Cashmere fibers are finer than regular wool, which makes them incredibly warm without being heavy. This is one of the reasons why cashmere has become an icon of luxury and comfort.
But one goat only provides a small amount per year - about 150 grams. For example, for our Oversize cashmere turtleneck, fibers from the undercoat of 3-5 goats are needed. That is why cashmere is rare and expensive.
The dark side of "cheap" cashmere
When fast fashion attacks cashmere, the result is not pretty. Too large herds graze the steppes so thoroughly that they become deserts. The soil erodes, plants and animals disappear. Add to this cheap production that does not address animal welfare or fair conditions for herders, and the massive use of water and chemicals in dyeing, and you suddenly find that "cheap cashmere" has a very high price.
At JUSTLOVE we take the exact opposite path, choosing cashmere from smaller producers who raise their flocks with care, work in harmony with nature and respect both the animals and the people who care for them. We believe that only in this way does cashmere have real value – not only aesthetically, but also ethically.
Why invest in cashmere?
A cashmere sweater, coat or scarf is not just a one-season item. It is a piece that will last you for years. Cashmere is warm, yet breathable, lightweight and incredibly comfortable on the body. If you take good care of it, it will age with you and remain beautiful. Plus, it is a natural, renewable and biodegradable material – which is a huge plus these days. And when it comes to style, cashmere can take an ordinary outfit to a whole new level.
How to find the right one?
If you want to be sure that you are buying a sustainable piece, pay attention to the details. Take an interest in the origin. If a brand openly shares where its cashmere comes from, it usually has a fairer approach. A quality fiber is soft but strong and will bounce back after being stretched. And if you prefer smaller brands or ateliers, you will also get a personal story, not just a product. Other indicators are the weight of the product, the thickness of the fibers or the length of the fibers. Cashmere is divided into 3 categories. At JUSTLOVE, we only use category A cashmere, which is the highest quality.
Cashmere is a luxury that doesn't have to be at the expense of the planet. It can be gentle on the skin and kind to the environment. Whether you choose a sweater, dress or scarf, it's worth reaching for a piece that is beautiful not only on the outside but also on the inside, with its story and values. We wear such things completely differently.
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