News — buying guide
Cashmere Grades and Ply Explained (Grade A, B, C and 2-Ply)
Not all cashmere is equal. Two factors drive quality: grade (fibre quality) and ply (how yarns are twisted).
Cashmere grades
Grade A is the finest and longest fibre (around 14–15.5 microns, ~36mm long) — softest and most durable. Grade B and C are thicker and shorter, so they feel coarser and pill more easily.
What ply means
Ply is the number of strands twisted into one yarn. Two-ply means two strands twisted together — stronger and more resilient than single-ply. Ply describes construction, not thickness.
How to judge quality
Press the knit and watch it spring back. Quality cashmere recovers quickly, feels soft...
Merino Wool vs Lambswool: What's the Difference?
Merino and lambswool are both prized for soft, warm knitwear — but they aren't the same. Here's how to tell them apart and pick the right one.
What is merino wool?
Merino comes from Merino sheep, known for unusually fine fibres (often 17–24 microns). Finer fibres mean a softer feel against the skin, good breathability and natural temperature regulation — warm in winter, comfortable indoors.
What is lambswool?
Lambswool is the very first shearing of a young lamb, usually before seven months old. That first clip is exceptionally soft and elastic, with a slightly fuller, more matte hand-feel than merino.
How to...
Are Wool Sweaters Itchy? How to Find Soft, Comfortable Knits
Wool's reputation for itchiness puts some people off — but the right wool knit can feel soft and comfortable all day. Here's why itch happens and how to avoid it.
Why some wool itches
Itch usually comes down to fibre thickness. Coarser, thicker fibres have stiffer ends that prickle the skin. Finer wool fibres bend instead of poking, so they feel soft. The knit and finishing matter too.
How to choose soft wool
- Feel before you commit — a quality fine-gauge wool should feel smooth, not scratchy
- Look for soft-handle finishing and a clean surface
- Cashmere blends add...
How to Tell If Cashmere Is Good Quality
Not all cashmere is equal. A few simple checks help you tell a quality knit from a thin, short-lived one — whether you're shopping in person or online.
1. Feel: soft, not fuzzy
Good cashmere feels soft and smooth straight away, not overly fluffy. Excessive surface fuzz can signal shorter fibres that will pill quickly. Quality fibres feel clean and dense.
2. The stretch test
Gently stretch a section and let go. Quality knit springs back to shape. If it stays stretched or feels flimsy, the knit is loose or the yarn is weak.
3. Knit density
Hold it to...
Is Cashmere Worth It? An Honest Buyer's Guide
Cashmere has a reputation for luxury — and a price to match. So is it actually worth it? Here's an honest look at what you get, where the value is, and when wool might serve you better.
What makes cashmere special
Cashmere fibres are finer and lighter than most wool, which is why a cashmere sweater feels so soft and weighs so little while still keeping you warm. It drapes beautifully, layers easily, and — cared for well — lasts for many years, often getting softer with age.
Where the cost comes from
Each cashmere goat produces only a small...