What does real cashmere feel like? How can you tell if it's truly exceptional?

At Pura Cashmere, we’ve spent decades sourcing the finest fibers and designing pieces that feel as good as they look. We know great cashmere starts with a remarkable tactile experience—but it goes deeper than softness alone.

In this guide, you’ll learn what premium cashmere should feel like, how to recognize quality in fiber and construction, and the subtle markers that distinguish exceptional garments from the rest. If you’ve ever wondered about the feel of cashmere, this guide will help you understand what makes it extraordinary.

What Is Cashmere? Understanding the Origins of a Coveted Fabric

Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of goats living in high-altitude, cold-climate regions. These goats grow a fine, insulating layer of hair to survive harsh winters—and it’s this downy undercoat that gives cashmere its famed softness and warmth.

Mongolian cashmere is especially prized for its long, ultra-fine fibers, which create a buttery-smooth texture and excellent durability. But even in cold regions, quality can vary depending on the specific farming and sorting practices used. That’s why we partner only with mills that source Grade A fibers and follow responsible, transparent processes.

Our sourcing partners work closely with herding communities to ensure high standards of animal welfare, land stewardship, and traceability. The result: exceptional fiber that feels luxurious and aligns with our values.

See how it looks: 

 

Shop this 100% pure quality cashmere hoodie

What Does Cashmere Feel Like? Describing the Texture of Authentic Fiber

Imagine the softest fiber you’ve ever felt—then elevate that sensation. This is the essence of real cashmere. Authentic cashmere is lightweight yet substantial, breathable but warm. It has an unmistakable drape that hangs fluidly from the body, with a softness that feels comforting against the skin. When gently stretched, it should return to its original shape without losing structure.

This signature feel comes from both the fineness of the fibers (typically under 16 microns) and their length. Longer fibers create smoother yarns that resist pilling, hold their shape, and feel better with time.

Long cashmere cardigan

Why Pura Cashmere Feels Different: Grade A Fibers + Worsted Spun Yarn

At Pura, we go beyond selecting Grade A cashmere—we craft our garments using worsted spun yarns, also referred to as royal cashmere, one of the most refined yarns in the industry.

What does worsted spun mean?

It’s a method of aligning and tightly spinning only the longest, finest fibers, while combing out shorter, coarser strands. The result is a denser, smoother yarn with better strength, stitch definition, and shape retention.

Why it matters:

• Smoother finish: Clean surface, minimal fuzz
• Greater durability: Less pilling, longer wear
• Refined drape: Elegant movement with less bulk
• Everyday lightness: Breathable and easy to layer

This spinning method is what allows Pura garments to feel softer, last longer, and look polished from day one to year five.

How Is Cashmere Made? A Look at the Production Process

The process begins in spring when goats are gently hand-combed to collect their undercoat. The raw fibers are sorted, dehaired, cleaned, and spun into yarn—each step influencing the final look and feel of the garment.

At Pura, we use two-ply worsted spun yarns for greater strength and longevity. Our mill partners maintain full supply chain traceability and work directly with local communities who prioritize ethical practices and sustainable grazing.

How to Tell If Cashmere Is Real 

Use your senses. Authentic cashmere should feel luxuriously soft, springy, and smooth—not scratchy or limp. When stretched, it should recover naturally without resistance.

Check the label: Look for “100% cashmere” or “pure cashmere.” If it doesn’t specify content—or is priced suspiciously low—it may be a synthetic or blended fiber.

What Are the Different Cashmere Grades?  

Cashmere is typically categorized by fiber diameter:

• Grade A: 14–15.5 microns (softest, most durable)
• Grade B: 16–19 microns (slightly coarser)
• Grade C: Over 19 microns (least soft, prone to pilling)

At Pura, we use only Grade A cashmere, selected for both fineness and fiber length. While some brands blend lower grades to cut costs, we blend only premium regional fibers to enhance drape, strength, and color consistency—without compromising quality.

Single Ply vs. Two Ply: What It Means for Durability and Feel

“Ply” refers to how many strands are twisted into a single yarn. Two-ply yarns are smoother, warmer, and more durable than single-ply versions.

That’s why all Pura essentials—from our Short Sleeve Crew to our Everyday Hoodie—are knit with multi-ply worsted spun yarns for softness that holds its shape.

What to Look for in a Quality Cashmere Garment

Feel the fabric: Does it bounce back? Is it dense yet breathable? Inspect the details—tight stitching, clean seams, ribbed hems, and refined touches like raglan sleeves or tailored cuffs are all signs of a thoughtfully made garment. 

What sets high-quality cashmere apart? One key trait is that it becomes even softer with wear—while initially, it may pill more frequently, this naturally lessens over time as the fibers settle.

At Pura, we design with longevity in mind. These are foundational pieces meant to live in your wardrobe, not just your drawer.

Are You Wasting Money on Cashmere? Spotting Lower Quality and Blends

Lower-priced cashmere often uses short or coarse fibers that feel soft initially but degrade quickly. These garments tend to pill, sag, and lose shape within a season.

Pura Cashmere is made to last. Our fibers are long, fine, and spun for strength—so your piece still feels incredible after dozens of wears.

Caring for Your Cashmere: How to Make It Last for Decades

To help your garment last for years:

• Hand-wash in cold water with gentle detergent
• Lay flat to dry—don’t wring or hang
• Fold and store in breathable bags to preserve shape

Cashmere rewards thoughtful care. Over time, it softens further and molds to your rhythm of wear.

A Final Word

The best cashmere doesn’t just look beautiful—it lives beautifully. At Pura, we blend ethical sourcing, worsted spun Grade A fibers, and timeless design to create elevated knitwear you can truly live in.

Discover the lasting softness and craftsmanship of our signature collection.