Cashmere is a luxurious fiber beloved for its softness, warmth, and timeless appeal. But with the market saturated with mislabeled products, blends, and low-quality imitations, shopping for genuine cashmere can feel like navigating a minefield. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, true cashmere comes exclusively from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats and represents a very small portion of the global textile fiber supply—making it both valuable and frequently misunderstood. Much of the confusion stems from widespread misconceptions about what makes cashmere “high quality.” These myths lead countless shoppers to overpay for inferior products or miss out on great deals.
In this article, we’ll debunk 7 of the most common cashmere quality misconceptions, drawing on insights from Onward—our brand’s decade-long expertise in sourcing and crafting premium Grade A cashmere. Whether you’re a first-time cashmere buyer or a seasoned collector, understanding these truths will help you make informed decisions and get the most value from your cashmere investments.
Misconception 1: “Expensive = High Quality”
This is the most pervasive myth in the cashmere world. Many shoppers assume that a higher price tag automatically translates to better quality—and while it’s true that premium cashmere often costs more, price alone often reflects branding and marketing rather than fiber excellence. Price is not a reliable indicator.
Here’s why: Some luxury brands charge a significant premium for their logo, marketing, and brand prestige, not for superior cashmere fibers. A $500 sweater from a big-name brand might use the same (or lower) quality cashmere as a $200 sweater from a direct-to-consumer brand like Onward.
As The New York Times has reported in its coverage of luxury textiles, many high-priced fashion items use similar materials to mid-priced alternatives, with markup driven primarily by branding rather than material superiority.
On the flip side, budget-friendly brands may cut corners by using short, coarse cashmere fibers or blending cashmere with synthetic materials to lower costs.
The truth: Judge quality by fiber specifications (fineness and length), craftsmanship (stitch density, uniform stitching), and brand transparency (sourcing details, quality guarantees)—not price. Onward offers Grade A cashmere (14–19 microns, 30–40mm fiber length) at accessible prices by eliminating middlemen and focusing on direct sales to consumers.
Misconception 2: “Thicker Cashmere = Better Quality”
Thickness is often confused with quality, but the two have no correlation. A thick, bulky cashmere sweater can be made from low-quality, coarse fibers, while a thin, lightweight sweater can be crafted from ultra-fine, high-grade cashmere.
The key factors that determine quality are fiber fineness and knit density. High-quality cashmere fibers are 14–19 microns in diameter (finer than human hair), which makes them incredibly soft and insulating—even in a thin knit. A tight, high-gauge knit (12–14 stitches per inch, like Onward’s cashmere garments) creates a dense fabric that retains warmth and resists pilling, while a loose, low-gauge knit (even in a thick sweater) will stretch, pill, and lose shape quickly.
The truth: High-quality cashmere feels lightweight but substantial—never bulky. Onward’s 14-gauge cashmere sweaters are thin enough for layering but warm enough for cold weather, thanks to their fine fibers and dense knit.
Misconception 3: “All Cashmere Pills—It’s Normal”
While some minor pilling (especially after the first 2–3 wears) is normal for cashmere (it’s caused by loose surface fibers rubbing together), excessive or persistent pilling is a clear sign of low quality.
The difference lies in fiber length. High-quality cashmere uses long fibers (30–40mm), which shed loose surface fibers quickly—after a few wears, pilling stops entirely. Low-quality cashmere uses short fibers (under 25mm), which are weak and break easily, leading to constant pilling that ruins the garment’s appearance.
The truth: Premium cashmere (like Onward’s Grade A long-fiber cashmere) pills minimally and only during the initial break-in period. If a cashmere garment pills heavily from the start or continues to pill after multiple wears, it’s not high quality. Use a cashmere comb to gently remove minor pills—never pull them with your fingers.
Misconception 4: “Artificial Softness = High Quality”
Some shoppers fall for cashmere that feels “too soft” to be true, but this artificial softness is often a red flag.
According to OEKO-TEX®, silicone-based softeners are commonly used in low-quality textiles to mask coarse fibers, but these finishes degrade after washing and reduce fabric lifespan. Low-quality brands use silicone-based chemical softeners to mask the scratchiness of coarse, inferior cashmere fibers. This artificial softness feels greasy or slippery and fades completely after the first wash, revealing the harsh, scratchy true nature of the fibers. Genuine high-quality cashmere has a natural, buttery softness that feels luxurious without being overly slick—and it retains this softness for years with proper care.
The truth: Test softness by rubbing the garment gently and letting it sit for a minute. Genuine high-quality cashmere (like Onward’s) will feel consistently soft, while chemically treated cashmere may lose softness or feel greasy. Avoid cashmere that feels “unnaturally” soft—your skin (and wallet) will thank you.
Misconception 5: “Imported from X Country = Guaranteed Quality”
Many shoppers assume that cashmere labeled “Made in Mongolia” (a top source of raw cashmere) or “Made in Italy” (renowned for knitting) is automatically high quality. While these regions have strong reputations in the cashmere industry, origin alone doesn’t guarantee quality.
Mongolia produces both Grade A and low-grade cashmere—origin doesn’t dictate fiber quality. Similarly, “Italian-made” cashmere can use imported low-quality fibers and shoddy craftsmanship. Conversely, brands like Onward source raw cashmere from Mongolia’s top herder cooperatives (for Grade A fibers) and partner with skilled knitters in China to create high-quality garments—proving that quality depends on sourcing and craftsmanship, not just country of origin.
The truth: Look for specific details about fiber quality (fineness, length) and sourcing practices, not just origin labels. Onward is transparent about its sourcing—100% of our cashmere comes from select Mongolian herder cooperatives where goats are raised humanely and sustainably.
Misconception 6: “All Cashmere Requires Dry Cleaning”
Dry cleaning is often seen as the only safe way to clean cashmere, but this myth can damage your garments over time.
Dry cleaners use harsh chemicals (like perchloroethylene) that break down cashmere fibers, stripping their natural oils and reducing softness and lifespan. Most high-quality cashmere (including Onward’s collection) is safe for gentle hand washing—this method is far gentler and preserves the fiber’s quality.
The truth: Always check the care label, but opt for hand washing when possible. Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent (like Onward’s recommended cashmere wash), lukewarm water, and avoid twisting or wringing. Lay the garment flat to dry—never use a dryer. Dry cleaning should only be a last resort for stubborn stains.
Misconception 7: “Fiber Content Labels Are Always Honest”
While legitimate brands (like Onward) clearly state fiber content, some low-quality brands use misleading labels to trick shoppers.
Common label scams include: “Cashmere blend” with minimal cashmere: A garment labeled “80% cashmere, 20% wool” may actually contain only 50% cashmere (or less). Vague terms: Phrases like “cashmere feel” or “cashmere-like” mean the garment contains no real cashmere—it’s a synthetic imitation. Fake “100% Cashmere” labels: Some counterfeit brands falsify labels to charge premium prices for synthetic or low-quality blends.
The truth: Verify fiber content by checking for third-party certifications or buying from transparent brands. Onward’s cashmere garments are independently tested to confirm they’re 100% Grade A cashmere, and we clearly display fiber specifications (fineness, length) on our product pages.
How to Avoid These Misconceptions: Key Takeaways
Shopping for high-quality cashmere becomes easy once you let go of these myths. Remember to: Focus on fiber specs: Look for 100% cashmere with fibers 14–19 microns thick and 30mm+ long. Check craftsmanship: Inspect for tight, uniform stitches and dense knit (hold up to light—minimal light should pass through). Choose transparent brands: Opt for brands like Onward that share sourcing details, quality guarantees, and customer reviews. Test before buying: Feel the fabric (natural softness, no scratchiness), test for pilling (rub gently—minimal loose fibers), and check the dye job (uniform color, no bleeding).
Final Thoughts: Invest in Quality, Not Myths
These misconceptions thrive because the cashmere market is unregulated in many regions—but by arming yourself with the truth, you can avoid costly mistakes and invest in cashmere that lasts. High-quality cashmere is a wardrobe staple that offers comfort, warmth, and value for years to come—if you know how to spot it.
At Onward, we’re committed to transparency and quality—every piece in our cashmere collection is crafted from Grade A long-fiber cashmere, ethically sourced and expertly made. We believe you shouldn’t have to navigate myths to find great cashmere—just honest, high-quality products.
Have more questions about cashmere quality? Leave a comment below, and our team of cashmere experts will be happy to help. Happy shopping!
Post time: Feb-17-2026
