For luxury brand owners, buyers, and procurement teams, cashmere softness is the defining attribute that sets premium knitwear apart—yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
According to Encyclopaedia Britannica’s definition of cashmere fiber, true cashmere is distinguished by its exceptional fineness and softness compared to other animal fibers, making quality variation especially noticeable in luxury applications.
Consumers pay a premium for cashmere’s unparalleled silky, lightweight feel, and brands that deliver consistent softness build lasting loyalty. But not all cashmere is created equal: subtle variations in fiber quality, processing, and sourcing directly impact softness, making it critical for brand partners to understand what drives this coveted trait.
At Onward, we prioritize cashmere softness in every batch of our Grade A Mongolian cashmere, as it’s the foundation of our brand partners’ luxury positioning. This guide breaks down the key factors that influence cashmere softness, how to evaluate it during sourcing, and why partnering with a transparent supplier ensures consistent, ultra-soft cashmere for your collections. By the end, you’ll have the expertise to source cashmere that delights customers and elevates your brand.
1. Micron Count: The Core Driver of Cashmere Softness
The primary factor determining cashmere softness is micron count—the diameter of individual fibers, measured in micrometers (μm). The finer the fiber, the softer it feels against the skin, as fine fibers bend more easily and create a silky, non-irritating texture.
Genuine cashmere fibers range from 14–19 microns, with Grade A cashmere (the softest and most luxurious) falling between 14–16 microns. Fibers exceeding 18 microns feel noticeably coarser, often with a scratchy undertone that undermines luxury positioning. Fake cashmere or low-grade blends frequently use 20+ micron fibers, misleading brands with false “soft cashmere” claims.
Onward’s Grade A Mongolian cashmere is rigorously tested to maintain a consistent 14–16 micron count, ensuring exceptional softness that aligns with luxury brand standards. We share detailed fiber analysis reports with partners, verifying micron count and confirming the softness of every batch.
2. Fiber Length: Beyond Micron Count for Softness & Durability
While micron count is critical, fiber length also plays a key role in cashmere softness—often overlooked by brand partners. According to the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO), longer animal fibers spin into stronger, smoother yarns that resist pilling and maintain surface softness over repeated wear.
Long-fiber cashmere (32–38mm for Grade A) resists pilling and maintains its soft texture over time, while short-fiber cashmere (under 30mm) pills easily, creating a rough, uneven surface that diminishes softness.
Short-fiber cashmere is cheaper to produce but fails to deliver long-term softness, leading to customer returns and brand damage. Onward sources only long-fiber Mongolian cashmere, as it balances unparalleled softness with durability—ensuring your knitwear remains luxurious wash after wash.
3. Processing Methods: Preserving Softness Without Compromise
Even the finest cashmere fibers can lose softness if processed improperly. Harsh chemicals, excessive heat, or aggressive brushing can damage fibers, creating a coarse texture. Gentle, ethical processing is essential to preserving cashmere’s natural softness.
Key Processing Practices for Softness:
- Gentle Washing: Using mild, pH-neutral detergents to clean fibers without stripping natural oils that enhance softness.
- Air Drying: Avoiding high heat (which shrinks and hardens fibers) by air-drying cashmere to maintain its silky texture.
- Minimal Brushing: Light brushing with soft bristle tools to remove lint, rather than aggressive brushing that damages fibers.
Onward uses eco-friendly, gentle processing methods for all our cashmere, preserving the natural softness of the fibers while meeting ethical and sustainability standards. We share our processing protocols with brand partners, ensuring full transparency in how we maintain softness.
4. Sourcing Origin: Why Mongolian Cashmere Delivers Superior Softness
Cashmere sourcing origin directly impacts softness, with Mongolian cashmere widely recognized as the softest in the world. Mongolia’s harsh climate (extreme cold winters, hot summers) forces cashmere goats to grow ultra-fine, dense fibers for insulation—resulting in naturally softer cashmere than goats raised in milder climates.
Approximately 70% of global cashmere supply comes from Mongolia, but not all Mongolian cashmere is equal. Herd management practices, goat breed, and harvesting methods influence fiber quality. Onward maintains direct partnerships with Mongolian herder cooperatives that prioritize ethical breeding and gentle fiber harvesting (combining, not shearing), ensuring the softest possible fibers.
How to Evaluate Cashmere Softness During Sourcing
For brand partners, evaluating softness during sourcing is critical to avoiding low-quality cashmere. Here are actionable methods to verify softness before placing bulk orders:
1. Tactile Testing (In-House)
The most intuitive way to assess softness is by touch. Rub the cashmere sample gently between your fingers and against your wrist (a sensitive area). Ultra-soft cashmere feels silky, lightweight, and non-irritating—no scratchiness or coarseness. Onward provides free samples to brand partners, enabling thorough tactile testing before bulk orders.
2. Verify Micron Count & Fiber Length Reports
Demand third-party fiber analysis reports from suppliers, confirming micron count (14–16 microns for Grade A) and fiber length (32mm+). Avoid suppliers who refuse to share these reports—they’re likely hiding low-quality fibers that lack softness. Suppliers unwilling to share such data often rely on lower-grade fibers.
Testing standards from organizations such as AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists） are widely used to measure fiber properties, pilling resistance, and durability—critical indicators of softness performance.
3. Test for Pilling Resistance
Gently rub the sample against a rough surface (e.g., denim) for 30 seconds. Soft, long-fiber cashmere will resist pilling, while coarse or short-fiber cashmere will pill immediately—indicating poor softness and durability.
Onward’s Commitment to Consistent Cashmere Softness
For brand partners, consistent softness across bulk orders is non-negotiable—and it requires a supplier that controls every stage of sourcing and production. Onward’s approach to delivering ultra-soft cashmere includes:
- Selective Sourcing: Partnering only with Mongolian herder cooperatives that produce 14–16 micron, long-fiber cashmere.
- Rigorous Testing: Conducting in-house and third-party tests to verify micron count, fiber length, and softness for every batch.
- Gentle Processing: Using eco-friendly, fiber-preserving methods to maintain natural softness.
- Transparent Reporting: Sharing fiber analysis reports and processing details with brand partners, so you know exactly what you’re sourcing.
Whether you’re creating luxury sweaters, scarves, or loungewear, Onward’s cashmere delivers the consistent softness that defines premium knitwear—helping your brand stand out in a crowded market.
Common Misconceptions About Cashmere Softness
Misinformation about cashmere softness can lead to poor sourcing decisions. Let’s debunk three common myths:
Myth 1: All Cashmere Is Equally Soft
Reality: Micron count, fiber length, and processing create significant softness variations. Low-grade cashmere (18+ microns) is noticeably coarser than Grade A Mongolian cashmere.
Myth 2: Softness Fades Over Time
Reality: High-quality, long-fiber cashmere maintains softness with proper care. Fading softness indicates short-fiber cashmere or harsh processing.
Myth 3: Thicker Cashmere Is Softer
Reality: Softness depends on fiber fineness, not thickness. Ultra-soft cashmere is often lightweight and thin, while thick cashmere may be coarse (high micron count).
Partner with Onward for Ultra-Soft Cashmere
Cashmere softness is the cornerstone of luxury knitwear—and it starts with sourcing from a trusted supplier. Onward’s Grade A Mongolian cashmere delivers consistent, unparalleled softness, backed by transparency, testing, and ethical practices.
We work closely with brand partners to understand their softness needs, providing personalized support from sampling to delivery. Whether you need custom blends, bulk production, or guidance on maintaining softness in your designs, our team is dedicated to helping you elevate your brand.
Ready to source ultra-soft cashmere for your luxury line? Contact Onward’s team for free samples, fiber analysis reports, and a custom quote. Let’s create knitwear that delights customers with every touch.
Post time: Feb-05-2026
