How to recognize quality cashmere? The simple guide

Cashmere is often presented as an exceptional material.
However, not all cashmere is created equal.

Some pill from the very first use.
Others lose their softness or their shape after a season.

So how do you recognize truly high-quality cashmere , the kind that lasts, keeps you warm without being stifling, and justifies its price?
Here is a simple guide to understanding the essential criteria — without marketing jargon.

1. Criterion #1: Fiber length

This is the most important point, and yet the most rarely explained.

Good cashmere is made up of long fibers .
The longer the fiber, the stronger, softer, and more durable the yarn.

Conversely:

Short fibers are cheaper.
They break more easily.
They cause pilling.

👉 Quality cashmere pills very little , and especially less and less over time.

That's why fiber length is far more important than the number of threads or marketing promises.

2. Knit density: a key visual clue

Good cashmere is neither too thin nor too loose.

When you pick up the garment:

The fabric must have some structure.
without being rigid,
nor transparent.

Knitting that is too light may seem soft at first touch, but it will often be fragile.
Conversely, a well-managed density guarantees:

better insulation
an elegant outfit,
superior longevity.

👉 Density is a sign of textile quality.

3. Fiber fineness: beware of misconceptions

The fineness of cashmere is often described in terms of “microns”.
But that figure alone is not enough.

A very fine cashmere made of short fibers can be:

gentle at first,
but unstable over time.

True quality comes from the balance between:

finesse,
length,
regularity of the fibers.

👉 Good cashmere is soft, but also stable .

4. Organic cashmere: what does it really change?

Organic cashmere is not just about the absence of chemicals.

It involves:

controlled-sized herds,
preserved pastures,
a natural rhythm respected
a more demanding selection of fibers.

Result :

fibers that are often longer
a more consistent softness
a more durable material.

Organic cashmere is rarer, slower to produce, and generally of better quality.

5. Why do some cashmere garments pill quickly?

Pilling is not always an immediate defect.
It may appear slightly at first, then stabilize.

But a cashmere that:

pills a lot,
permanently,
and quickly loses its smooth appearance.

is often composed of short or poorly spun fibers .

👉 Quality cashmere improves with age.
👉 Poor quality cashmere deteriorates.

6. How to test cashmere at home

A few simple steps can give you an idea:

Lightly crumple the fabric: it should regain its shape.
Rub gently between your fingers: it should remain soft.
Observe the surface: too many free fibers = short fibers.
Check the weight: good cashmere is light but substantial.

These tests do not replace expertise, but they provide good indicators.

7. Why the Maison CÉTOILE cashmere kimono meets these criteria

At CÉTOILE, the choice of cashmere is based on:

long fibers , selected for their durability,
a carefully crafted density , for warmth and durability,
an organic fiber , respectful of the material and of time.

The kimono is designed as a durable interior garment:

enveloping,
gentle,
elegant,
and designed to withstand winters without deteriorating.

In summary

Recognizing quality cashmere isn't about seeking a superlative or an immediate promise. It's about understanding the balance between long fibers, just the right density, and consistent softness—choices that make a difference over time.

At Maison CÉTOILE, we favor organic cashmere designed to last, soften, and adapt to everyday life without ever being intrusive. Because beautiful fabric doesn't just seduce at first touch: it reveals itself, season after season.

Discover the Maison CÉTOILE organic cashmere kimono → Midnight Blue Eclipse