How to Distinguish High-Quality Cashmere from Cheap Alternatives
Cashmere has a reputation for being the ultimate luxury fibre - soft, lightweight, warm, and timeless.
But in today’s market, the word cashmere appears everywhere, from affordable knitwear to high-priced designer pieces, and it can be surprisingly difficult to understand what you’re actually paying for.
As someone who designs and handcrafts knitwear in my Salzburg atelier, I work with exceptional cashmere daily - and I can tell you this:
There is a level of cashmere softness that doesn’t compare to anything else. When you touch it, when you wear it, you simply know. It feels calm on the skin, almost weightless, and quietly luxurious in a way that is unmistakable.
This guide explains how to distinguish truly high-quality cashmere from cheaper alternatives, what makes the price rise, and why certification and transparency matter - both for quality and for responsible sourcing.
The Softness You Can’t Fake: What Premium Cashmere Feels Like
Many garments can feel soft in a store. True premium cashmere is different.
High-quality cashmere has a distinctive hand-feel:
- extraordinarily soft without feeling fragile
- warm, yet breathable and light
- smooth, but not slippery or synthetic
- refined and consistent across the entire garment
- luxurious in a quiet, “effortless” way
The most telling part comes later: premium cashmere doesn’t just feel good once - it stays beautiful. It holds its elegance over time, maintains its drape, and wears in gracefully.
Why Some “Expensive” Cashmere Can Still Disappoint
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a high price tag always guarantees high quality.
Unfortunately, that isn’t always true.
Some cashmere is priced as luxury based on storytelling, branding, or boutique positioning, even when the underlying fibre quality is not exceptional. And while “handmade” can be meaningful, it’s not a quality guarantee on its own.
Real quality comes from:
- the fibre standard
- careful processing
- responsible dyeing/finishing
- thoughtful construction
In other words: the cashmere itself must earn the label.
5 Ways to Recognise High-Quality Cashmere
1) Look for quality that lasts (not only softness on day one)
Low-grade cashmere can feel soft initially, especially if the fabric is heavily finished. But it may start to look tired quickly:
- heavy pilling after a few wears
- fuzziness that turns messy
- thinning, stretching, or losing shape
Premium cashmere stays refined longer because the fibre quality is higher and the knit construction is more stable.
2) Check knit density and structure
Knitwear can look similar online, but construction reveals everything.
A well-made cashmere knit will usually:
- feel stable and substantial without being heavy
- have an even surface and consistent tension
- hold its shape at cuffs, neckline, and hem
- drape elegantly without looking limp
A very loose or overly thin knit may be a sign of cost-cutting or lower durability (even if it’s labelled as “cashmere”).
3) Understand pilling: what’s normal vs. what’s poor quality
Even high-quality cashmere can pill slightly, especially early on.
This can happen because the garment releases small loose fibres that were sitting on the surface.
However, the difference is clear:
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Normal: minor pilling in friction areas (underarms, sides) that stabilises
Low quality: continuous pilling everywhere, quickly, and repeatedly - Excessive pilling is often linked to shorter, weaker fibres or less controlled yarn processing.
4) Demand transparency (composition, origin, and standards)
When buying cashmere, a reputable brand should be able to clearly answer:
- Is it 100% cashmere, or blended?
- Where is the yarn sourced and processed?
- Are there certifications?
- What quality standard does the supplier follow?
- Luxury should not feel vague. The most trustworthy brands are specific.
5) Certifications: the quiet proof behind real quality
Certifications help reduce guesswork.
They are important because they support:
- traceability
- environmental responsibility
- safer chemical standards
- credible fibre claims
- transparency, not marketing
What Is ICEA Certification (and Why It Matters)?
ICEA stands for Istituto per la Certificazione Etica e Ambientale - an Italian organization that provides ethical and environmental certification.
In the context of premium cashmere and responsible textile supply chains, ICEA certification helps ensure that standards are met beyond aesthetics alone. It adds credibility and accountability - especially in a market where luxury claims can sometimes be unclear or unsupported.
At Onika Knitwear, we work exclusively with premium, natural, certified Italian yarns, including ICEA-certified Grade A cashmere, because quality should be something you can trust - not just hope for.
Is High-Quality Cashmere Worth the Price?
If you value longevity, comfort, and timeless design - yes.
High-quality cashmere earns its value because it:
- feels exceptional on the skin
- offers warmth without weight
- stays refined with proper care
- becomes a long-term wardrobe piece
- reduces the need for frequent replacements
Cheaper cashmere can feel tempting, but if it pills heavily or loses shape quickly, the cost-per-wear becomes disappointing.
The best cashmere is not just a purchase - it’s a piece you return to for years.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations in Cashmere
Cashmere is a natural fibre, but “natural” does not automatically mean ethical or sustainable.
Cashmere supply chains can raise concerns such as:
- animal welfare standards
- land pressure and overgrazing in some regions
- lack of transparency in fibre grading
- high-impact dyeing or finishing when standards are low
This is why certified yarns and responsible sourcing matter. When you choose transparent, certified cashmere, you support better practices - and you’re more likely to receive a garment that truly performs.
What NOT to Do When Buying Cashmere
If you’re investing in cashmere, avoid these common mistakes:
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Don’t rely on price alone
Expensive does not always mean high quality.
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Don’t buy from vague product descriptions
If fibre origin, composition, or certifications aren’t clear, proceed carefully.
-
Don’t confuse “handmade” with “high-grade cashmere”
Craft matters - but fibre quality is the foundation.
-
Don’t ignore knit construction
A weak or overly loose knit often wears out faster.
-
Don’t treat cashmere as disposable fashion
The best cashmere is timeless, cared for, and worn often.
To identify truly premium cashmere, look for:
- extraordinary softness that feels natural, not artificial
- strong knit structure and elegant drape
- pilling that remains minimal and manageable
- transparent sourcing and fibre information
- certifications that support traceability and standards (such as ICEA)
When cashmere is exceptional, you don’t just wear it - you feel it.
Discover Timeless Cashmere Knitwear, Handmade in Salzburg
Explore the Cashmere Collection - designed for modern versatility and made in small batches from premium certified Italian yarns.
For washing, storing, and long-term maintenance tips, visit our Care Guide.
Related Cashmere Guides
Grade A Cashmere Explained: What It Means and What to Look For
