BEST ITALIAN CASHMERE TOPS: SWEATERS, WRAPS & CARDIGANS
The word "cashmere" originates from Kashmir and the Kashmir shawl, which was introduced to Europe in the 900s. Cashmere wool,
or simply cashmere, is obtained from cashmere or pashmina goats. The fabric produced from cashmere is soft, warm, comfortable, and has sophisticated draping qualities.
WHY IS CASHMERE SO SOUGHT AFTER?
Cashmere is one of the softest fibers in the world. When woven, it produces luxurious and long-lasting sweaters, ideal for keeping warm on winter days and nights. Though it takes time and care to produce, cashmere is a wardrobe essential due to its softness, lack of itchiness, lightweight
breathability, and shape retention. With the right care, cashmere garments can last for many years.
IS ITALIAN-MADE CASHMERE HIGH QUALITY?
Italian-produced cashmere, like Italian leather, combines the highest quality and softest yarns. Most raw material is sourced from Asia and shipped to Italy, where skilled artisans manufacture the garments. Italy’s strict artisan standards ensure exquisite, timeless pieces.
WHAT CASHMERE PRODUCTS ARE MONTICELLI CASHMERE KNOWN FOR?
Monticelli Cashmere offers a selection of genuine made-to-order cashmere products in various color palettes. From staple sweaters in different styles to soft wraps, deluxe house robes, and accessories like scarves and cozy beanie hats, there’s something for every woman. Italian cashmere products are renowned for the quality of their raw materials and the expertise of their producers. Italian artisans are known for their attention to detail, commitment to traditional techniques, and use of high-quality materials. The products they create are distinguished by unique style, quality, and durability, highly valued by both Italian consumers and those around the world. For gorgeous, high-quality women’s cashmere clothing, shop Monticelli Cashmere. Each garment is handcrafted by Italian artisans, specially for you. There’s no better feeling than slipping on fresh cashmere, and if you haven’t experienced it yet, you should.
WHY IS CASHMERE TYPICALLY EXPENSIVE?
Cashmere is among the rarest and most valuable fibers in the world, sourced from cashmere goats that live in high plateaus of the Himalayas, China, and Mongolia. It takes months of cold winter weather for these goats to grow their soft undercoats, and producing a single scarf often requires the fiber from two or three goats. The process involves shearing, sorting, spinning, and creating garments, with skilled artisans dedicating hours of labor to each item. This meticulous craftsmanship, along with the unique properties of cashmere, drives up the cost, making cashmere a truly luxurious investment.
IS CASHMERE BETTER THAN WOOL?
Both wool and cashmere are quality materials, but cashmere is generally finer and softer. It has a unique insulating ability that provides warmth without bulk, making it ideal for luxury clothing and accessories. Cashmere is also hypoallergenic, breathable, and biodegradable, making it a popular choice for those who value comfort and sustainability.
HOW LONG DOES CASHMERE LAST?
Well-cared-for cashmere can last over 20 years, outlasting many other fabrics, including cotton. Its durability, combined with warmth and softness, makes it a wise investment.
CAN YOU WEAR CASHMERE EVERY DAY?
If you want to wear cashmere daily, it’s recommended to have several items to rotate. This allows each piece to rest between wears, preserving its shape and longevity. Folding cashmere and storing it in drawers instead of hanging also helps maintain its form.
CAN YOU WEAR CASHMERE WITH JEANS?
Cashmere pairs effortlessly with jeans. Cashmere sweaters add elegance to jeans, and with the right shoes and accessories, create an outfit that can transition seamlessly from day to night. Styles range from form-fitting sweaters with wide-leg jeans to cashmere cardigans over skinny jeans. A cashmere wrap over trouser-cut jeans or even a poncho with a jean skirt and boots makes for versatile, sophisticated ensembles.
DOES CASHMERE IMPROVE WITH AGE?
As a luxurious fabric, cashmere does improve with age, becoming softer with each wear and wash. Proper care can preserve its quality for decades, making it a fabric that ages gracefully and becomes even more enjoyable to wear over time. Unlike many other materials, cashmere retains its shape, softness, and warmth, and with simple care, it remains a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
IS IT WORTH BUYING CASHMERE?
A high-quality cashmere sweater may cost more than other fabrics, but it offers unmatched value. Cashmere’s softness, warmth, and durability make it a worthwhile investment, and with proper care, cashmere garments can last for decades. Cashmere’s luxurious feel, combined with its longevity, justifies the investment for those looking for timeless, high-quality pieces.
WHAT IS CASHMERE MADE FROM?
Cashmere is made from the fine undercoat fibers of the cashmere goat, which are combed out by hand in the spring when the goats naturally shed their coats. The collected fibers are then cleaned, sorted, and processed into yarn or fabric. Italian cashmere is particularly prized for its high quality, as Italian artisans use traditional techniques and meticulous attention to detail throughout production. The result is an exceptionally soft,
warm, and comfortable fabric with sophisticated draping qualities.
CAN YOU WASH CASHMERE?
Yes, cashmere can be washed, but it requires delicate handling due to its fine fibers. Cashmere garments are prone to pilling and damage if not treated carefully. While cashmere doesn’t need frequent washing (about every three wears is sufficient), it’s essential to use gentle cleaning methods. Dry cleaning can actually damage the fibers over time, so hand-washing is often a preferred method for preserving cashmere’s softness and longevity.
HOW DO YOU WASH CASHMERE? DOES CASHMERE SHRINK IF WASHED?
Cashmere is delicate and should be washed in cool water with a gentle detergent. Avoid wringing or twisting, and lay the garment flat to
dry. Cashmere can shrink if exposed to hot water or heat during drying, so it’s important to handle with care.
To wash cashmere, follow these steps to maintain its quality:
- Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle, wool-specific detergent.
- Soak the cashmere garment for 5–10 minutes, gently agitating to remove dirt or oils.
- Drain the basin and carefully queeze out water without wringing.
- Refill the basin with clean cool water and rinse the garment until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze out excess water again, then lay the garment flat on a clean towel and gently press to absorb water.
Cashmere can shrink if washed in hot water or exposed to agitation and heat during drying. To avoid shrinkage, always wash cashmere in cool water, lay it flat to dry, and keep it away from direct heat or sunlight. Avoid wringing or twisting the garment, as this can cause it to lose its shape.
For a quicker drying process, roll the garment in a dry towel to remove excess water before laying it flat.
Note: Always check the care label on your cashmere wide legsgarment or specific washing instructions.
