What Exactly Is Sustainable Cashmere?
There are very few fabrics that carry the benefits of cashmere; soft, warm, elegant, there’s a reason it’s been loved for centuries. But in a world where we are, rightly, becoming more conscious about how our choices affect the planet, it poses the question of how sustainable is cashmere?
There’s no one quick answer to this, as there are many factors contributing to sustainable cashmere, such as how the animals are raised, how the fibres are processed, how the garments are made, and, importantly, how long they last.
We’re going to help you understand sustainable fabrics for clothing, including sustainable cashmere, to help you make informed choices and feel good about the pieces you choose to invest in.
What are sustainable fabrics for clothing?
Sustainable fabrics are often defined by their environmental impact, but true sustainability looks at two key factors: how a fabric is produced and how long it lasts.
Environmentally responsible fabrics are grown and made using ethical supply chains, responsible land management and reduced chemical inputs. Natural fibres such as organic cotton, linen, wool and cashmere can be sustainable when sourced responsibly.
Durability is equally important. Long-lasting garments reduce the need for frequent replacement, cutting down on carbon emissions, water use and textile waste.
Responsibly sourced cashmere stands out for this reason, a well-made jumper can last 20 - 40 years, making it a long-term sustainable choice.
Sustainable cashmere production also supports responsible herd management, humane treatment of goats and fair pay for herding communities, particularly in Mongolia and China.
At Brodie Cashmere, we work with Fairtrade organisations and the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) to support ethical cashmere production. By sourcing directly from herders and minimising middlemen, we maintain quality while reducing shipping, emissions and waste, helping keep more value within local Mongolian communities.
What is the 30-wear rule?
The 30-wear rule is a simple but powerful framework for more conscious shopping. Before purchasing a garment, ask yourself honestly whether you will wear it at least 30 times. If the answer is yes, then the purchase is worthwhile.
However, if the answer is maybe, not sure or no, then this is likely going to end up at landfill and therefore not a sustainable purchase. A well made and cared for cashmere jumper will comfortably exceed 30 wears, in just one year alone, and you will be able to keep doing so for many years to come.
This means investing in quality sustainable cashmere isn’t just environmentally friendly but also makes economic sense too.
What is meant by sustainable cashmere?
As we have already hinted at, sustainable cashmere refers to cashmere fibres that have been produced with care for the environment, animal welfare and the livelihoods of communities involved in the production.
As cashmere comes from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats, there’s a chance for overgrazing to occur. This comes as a result of the goat population becoming too large with rising demands for cheap cashmere. Overgrazing degrades the soil, reduces biodiversity and contributes to desertification.
Sustainable cashmere addresses this directly by working with herders to maintain the herd size and ensure it’s in keeping with the land’s capacity.
On top of this, choosing cashmere that is made from long fibres, rather than short, will ensure longevity and appearance of the garment. Whilst short fibres might initially feel soft, after use and washing pilling will occur, causing you to feel itchy and the product to lose its shape.
At Brodie Cashmere, we use 100% Grade-A Mongolian long fibre cashmere meaning our products will stay soft and in shape even after plenty of wear and machine washing.
To further improve our sustainability, we have recently launched a patchwork cashmere scarf and throw, crafted from surplus cashmere during the creation of our products. Due to the nature, every patchwork product is completely unique to you.
Is cashmere a healthy fabric to wear?
Cashmere is one of the kindest fabrics you can put next to your skin. This is because its fibres are exceptionally fine, typically between 14 to 19 microns, meaning they’re too small to trigger itch receptors on the skin and lack the coarseness cheaper wools have.
Cashmere is also naturally thermoregulating, meaning it helps to keep you warm in the cold and cool when temperatures rise. It’s breathable and hypoallergenic and unlike synthetic fabrics, doesn’t trap static or generate microplastic pollution when washed.
Where can I buy sustainable cashmere?
With awareness of sustainable fabrics growing, a number of brands have made responsible cashmere production central to their identity and mission.
When shopping for sustainable cashmere, keep an eye out for transparency around sourcing, evidence of third-party certification and a clear commitment to quality over volume. Here at Brodie Cashmere, we have sustainability at the heart of what we do. Every piece is built to last for years to come, far beyond the 30-wear rule.
We source our cashmere responsibly, with a commitment to knowing where the fibres come from and ensuring the standards applied reflect our core values. The result is cashmere that you can wear with both comfort and confidence. But don’t just take our word for it, check out our products for yourself and invest in a piece that will last you a lifetime.
