STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES AND CARE
CASHMERE AND WOOL
DIFFERENT NATURAL FIBERS
Cashmere and wool are both natural protein fibers, yet their internal structure is fundamentally different. These differences influence comfort, temperature regulation, and how garments should be cared for over time.
From a thermal perspective, both fibers insulate by trapping air between fibers. However, cashmere achieves warmth mainly through fiber fineness and natural crimp, creating micro air pockets without adding weight.
Understanding how each fiber behaves helps explain why cashmere offers a unique balance of softness and lightness, and why it evolves differently compared to traditional wool.
WOOL
Traditional sheep’s wool is generally made of thicker fibers that often contain a medulla, a hollow central structure within the fiber.
This inner channel can retain moisture and slow down evaporation, which is why wool garments may feel heavier or slightly damp when exposed to rain or prolonged wear.
For this reason, wool usually benefits from being aired rather than washed frequently, allowing the fiber to naturally rebalance itself once or twice per season.
CASHMERE
Cashmere, on the other hand, is composed of solid, much finer fibers without a central medulla.
This structure allows moisture to be absorbed evenly and released more quickly, improving breathability while maintaining a dry and comfortable feel against the skin.
Because of this, cashmere behaves differently in care: gentle washing helps the fibers relax and settle, making the yarn softer, more compact, and more uniform over time. With proper care, cashmere garments often become more beautiful with use the opposite of what typically happens with wool.
In short, the difference between cashmere and wool goes beyond softness.
Wool maintains its balance mainly through airing and minimal washing, while cashmere benefits from careful, gentle cleaning that enhances its natural qualities.
When properly cared for, cashmere doesn’t just preserve its beauty it improves with time, becoming softer, more refined, and increasingly personal season after season.
