How to Identify Real Cashmere

The term “cashmere” is everywhere — on scarves, sweaters, labels, and shop signs. But not everything called cashmere is real. In fact, the market is flooded with blends, imitations, and even outright counterfeits. At vonoz, where only the rarest and most authentic fibers are used, we believe that education is protection.

This guide will help you identify true cashmere — the kind that begins as underfleece from high-altitude goats, and ends as heirloom-quality fabric in your hands.

1. Understand the Fiber Source

Real cashmere comes from the undercoat of the Capra hircus goat — specifically from breeds adapted to cold climates like Ladakh, Mongolia, and Tibet. It is combed, not sheared, to harvest only the softest inner fleece.

Fake cashmere often includes:

  • Wool blends
  • Synthetic fibers
  • Silk or viscose mixed in (sometimes misleadingly labeled “pashmina”)

At vonoz, we use only Ladakhi and Tibetan cashmere, which is hand-combed and handspun — preserving the full character of the fiber.

2. Feel: It Should Be Soft — but Not Slippery

Real cashmere is soft, warm, and matte. It feels light, yet substantial. It should not feel overly shiny, slick, or cold to the touch — which are signs of synthetics or added silk.

With time and wear, true cashmere becomes softer. This natural evolution is part of its charm. Learn more in: Can You Soften Cashmere Over Time?

3. Examine the Weave and Craft

True cashmere shawls are often handwoven. Look for:

  • Irregularities that indicate handwork
  • Fine selvedge edges, not machine-finished
  • No artificial sheen or plastic-like threads

For our bespoke shawls, we provide documentation of fiber origin, weave type, and — for Sozni or Kani work — hand-carved design templates.

4. Do the Stretch Test

Gently stretch the fabric. Real cashmere has natural elasticity and bounces back without losing shape. Synthetics often hold creases or stretch too far.

5. Look for Pilling Patterns

Ironically, slight pilling can be a sign of authenticity. Real cashmere pills gently in high-friction areas and can be brushed off. Cheap blends either don’t pill at all or shed excessively.

6. Smell the Fiber When Wet

Real cashmere — being animal fiber — has a mild wool scent when damp. Synthetic materials often smell like plastic, chemicals, or nothing at all.

7. Check the Price — But Not Blindly

Real cashmere is expensive — but price alone isn’t proof. Many “luxury” brands sell cashmere blends at high prices. True value comes from:

  • Transparency of origin
  • Fiber micron count
  • Artisanal craft, not factory scale

At vonoz, every shawl tells the story of materials, hands, and history. That is our definition of authenticity.

8. Certifications and Claims

Some legitimate certifications include:

  • The SFA (Sustainable Fibre Alliance)
  • OEKO-TEX (for chemical-free processing)
  • Fair Trade & GI certifications (for Pashmina from Kashmir)
Yet beware — labels can be forged. At vonoz, our certification is in the weave itself.

Final Thought: Trust Your Senses

Cashmere is a tactile, visual, and emotional experience. Real cashmere has a presence — a quiet richness that can’t be faked. If a shawl feels cold, looks shiny, or lacks weight, it likely isn't genuine.

When in doubt, ask: Who made this? Where did it come from? If there is no story, there may be no soul.

Want to know more about cashmere? See our Cashmere Knowledge Hub.

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