Where Does the Best Cashmere Come From?

Not all cashmere is created equal. While the word “cashmere” appears on countless labels worldwide, only a fraction of it lives up to the name. At vonoz, we work exclusively with the finest cashmere fibers available — selected not just for softness, but for origin, ethics, and cultural significance.

So where does the best cashmere truly come from? The answer lies in altitude, climate, and care. This article explores the regions that produce the world’s most exquisite cashmere, and why vonoz chooses to work with only the rarest among them.

Cashmere Begins With the Capra Hircus Goat

All authentic cashmere comes from the Capra hircus goat, a resilient species found in some of the world’s most unforgiving environments. These goats grow a fine, insulating undercoat during winter to survive freezing conditions — and it is this downy layer that becomes the cashmere fiber.

However, not all environments produce the same quality. The altitude, temperature variation, and grazing conditions all affect the texture, length, and softness of the fiber.

Ladakh – The Crown Jewel of Cashmere

Located in northern India, the high-altitude desert plateau of Ladakh produces some of the world’s finest cashmere. Here, goats live at altitudes of 4,000 to 5,000 meters in extreme cold, which stimulates the growth of an extraordinarily fine undercoat — typically around 12–14 microns.

Ladakhi cashmere is prized not only for its softness but for its rarity. Each goat produces only a small amount per year, and collection is done by hand during the natural molting season. At vonoz, this fiber forms the foundation of our Kashmiri Heritage Collection and many bespoke shawls.

Learn more about why Ladakhi cashmere is so revered.

Tibet and Nepal – Tradition and Altitude

Like Ladakh, the Tibetan Plateau is home to high-altitude goats that grow exceptional cashmere. Tibetan cashmere is slightly coarser than Ladakhi, but still well within the luxury range. Much of the traditional handspinning culture surrounding cashmere also stems from Tibetan artisan communities.

In Nepal, cashmere is not sourced locally in large quantities, but the country has become a hub for handweaving and finishing. vonoz partners with one of Nepal’s oldest cashmere ateliers to produce the Nepali Essence Collection, using selected Mongolian fibers and softening wash techniques for a distinct feel.

Inner Mongolia – Scale and Softness

Inner Mongolia (an autonomous region of China) is currently the world’s largest producer of commercial-grade cashmere. The fiber here is often very soft and consistent, making it popular for machine-spun products.

However, the scale of production raises concerns about animal welfare, traceability, and sustainability. At vonoz, we use select Mongolian cashmere only for specific pieces — never blended, always traceable, and always crafted by hand in our Nepali atelier.

Why vonoz Prefers Ladakhi Cashmere

The cashmere used in our finest pieces — including bespoke creations — is sourced primarily from Ladakh. We believe this region offers:

• The finest fiber diameter (12–14 microns)
• Natural, ethical collection methods
• Low-scale, heritage-based herding practices
• A deep cultural connection to Kashmiri textile arts

We do not source from bulk industrial operations. Instead, we honor every stage — from goat to loom — as part of a living craft tradition.

Rarity and Responsibility

Choosing the best cashmere is not just about micron count. It's about where the fiber comes from, how it's collected, and who turns it into fabric.

At vonoz, we work directly with weaving families in Kashmir and Nepal. Our shawls are woven on wooden looms, often using handspun yarns. We dye using natural pigments like indigo, saffron, and cochineal — each color chosen to preserve integrity, not hide it.

Conclusion: The Best Cashmere Comes With a Story

In a world of mass production and label ambiguity, we believe that the best cashmere is defined by place, people, and process.

From the goats of Ladakh to the looms of Srinagar and the hands of Nepalese artisans, the cashmere used by vonoz is never anonymous. It is traceable, tangible, and truthful.

That is what makes it the best in the world.

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