Cashmere, a name synonymous with luxury and softness, often leads to a common misunderstanding about its origin. Despite popular belief, this exceptionally fine fiber does not come from rabbits. Instead, cashmere is a highly prized natural fiber renowned for its remarkable softness and insulating warmth, derived from a completely different animal.
The True Origin of Cashmere
Cashmere is sourced from the soft, downy undercoat of Cashmere goats. These goats thrive in the harsh, cold environments of mountainous regions, including Mongolia, China, Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia. The extreme temperatures in these habitats cause the goats to develop a fine, insulating undercoat, which is the source of cashmere fiber.
The collection of cashmere fiber occurs during the spring molting season (March to May) when goats naturally shed their winter coats. Herders meticulously comb the goats to gather the loose undercoat. This method yields higher quality fiber than shearing. This labor-intensive process and small yield per goat contribute to cashmere’s rarity and high cost.
The fiber is exceptionally soft, measuring 14 to 19 microns in diameter, making it finer than traditional sheep’s wool. Its fineness and natural crimp allow it to trap air effectively, providing superior warmth without bulk, and making it up to eight times warmer than sheep’s wool.
Angora: The Rabbit Fiber
The confusion about cashmere’s origin often stems from Angora, another luxurious fiber that genuinely comes from rabbits. Angora wool is harvested from Angora rabbits, a breed specifically cultivated for their long, soft fur. Several distinct Angora rabbit breeds exist.
Angora fiber is harvested from these rabbits every three to four months through methods such as shearing, plucking, or combing. Plucking involves gently removing loose fur during molting, while shearing uses clippers. The fiber’s distinct characteristics include extreme fluffiness and a unique “halo” effect, where fine hairs extend from the yarn. The hollow core of Angora fibers contributes to their exceptional lightness and insulating properties, making them incredibly warm, often cited as seven to eight times warmer than sheep’s wool.
Key Differences Between Cashmere and Angora
The primary distinction between cashmere and Angora lies in their source animals: cashmere originates from goats, while Angora comes from rabbits. This fundamental difference leads to variations in their tactile qualities and performance. Cashmere fibers offer a smooth, fine, and elastic feel, creating a dense yet soft fabric. Angora fibers are notably fluffier and silkier, characterized by their unique “halo” effect.
Regarding durability and maintenance, cashmere generally proves more resilient and less prone to shedding than Angora. Cashmere garments also exhibit good shape retention due to their natural elasticity. In contrast, Angora is more delicate, known for its tendency to shed and felt easily, which often necessitates blending with other fibers for increased stability in textiles. Both are luxury materials, but cashmere is typically more expensive due to its labor-intensive collection and lower yield. Both require delicate care, such as hand washing and flat drying, to maintain their softness and integrity.