Jan 18, 2010

Defamation of Character - Cashmere


Think about this, it takes the cashmere of three to six goats to make a single women's sweater.

A conversation with Daniel rekindled an issue I had been getting worked up about years ago - cashmere and its lowered image in the marketplace. A few autumns back I was caught unexpectedly downtown without a jacket. Needless to say I went straight to a specialty 'cashmere' boutique nearby as I wanted the thinnest yet warmest sweater I could find. Let's say I'm familiar with cashmere but not an expert. I also have a few vintage Scotish cashmere pieces that are at least forty years old and are still like new. Considering cashmere as an investment piece, I confidently forked out over $300 for my new pullover sweater - by the end of the evening it was completely pilled on each side. Furious? Yes.

Please understand this and pass it on -> REAL/PURE cashmere rarely pills and if it does it definitely doesn't happen in four hours. I went back to the shop first thing in the morning with my $300 rag. Guess what? No returns, no exchanges and no credit notes. Basically it was, 'That's your piece of crap now, enjoy.' One of my qualities I have to work on is keeping my cool.

Back to my opening thought - if it takes three to six goats to make a single women's sweater why are they $49.99 at 'select' retailers?

Don't support this abomination. Be an educated consumer and don't get ripped off - for the sake of the goats.

To educate yourself please read these FAQs from the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers' Institute and pass it on.

Doused in Mud Soaked in Bleach