WHERE OUR CASHMERE IS sOURCED AND PRODUCED
THE WORLD'S FINEST CASHMERE
The history of cashmere
One of the world's rarest natural fibres, cashmere is universally prized for its warmth and sublime softness. The origins of cashmere date back hundreds of years and begin thousands of miles from Scotland, where some of the finest producers are based.
The word cashmere comes from the place that it was discovered as a fabric - the northwest region of Kashmir in South Asia, which lies between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range. It is here that cashmere was first discovered, and its production can be traced all the way back to the fourteenth century.
It is believed that a Persian named Mir Sayyid Al Hamadani discovered that the goats native to the region produced a soft undercoat which could be spun and woven to produce a textile. The skills and knowledge he brought to Kashmir gave rise to an industry which now dominates the luxury textile industry.
Where does cashmere come from?
The finest cashmere comes from the under fleece of the Hircus Goat native to Outer Mongolia and China. It is produced as insulation against the hostile winters, with temperatures reaching as low as -40°C.
The undercoat, located beneath the longer and coarser outer layers, consists of the softest and finest hair. The width of the most desirable hair averages 14.5 microns, compared to human hair, which ranges from 60 to 100 microns. This difference highlights just how delicate and precious cashmere truly is.
Each spring, when the weather is mildest, semi-nomadic goat herders harvest the precious under-fleece using a gentle and harmless combing procedure. After an exacting sorting process, the average 250g of hair taken from each goat will only contain 100g of the most desirable fibers. It takes the finest under-hairs from at least three goats to produce just one cashmere jumper.
What makes Scottish cashmere special?
Our Scottish manufacturers source only the finest luxury fibres from herders in Mongolia to produce a standard of quality synonymous with a company that has held luxury at its core for over 100 years.
Outstanding Scottish water is the vital ingredient in producing the world’s softest, most luxurious cashmere. This unparalleled softness cannot be replicated anywhere else.
When the cashmere arrives in Scotland, it is as oily, matted hair - unrecognisable as the super-soft fabric it will become. It is meticulously hand-sorted and is transformed when it is washed in pure local waters before being dyed and spun by Todd & Duncan.
The yarns are then transported to Hawick for the next stage of manufacturing. Here, centuries-old techniques are seamlessly combined with the latest technology and skillful hand-finishing. This harmonious process produces cashmere pieces that are made to last, defining luxury and quality.
Ethically-sourced cashmere
We understand that there are ethical considerations involved in the production of cashmere, both for farmers and their livestock, so we’re proud to say that our supplier is certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA).
These organisations protect the welfare of the goats without which there would be no cashmere, ensure that sustainable farming practices are being used, and safeguard the rights of workers in the supply chain.
You can learn more about SFA certification here, and RWS certification here.
OUR FINEST SCOTTISH CASHMERE COLLECTION
