Cashmere

Is cashmere cruel? Cashmere wool is made by breeding, maintaining and harvesting the undercoat of goats treated as livestock and income-producing assets. On this alone, supporting the cashmere industry is considered cruel and unethical regarding goat welfare.

Goats are also highly destructive to the planet causing more harm than good to ecosystems and wildlife. Should we then be breeding more?

Then you have Mongolian herders who have been shepherding cashmere goats for centuries. It’s a tradition passed down from generation to generation and is one of the few viable and respected careers in the region. What about them?

There’s a lot to unpack here as we explore the ethical nuances of the cashmere industry. 

But first, let’s briefly break down this “magical” fabric and its premium price tag.

What is cashmere, and where does it come from?

Cashmere is a luxury fibre that’s soft, versatile and incredibly warm. 

It’s 3 times more insulating than wool and thinner than a human strand of hair. This means you can wear a lightweight garment while still keeping warm.