Cashmere. It’s almost onomatopoeic, the word itself feels soft.
The fabric is named after the area in which the wool was first developed – Kashmir, in the northernmost region of the Indian subcontinent. Nowadays, the manufacturing region covers China, Mongolia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran – where cashmere-producing goats are bred at altitudes of over 4,000 feet.
Also known as the fibre of kings, or the golden fleece, cashmere has earned its luxury reputation because of how difficult it is to harvest - it takes a single goat an entire year to produce enough cashmere for just one scarf. The extremely soft hairs form solely beneath the goat’s coarse outer coat, on their neck and underbelly.
In Greek mythology, Jason, alongside his trusty Argonauts, was said to have embarked on a quest for the golden fleece of the winged ram in order to secure his rightful seat on the throne of Iolcus in Thessaly. However, the term ‘cashmere’ didn’t arrive until around the sixteenth century, when it was used to describe the woollen fabrics spun by Kashmiri craftsmen on the Silk Road bound for India.
Cashmere fibres are longer, smoother and straighter than other forms of wool. They grow even longer as the seasons grow colder, and in Inner Mongolia, temperatures drop to well below minus 40 degrees Celsius. Born out of the evolutionary need to adapt to their environment, no animal does the cold better than Mongolian goats. By the end of the winter, the goats begin to shed their inner and outer coats and the cashmere fibres are harvested delicately and expertly with a single, fine-toothed comb.
As such, there’s simply no better wool to keep you warm during the winter months. We’ve all shuddered at the feeling of a partner’s unwelcome, freezing cold toes in the middle of the night, or tiptoed painfully across icy kitchen tiles in search of a midnight snack – but it’s nothing a pair of cashmere socks can’t fix.
How do you care for cashmere?
Due to its luxury nature, it’s essential to understand how to take care of your cashmere item so that it goes the distance (metaphorically - don’t go hiking in cashmere socks, please). We spoke to Ali, owner of sustainable, second-hand cashmere brand, the Nearly New Cashmere Co, for some top tips on how to extend the life of your cashmere.
“It’s important to be aware that, when you’re buying cashmere socks, they’re not for daily use with walking shoes,” Ali notes, urging those interested in purchasing a pair to only wear them to keep warm indoors. “They are, however, particularly great for those with bad circulation during the winter,” she adds.
“Cashmere loves a good wash. With the majority of cashmere, you can put them in on a short, gentle cycle at no more than 30 degrees and a fast spin - they’ll look just like new,” says Ali. Cashmere, contrary to popular belief, also restores incredibly well. Simply purchase a cashmere comb to remove excess piling and give your garment a new lease of life.
Who said getting your parent, partner or friend a luxurious pair of socks for Christmas was a no-no? Have a look at our round-up of the best cashmere socks on the market right now.
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Pantherella 1 Pair 85% Cashmere Rib Socks Ladies
These mid-ankle length, rose pink ribbed cashmere socks from Pantherella fulfil all our off-duty ballerina dreams. They’re made from 85 per cent cashmere and a small amount of nylon to make them more wear resistant. Worry not, for with such high percentage of cashmere in the fabric composition, you’ll still get that luxury soft feeling.
Buy now £22.48, Sockshop
Brora Women’s Cashmere Socks in Eucalyptus
In a refreshing eucalyptus green, these 90 per cent cashmere socks are made from ultra-soft Scottish cashmere with 10 per cent nylon enforcement in the heels and toe to prevent that inevitable wear and tear. We particularly love the subtle, thinly ribbed design and that extra bit of shin length for the perfect Mary Jane fold.
Buy now £45.00, Brora
M&S Pure Cashmere Socks
In a delicate heather-grey, these luxurious cashmere socks from M&S pair easy and stylish loungewear with quality for the ultimate at-home comfort. They’re 100 per cent cashmere and machine washable, just make sure you hang them up to dry.
Buy now £30.00, M&S
The White Company Cashmere Bed Socks
No one does bedtime comfort better than The White Company, and the incredibly cosy and warming 100 per cent cashmere bed socks are a truly a godsend.
The high-quality cashmere ensures you won’t get any of that scratchy wool feeling that results in you kicking off your socks in the middle of the night. Winter will be a breeze with these wonders.
Buy now £36.00, The White Company
Cash Ca Cashmere Socks
We just adore the ribbed, contrast white trim on these ankle-length cashmere socks from Cash Ca. The English knitwear company, established in 1999, is known for its traditional, trusted knitting techniques and commitment to using the finest high-quality cashmere. The brand recommends hand washing this delicate, ultra-soft pair.
Buy now £80.00, Liberty
Johnstons of Elgin Cable-knit cashmere socks
Cable knit? For winter? Groundbreaking. We’re nevertheless a huge fan of these super classic off-white cashmere socks from Johnstons of Elgin. The woollen mill was established in 1797 in Elgin, and has been producing the finest woollen fibres ever since. You really can’t go wrong with 100 per cent, Scottish-produced cashmere.
Buy now £90.00, Harvey Nichols
Calzedonia Short Socks with Cashmere and Glitter
Sparkly socks and the festive season go together like brie and a well-rounded merlot. However, they often result in unbearable scratchiness and absolutely zero warmth. Enter: the cashmere and glitter blend ankle socks from Calzedonia.
They’re only 10 per cent cashmere, so they’re one of the only pairs in this round-up that are better-suited for fashion than bedtime - but they’ll certainly keep your twirling toes warm on the Christmas party dancefloor with a pair of chunky platform sandals.
Buy now £8.00, Calzedonia
Hansel From Basel Rib Cashmere Knee High Socks
Los-Angeles based and specialists in legwear, Hansel From Basel inspires playfulness and creativity in every single one of its woollen creations. The pieces are ethically made, with 30 per cent of every collection produced with 100 per cent renewable energy.
These scarlet red knee-high cashmere socks feature a funky contrast lilac toe. They can be worn pulled all the way up or pushed down for a folded legwarmer vibe. Made from space-dyed yarn with dip-dyed thread, no two pairs are exactly alike - so it’s a good idea to hand wash these cashmere/merino blend cosy essentials.
Buy now £52.00, Free People
Birkenstock 1774 Cashmere Socks in Cognac
Birkenstock 1774’s namesake comes from the brand’s founding year, illustrating the relationship between tradition and innovation integral to this exclusive line. Featured in a cognac and dark camel colourway with a set of double stripes beneath the cuff, these 90 per cent cashmere socks also come with the label’s signature logo printed on the sole.
Buy now £110.00, Birkenstock 1774
Rosie Sugden Cashmere Bed Socks, Spearmint
You’ll be rushing to bed with these beautifully soft cashmere socks from Rosie Sugden, featured here in Fortnum & Mason’s signature spearmint colourway. Made in a family run mill on the Scottish Borders, you can be sure that your toes will be graced with only the finest of cashmere.
Buy now £38.00, Fortnum & Mason
John Lewis Cashmere Blend Striped Ankle Socks, Light Blue
Adorned with Cornishwear-inspired and instantly recognisable blue and white stripes, this pair of cashmere blend socks from John Lewis will give you the same radiating warmth as a cup of tea on a cold day.
Though they’re only 8 per cent cashmere, they’ll be sure to last you through the winter and beyond with reinforcing viscose and elastane.
Buy now £12.00, John Lewis
