Cashmere scarves

C

Scarves are often seen as the perfect accessory. No matter the weather, it’s always possible to find a scarf that completes an outfit with simple elegance. Whether it’s a light and airy number for the summer months, or a more robust material to keep the bracing wind at bay in the winter – scarves are a must-have accessory for fashion-lovers all year round.

Cashmere is known for its luxurious texture, its unrivalled quality and its timeless style. It is famously luxurious because of the effort that goes into the manufacturing of the material; the wool is combed from the underbelly of the Capra Hircus goat, sometimes referred to as the Cashmere Goat. This particular breed of goat is only found at extremely high altitudes, famously in the Himalayas. Currently China is the largest manufacturer of cashmere in the world, where the sorting, spinning and weaving is all performed by hand – as hand woven scarves have a superior finish to their machine-produced counterparts.

Cashmere scarves are renowned for their durability and texture; not only does the material allow the skin to breathe, preventing a clammy sensation that can so often occur in the winter, but it is also a brilliant insulator against the crisp weather of winter. However this doesn’t mean that as soon as the sun starts to shine that your cashmere scarf can be banished to your wardrobe; they complement woollen jumpers and light jackets perfectly, adding that extra layer on the more brisk days.

As one of the ultimate fashion accessories, a cashmere scarf is extremely versatile. Depending on the length of the material you have, as some scarves can have more of a shawl-like quality, a cashmere scarf could also be used as a belt, sash or even around your head to protect your hair from the wind (and stop yourself getting snapped by the paparazzi). A scarf can change the look of a dress or outfit completely.

Additionally, unlike other types of wool, cashmere tends to mature like a fine wine. It actually improves with age, and can begin to feel softer and more luxurious. It rarely ‘pills’ or ‘bobbles’ in the laundry, and isn’t prone to creasing. If you’re looking to invest in a luxury accessory such a cashmere scarf, you can be sure to get your money’s worth as its lifespan alone can justify the expense.

About the author

shirleyye
By shirleyye