Cashmere is proven to be the best of all natural fibers

September 9, 2020

Uchral Amar

Director of Design Development Department

Uchral Amar

Director of Design Development Department

With over 10 years at GOBI Cashmere, Uchral has dedicated her career to crafting beautifully designed knitwear. Beginning as a textile designer, she later led the design division and now oversees design development as its director. Her extensive knowledge of fashion design, combined with years of hands-on experience, enables her to create timeless, high-quality cashmere pieces that seamlessly blend tradition with modern innovation. She shares expert insights on cashmere fashion, design trends, the creative process behind each garment, as well as how to wear, care for, and truly appreciate cashmere.

Author Profile

SHARE THIS

- Researcher encourages innovative ideas using cashmere –

As a Professor of the School of Industrial Technology, D. Enkhtuya, gave an exclusive interview with The UB Post. Since 1981, she has conducted extensive studies on cashmere production, de-hairing technology, the usage of cashmere and its health properties.

Cashmere is one of the most sought-out fibers in the world. What makes it such an expensive and luxurious commodity?

Let me first talk about fibers. Fiber is divided into two categories – natural and chemical. Of all the fibers in the world, wool and cashmere account for only one percent. Furthermore, cashmere makes up merely 0.001 percent of that amount making it an incredibly scarce fiber.

Mongolia is known as “The Land of Soft Gold”. What makes their cashmere so special?

Each country has its own standards for cashmere. However, Mongolian cashmere is known to exceed expectations. With pure cashmere fibers ranging from a diameter of 13 to 14 microns, it is considered to be the finest. They are called Khaan Shirhegt, or King Fiber, which stands out as top quality cashmere.

Does harvesting cashmere harm goats?

No. Herders only hand-comb the fleece when it’s ready to shed. Once winter passes, cashmere goats naturally shed its fleece in the spring months to live more comfortably during the warmer seasons. As new fleece grows, it pushes the old fibers out causing natural shed hairs ready to be combed.

How does the traditional knowledge of Mongolian herders help goats?

An English magazine complimented the technique of Mongolian herders and reported them to be the best producers of cashmere. Centuries of knowledge led herders to sense when their goats start feeling uncomfortable. With thicker fleece, it gets difficult for goats and sheep to eat and move around during the spring and summer.

What are the health benefits of cashmere?

Cashmere contains keratin which is considered to have properties healthiest to humans. Since cashmere is collected from a living animal, it is suitable for providing high quality comfort for the wearer.

Nowadays, cashmere clothes are made in all kinds of colors. Is it harmful in any way?

One of the many advantages of cashmere is that it quickly absorbs color so it’s easy to dye. In other words, once it has been dyed, it will keep its color. Moreover, as cashmere is a valuable material, local producers use the most globally acclaimed dyes to prevent triggering any allergies. Cashmere clothes can also come in organic colors thanks to the four natural colors Mongolian goats produce.

What is your opinion regarding the stereotype of cashmere being solely for the older, wealthier generations? Could cashmere be suitable for other age groups?

I think it has changed. More and more people are leaning toward eco-friendly solutions. Cashmere clothes are a great way for people to be eco-friendly while being comfortable. It’s difficult to throw away nylon clothes since they are harmful to the environment, however, cashmere clothes are more sustainable.

Lastly, do you have anything else you want to say to our readers?

On top of eating healthily, please make sure to wear healthy and good-quality clothes. You need to start avoiding buying synthetic clothes and opt for cotton, woolen or cashmere clothes.