Cashmere

The quality of cashmere is primarily determined by fiber fineness and length. Premium cashmere should have a fiber diameter of less than 15.5 microns and a length of 32mm to 38mm. Buyers should request a Laboratory Test Report (e.g., from SGS or Intertek) to verify the purity, as 'cashmere blends' often contain wool or acrylic. High-quality cashmere feels silky and soft, not scratchy, and should quickly spring back to its original shape after being stretched.

When sourcing finished garments, pay attention to the Gauge (GG), which indicates the number of needles per inch. 12GG is the industry standard for versatile, lightweight sweaters, while 7GG or 5GG is used for thicker, chunky knits. Additionally, check the ply count; 2-ply yarn is significantly more durable and less prone to pilling than 1-ply yarn. Ensure the pilling grade is 3 or higher according to the ISO 12945-2 standard.

To ensure ethical sourcing and market access, prioritize suppliers with The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS) or Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) certifications, which guarantee animal welfare and environmental protection. For chemical safety, products must meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 or REACH regulations. If exporting to the US, compliance with the Wool Products Labeling Act is mandatory, requiring accurate fiber content disclosure.

The finest cashmere typically originates from Inner Mongolia (China) due to the extreme temperature fluctuations which cause goats to grow a finer undercoat. Alashan Cashmere is considered the 'gold standard.' While Mongolian or Afghan cashmere is also available, it often has a higher coarse hair content, leading to a lower yield and a rougher hand-feel. Always confirm the origin of the raw fiber before finalizing pricing.

The most significant risk is material substitution, where suppliers mix fine wool with cashmere to lower costs. To mitigate this, use Third-Party Inspection services like V-Trust or QIMA to perform random sampling during production. Another risk is weight shortage; ensure the contract specifies the net weight of the cashmere excluding packaging and moisture regain (standard is usually 18.25%).

Focus on transparency of the supply chain. Ask for videos of their dehairing and spinning facilities. For bulk orders, negotiate a staged payment plan (e.g., 30% deposit, 70% after passing the final inspection). Request volume-based discounts; typically, orders exceeding 500 pieces per style can see a 10-15% price reduction compared to sample prices.

Cashmere is highly sensitive to moisture and pests. Ensure the supplier uses vacuum-sealed polybags and moisture-absorbent silica gel packets inside the cartons. For high-value shipments, Air Freight is recommended to reduce the time spent in humid port environments. Ensure the outer cartons are double-walled (5-ply) to prevent crushing and fiber compression.

Always conduct transactions through the Secured Trading services on Made-in-China.com to protect your funds until delivery is confirmed. Avoid direct wire transfers to private accounts. Verify the supplier's Business License and Export Qualification to ensure they are a legally registered entity with the right to export textile products.