Article: How to Recognise High-Quality Cashmere – A Look at SAINTE MER’s Standards

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Wie erkennt man hochwertiges Kaschmir? – Ein Blick hinter SAINTE MERs Maßstäbe

Oct 5, 2023

How to Recognise High-Quality Cashmere – A Look at SAINTE MER’s Standards

Cashmere has always been regarded as the epitome of luxury and elegance. But what truly defines premium cashmere? In everyday life, quality, price, and expectations often blur. Here, I would like to share my personal insights and the standards we uphold at SAINTE MER – to help make conscious choices easier.

1. Fibre Fineness & Quality

The heart of premium cashmere products lies in the fibre fineness. At SAINTE MER, we use only Grade-A cashmere, sourced from the finest and longest fibres – mostly from the underbelly of the goat, where the wool is exceptionally soft.

Once shorter or coarser fibres are used, the material quickly loses its luxurious character.

2. Texture & Density

The first impression a cashmere piece gives is its touch: it should feel soft and supple, yet still show substance and density – not thin or flimsy.

Another important detail: over time, the fibre should become even softer, not the opposite. At SAINTE MER, we pay close attention to this balance between lightness and long-lasting structure.

3. Colour & Evenness

True high-quality cashmere reveals a deep, even colour intensity. At SAINTE MER, we work with lighter raw fibres so that colours appear fresh and radiant – without dullness or blotching.

Check that the colour doesn’t fade, shine through, or show uneven patches.

4. Pilling & Durability

Few aspects reveal quality as clearly as how a fabric behaves after months of wear. High-quality cashmere will show only minimal pilling (small bobbles) – especially when it is pure cashmere (without blends).

At SAINTE MER, we focus primarily on 100% cashmere, as blended fabrics often wear out more quickly. If after one or two years a piece still has hardly any pilling and retains its shape, it is a true investment.

5. Price in Relation to Value

Cashmere is one of the rarest natural fibres – and its price reflects that. An unusually low price can be a warning sign.

At SAINTE MER, we make sure our pieces are fairly priced, without being inflated. We offer transparent value instead of unjustified mark-ups. Each piece is designed to last a lifetime, not just a season.

6. Origin & Trust in the Supply Chain

The origin of the fibre is essential: at SAINTE MER, our raw materials come from long-standing partners we know personally. This transparency is not just a sales promise, but a responsibility.

I regularly travel to the production regions, visit our partners, and check conditions on site – to ensure that origin, working practices, and quality are aligned.

7. Care & Longevity

A high-quality piece shows its true potential with the right care: gentle wool shampoo, drying flat, avoiding spinning or harsh rubbing.

In the SAINTE MER Blog, you will also find detailed care tips to keep your favourite piece soft and beautiful for years to come.

Conclusion

High-quality cashmere cannot be recognised by price alone – but by fineness, texture, colour, pilling resistance, and the care within the supply chain. At SAINTE MER, I place the highest value on these criteria so that every piece becomes an investment in time, elegance, and sustainability.