05/20/2023
Let's talk about that cashmere "halo." This fuzzy aura of fibers develops as cashmere yarn is broken in. Unfortunately, in my decade plus of unraveling sweaters, I've found that sometimes the cashmere sweaters with the most beautiful halo are made with yarn spun from the shortest fibers--great for the halo, not so great for durability. The short fibers, especially if they've been loosely spun, will pill or even shed from the sweater as it's worn, leaving the fabric weakened and misshapen. And when the sweater is deconstructed, the short fibers mean that the yarn is easily pulled apart. Higher quality cashmere, on the other hand, often has less of a halo, as the longer fibers stay wrapped up in the tightly-spun yarn, and there are fewer loose ends to "bloom." However, it is still wonderfully soft, light, and warm, and the garment will hold its shape, and with proper care, can last for decades.
Sometimes I find cashmere that manages to be both, nice and strong but also with a beautiful bloom. This was one of those yarns. (It sold out before I could post these photos.)
