26s vs 48s Cashmere Yarn: Which Count Is Right for Your B2B Product?

26s vs 48s Cashmere Yarn: Which Count Is Right for Your B2B Product?

When sourcing cashmere yarn for your next collection, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing the yarn count. In the B2B world, the numbers ’26s’ and ’48s’ come up constantly—but what do they actually mean, and how do they impact your product’s performance, cost, and market positioning?

As a cashmere source factory based in Ordos, Inner Mongolia—the heart of the world’s finest cashmere production—we’ve supplied yarn to brands and importers across the globe for over 23 years. In this guide, we break down the differences between 26s and 48s cashmere yarn, helping you make an informed choice for your specific product line.

What Does ‘Yarn Count’ Mean in Cashmere?

Yarn count is a measure of fineness or thickness of a yarn. In the metric system, it’s expressed as Nm (number of meters per gram). So, 26s (Nm 26/2) means that 1 gram of yarn contains 26 meters of single-ply yarn, and the ‘/2’ indicates it’s two-ply (two single yarns twisted together). Similarly, 48s (Nm 48/2) means 1 gram of yarn contains 48 meters of single-ply yarn, making it much finer.

In simple terms: the higher the count, the finer the yarn, and the lighter and more delicate the resulting fabric.

Why Does Count Matter in B2B Sourcing?

For B2B buyers, yarn count directly affects:

• Fabric weight (grams per square meter, GSM)
• Hand feel and drape
• Durability and pilling resistance
• Production cost and yield
• End-use applications (e.g., lightweight summer knits vs. heavy winter sweaters)

26s Cashmere Yarn: Characteristics and Applications

26s is a medium-to-heavy weight yarn, typically used for chunky knits, outerwear, and accessories that require warmth and structure. It’s a versatile workhorse in the cashmere industry.

Key Specifications

• Fineness: ~26 Nm per ply, two-ply makes a robust yarn
• Typical fabric weight: 7–12 GG (gauge) knits, resulting in fabrics weighing 300–500 GSM
• Micron count: Usually 15.5–16.5 microns (depending on raw material grade)
• Yield: Lower yield per kg of raw cashmere compared to finer counts

Advantages

• Durability: Thicker yarns are more resistant to abrasion and pilling, making them ideal for high-wear items.
• Faster production: Heavier yarns knit faster, reducing labor costs per unit.
• Cost-effective: Less processing required, and raw material usage is lower per meter of fabric (in terms of length).
• Structured drape: Creates garments with a more substantial, tailored silhouette.

Best Applications

• Men’s and women’s sweaters (classic crewnecks, cardigans)
• Coats and jackets (woven or knitted)
• Scarves, blankets, and throws
• Loungewear and heavy knitwear

Typical B2B Use Case

A European importer sourcing heavy-gauge knitwear for a winter collection might choose 26s to achieve a chunky, premium feel. With a 26s yarn, you can knit at 3–5 gauge, creating a dense, warm fabric that stands up to everyday wear.

48s Cashmere Yarn: Characteristics and Applications

48s is a fine yarn that produces lightweight, luxurious fabrics with a soft, fluid drape. It’s the go-to choice for high-end fashion, delicate knits, and year-round wear.

Key Specifications

• Fineness: ~48 Nm per ply, two-ply makes a very fine yarn
• Typical fabric weight: 12–16 GG knits, resulting in fabrics weighing 150–250 GSM
• Micron count: Usually 14.5–15.5 microns (premium grade)
• Yield: Higher yield per kg of raw cashmere (more meters of yarn per gram)

Advantages

• Exceptional softness: Fine yarns feel incredibly smooth against the skin.
• Lightweight comfort: Ideal for layering and transitional seasons.
• Elegant drape: Creates garments that flow beautifully.
• Higher perceived value: Fine-gauge knits often command premium prices.

Best Applications

• Lightweight sweaters and cardigans (women’s and men’s)
• Turtlenecks, polos, and fine-gauge t-shirts
• Knit dresses and skirts
• Scarves and shawls (lightweight)
• Baby and children’s wear (if superfine)

Typical B2B Use Case

A Japanese brand focusing on minimalist, year-round knitwear might opt for 48s to produce a fine-gauge sweater that can be worn under a jacket. The lightweight nature allows for extended selling seasons, reducing inventory risk.

Comparative Table: 26s vs 48s at a Glance

Feature	26s (Nm 26/2)	48s (Nm 48/2)
Fineness	Coarser	Finer
Typical Gauge	3–7 GG	12–16 GG
Fabric Weight (GSM)	300–500	150–250
Hand Feel	Substantial, structured	Soft, fluid, delicate
Durability	High	Moderate (requires careful care)
Pilling Resistance	Higher	Lower (but can be improved with quality raw material)
Cost per kg of yarn	Lower	Higher (more processing)
Cost per garment	Lower (less yarn per piece? No—actually more yarn weight, but lower price per kg)	Higher (more yarn length, but finer)
Best for	Outerwear, chunky sweaters	Lightweight knits, luxury garments

Note: Cost per garment depends on design and weight. Generally, 26s yields heavier garments but uses less yarn length; 48s yields lighter garments but requires more processing and premium raw material.

How to Choose: A Decision Framework for B2B Buyers

When deciding between 26s and 48s, ask yourself these questions:

1. What is your target market and price point?

• Luxury, high-end: 48s aligns with premium positioning.
• Mid-range, everyday luxury: 26s offers durability and cost-effectiveness.

2. What is the garment’s intended use?

• Heavy winter outerwear → 26s
• Year-round lightweight layers → 48s
• Accessories like scarves → Both, depending on desired weight

3. What is your production capacity?

• Fine-gauge knitting requires more knitting time and skilled labor. If you have high-volume needs, 26s might be easier to scale.
• 48s yarn is more delicate and may require slower knitting speeds to avoid defects.

4. What is your climate?

• Cold climates (e.g., Northern Europe, Northeast Asia) favor heavier weights (26s).
• Mild climates (e.g., Japan, coastal regions) favor lighter weights (48s).

5. What is your supply chain lead time?

• 26s yarn is typically produced faster due to less processing.
• 48s yarn may require longer lead times, especially if you need premium micron counts.

Sourcing from Ordos: Quality and Certification

As a source factory in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, we have direct access to the finest cashmere fibers in the world. Our raw material comes from the Cashmere goats of the Ordos plateau, known for their exceptionally fine underfleece (14–16 microns).

When sourcing cashmere yarn, always verify:

• Micron count (ideally ≤15.5 for 48s, ≤16.5 for 26s)
• Fiber length (longer fibers reduce pilling)
• Color consistency (dye lots should be matched)
• Certifications: ISO9001 for quality management, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for harmful substances, and GOTS if you need organic certification.

Our factory holds ISO9001 and OEKO-TEX certifications, ensuring that every batch of yarn meets international safety and quality standards. We also offer GOTS-certified organic cashmere upon request.

Cost Considerations and MOQs

In B2B sourcing, pricing is often the deciding factor. Here’s a rough comparison based on current market rates (2025):

• 26s cashmere yarn (Nm 26/2): approximately $80–$120 per kg, depending on micron and dyeing.
• 48s cashmere yarn (Nm 48/2): approximately $100–$150 per kg, due to finer spinning and higher raw material cost.

Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs):

• For dyed yarn: typically 50–100 kg per color.
• For natural (undyed) yarn: MOQ can be as low as 20 kg.

Lead times:

• 26s: 2–3 weeks for production after sample approval.
• 48s: 3–4 weeks due to finer spinning and more careful handling.

Practical Tips for Testing and Sampling

Before committing to a full production order, always request yarn samples and knit-downs:

1. Knit a swatch in your desired gauge to evaluate hand feel and drape.
2. Wash test to check shrinkage and pilling.
3. Color match against Pantone or physical standards.
4. Test strength—especially for 48s, ensure the yarn doesn’t break easily during knitting.

At our factory, we provide free samples of both 26s and 48s yarns, including knit-downs, so you can make a confident choice.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

There is no universal ‘best’ count—it all depends on your product strategy. If you’re aiming for durable, warm, and cost-effective knitwear, 26s is your ally. If you’re targeting luxury, lightweight, and high-fashion items, 48s will elevate your collection.

Many brands actually carry both counts in their lineup to cover different seasons and price points. That’s a smart approach, and as a full-service supplier, we can help you develop both.

Ready to Source Premium Cashmere Yarn?

With 23 years of experience in Ordos, we’ve helped hundreds of B2B clients find the right yarn count for their products. Whether you need 26s, 48s, or custom blends, we offer:

• Factory-direct pricing with no middlemen
• Flexible MOQs (as low as 20 kg for natural yarn)
• Fast sampling (3–5 days to your door)
• Full certification (ISO9001, OEKO-TEX, GOTS)
• OEM/ODM services for garments and knitwear

Contact us today to discuss your project and request free samples. Our team will guide you through the selection process and ensure you get the perfect yarn for your market.

👉 Get in touch with our sourcing experts — we typically respond within 24 hours.

DONGXIAO Cashmere — Your Trusted Cashmere Source in Ordos, Inner Mongolia.