How to Identify Premium Cashmere: 6 Key Metrics Every B2B Buyer Must Know
Fineness, length, yield, color, impurity, crimp — six measurable indicators that separate commodity cashmere from premium Ordos fiber. A practical checklist for importers and brand buyers.
How to Identify Premium Cashmere: 6 Key Metrics
When you source cashmere for a fashion brand or textile mill, the difference between commodity fiber and premium fiber can mean 30–50% price gap on the finished garment. Use this checklist before signing any purchase order.
1. Fineness (Micron Count)
The single most important number. Measured in micrometers (μm).
- Baby Cashmere: ≤ 14.5 μm — top of the line, harvested from yearling goats
- Premium White: 14.5–15.5 μm — Albas white goat from Ordos, Inner Mongolia
- Standard White: 15.5–16.5 μm — most commercial cashmere
- Brown / Purple: 15.5–16.5 μm — natural color, lower price point
Anything above 16.5 μm is no longer classified as cashmere by international trade standards.
2. Fiber Length
Longer fibers spin into stronger, less pilling yarn.
- Premium: 34–42 mm
- Standard: 28–34 mm
- Short fiber (<28 mm): produces weaker yarn, more shedding
3. Dehaired Yield
The percentage of usable fiber after dehairing raw cashmere.
- Premium: ≥ 45%
- Standard: 35–45%
- Low (<35%): indicates poor raw material or excessive processing
4. Color & Whiteness
Premium white cashmere (Albas goat) has natural high whiteness — can be dyed into any pastel color with minimal bleaching. Brown and purple cashmere have natural dark tones, ideal for blends and dark colors.
5. Impurity Content
- Premium: ≤ 0.3% (vegetable matter, grease, dirt)
- Standard: 0.3–0.5%
- Above 0.5% means additional processing costs and lower yields
6. Crimp & Handle
Premium cashmere has tight, regular crimp and a soft “handle” (touch feel). Run a fiber through your fingers — premium fibers feel slippery, not rough.
How to Verify Before Ordering
- Request a lab test report (fiber diameter, length, yield) from a SGS or Intertek lab
- Ask for batch samples before placing bulk orders
- Visit the factory or hire a third-party inspector (Asia Inspection, Bureau Veritas)
DONGXIAO® Cashmere provides full lab reports on every batch and welcomes factory audits at our Ordos facility. Contact our B2B team for sample requests.
