From Inner Mongolia to Milan: The Journey of a Cashmere Sweater

There’s something quietly luxurious about slipping into a well-made cashmere sweater. It’s not just the softness against the skin or the elegant drape—it’s the story woven into every fibre. Behind each piece lies a journey that spans continents, cultures, and craftsmanship.

Today, we invite you to follow that journey—from the windswept grasslands of Inner Mongolia to the fashion-forward streets of Milan.

It Begins with the Goats: The Origins of Cashmere

The story starts in the high plateaus of Inner Mongolia, where cashmere goats have adapted to survive in extreme climates. These hardy animals grow a dense undercoat of ultra-fine fibres to protect themselves from winter temperatures that can plunge below -30°C. It’s this undercoat—soft, warm, and rare—that becomes the foundation of every cashmere garment.

Each spring, as the goats naturally shed their winter coats, herders gently comb the fibres by hand. This traditional method ensures the animals are not harmed and that only the finest fibres are collected. On average, a single goat yields just 150–200 grams of usable cashmere per year—enough for roughly half a sweater.

Sorting, Spinning, and the Art of Yarn

Once collected, the raw cashmere undergoes a meticulous sorting process. The fibres are separated by length, colour, and fineness. Only the longest and softest fibres—typically under 16 microns in diameter—are selected for premium yarns.

From here, the fibres are washed, dehaired, and spun into yarn. This stage is both technical and artistic. The twist, ply, and tension of the yarn all influence the final garment’s feel, durability, and drape. For brushed yarns, an additional treatment is applied to create a soft, slightly fuzzy surface—perfect for cosy, cloud-like sweaters.

At this point, colour comes into play. Whether dyed at the fibre, yarn, or garment stage, colour selection is a delicate balance of trend forecasting, brand identity, and technical feasibility. We often work with trusted partners like M.oro  to ensure colour consistency and depth across collections.

Sampling: Where Design Meets Reality

Before a single sweater reaches the shop floor, it must pass through the hands of skilled sample makers. This is where design sketches are translated into tangible garments. For brushed yarns, sample production requires special washing treatments and careful handling—making it more complex and costly than standard knits.

At CH Cashmere, we often advise clients to begin with existing colours for sampling, especially when working with brushed yarns. This approach helps manage costs and lead times, while still allowing for colour customisation once bulk orders are confirmed.

Production: Precision in Every Stitch

Once samples are approved, bulk production begins. Each sweater is knitted to shape—minimising waste and ensuring a perfect fit. Panels are then linked by hand, a time-honoured technique that creates seamless joins and a refined finish.

Quality control is rigorous at every stage. From tension checks on the knitting machines to final garment inspections, we ensure that each piece meets our exacting standards. Only then is it ready for pressing, labelling, and packing.

Logistics and Lead Times: A Global Balancing Act

Shipping a cashmere sweater from Inner Mongolia to Milan isn’t just a matter of distance—it’s a matter of timing, coordination, and trust. We work closely with freight partners to ensure smooth customs clearance, accurate documentation, and timely delivery.

For clients planning seasonal launches or events like Black Friday, we recommend confirming quantities early. While we do keep some styles in stock, others—especially in custom colours—require lead time for yarn sourcing and production.

From Factory to Showroom: The Final Destination

And then, finally, the sweater arrives. Perhaps it’s displayed in a boutique in Milan’s Brera district, or featured in a showroom during Paris Fashion Week. Wherever it lands, it carries with it the story of its journey—a story of craftsmanship, care, and quiet luxury.

Why This Journey Matters

In an age of fast fashion and fleeting trends, understanding the journey of a garment adds depth to the purchase. It’s not just about owning a beautiful sweater—it’s about valuing the people, processes, and places behind it.

When you choose to work with CH Cashmere, you’re not just buying knitwear. You’re investing in a transparent, thoughtful supply chain. You’re supporting herders in Inner Mongolia, technicians in our workshop, and a slower, more sustainable approach to fashion.

Interested in learning more about our cashmere collections or sampling process?   We’d be delighted to guide you through the options, whether you’re preparing for a fashion week showcase or curating your next seasonal drop.