Bamboo viscose versus cashmere

Short answer: Cashmere is the warmest and lightest of the soft fibres and costs the most. Bamboo viscose is smoother, cooler and far easier to care for.

What cashmere does

Cashmere is the undercoat of a type of goat and consists of very fine fibres. That makes the fabric extremely light for the warmth it gives. No other fibre delivers the same warmth at the same weight.

Where bamboo wins

Bamboo viscose can be machine washed, survives daily use and costs a fraction. It is also cooler, which is an advantage indoors and in summer. See bamboo clothing for women.

Care and moths

Cashmere needs hand washing or a wool programme, has to dry flat and needs protection from moths in the wardrobe. Bamboo viscose has none of those problems. See bamboo t-shirts for women.

Can they be combined

Yes. A cashmere jumper on the outside and a layer of bamboo viscose against the skin is a good winter combination, where bamboo takes the sweat and cashmere provides the warmth. See bamboo undershirts for women.

Frequently asked questions

Does cashmere prickle

Rarely, because the fibres are very fine. Some people still notice it at the neck.

Can cashmere be machine washed

Only on a wool programme in a bag with wool detergent, and even then with care.

Why is cashmere so expensive

Because each goat yields only a small amount of undercoat per year, and it is sorted by hand.