Why Our Cashmere Is Different
Why Our Cashmere Is Different
Not all cashmere is created equal. In a market flooded with blended fibres and questionable quality, we've chosen a different path: certified Chyangra cashmere from the Himalayas, or rather pashmina. This isn't just marketing—it's a measurable commitment to exceptional quality, ethical sourcing, and luxurious longevity.
The Chyangra Mark: Your Guarantee of Authenticity
Our cashmere carries the prestigious Chyangra Mark certification, an internationally recognised standard that guarantees authenticity and quality. This certification isn't easy to obtain—it requires rigorous testing and verification at every stage of production.
What the Chyangra Mark Certifies:
Authentic Origin
Every fibre comes from the Chyangra mountain goat (Capra hircus) native to the Himalayan region, primarily Nepal and Tibet. These goats produce the world's finest cashmere, adapted to survive extreme mountain conditions at altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters.
Strict Fibre Standards
To earn Chyangra certification, fibres must meet exacting specifications:
- Minimum fibre diameter: 19 microns or less (the finer the fibre, the softer the feel)
- Maximum fibre length: Ensures luxurious feel and prevents pilling
- Purity testing: 100% cashmere content verified through laboratory analysis
Ethical Production
The certification guarantees humane treatment of goats, fair compensation for herders, and sustainable harvesting practices that protect both animals and ecosystems.
Traceability
Complete supply chain transparency from mountain pastures to finished garment. Every piece can be traced back to its origin.
The Chyangra Mountain Goat: Nature's Luxury
The Chyangra goat thrives in one of Earth's harshest environments—the high Himalayas, where winter temperatures plummet to -40°C. To survive, these remarkable animals develop an incredibly fine, dense undercoat beneath their coarse outer hair.
This undercoat—true cashmere—is combed (never sheared) once annually during the spring moulting season. Each goat produces only 80-150 grams of usable fibre per year, making genuine Chyangra cashmere exceptionally rare and valuable.
Why Himalayan Cashmere Is Superior:
The extreme climate creates the finest, longest fibres in the world. Goats in less harsh environments produce coarser, shorter fibres that don't match Himalayan quality.
The Finest Fibres: Technical Excellence You Can Feel
We use only the finest grade Chyangra fibres—those that pass the strictest quality thresholds. This isn't just about luxury; it's about longevity and performance.
Fibre Specifications That Matter:
Ultra-Fine Diameter (Maximum 16 Microns)
The finer the fibre, the softer it feels against your skin. Our certified fibres measure 16 microns or less—approximately one-fifth the diameter of a human hair. This creates an extraordinarily soft, non-itchy feel that lesser cashmere simply cannot match.
For context: standard cashmere ranges from 19-21 microns and is often mixed with other fibres. We use only the finest end of this spectrum, without adulteration.
Optimal Fibre Length (Minimum Standards)
Longer fibres create stronger yarn with better structural integrity. Our certified fibres meet minimum length requirements that ensure:
- Exceptional durability – resists breaking and thinning over time
- Pill resistance – significantly reduces those annoying fabric balls
- Better drape – creates elegant movement and fall
- Long-lasting softness – maintains its luxurious feel for decades
Natural Crimp
Chyangra fibres have a natural three-dimensional crimp that creates loft and insulation without weight. This is why our cashmere feels both incredibly light and genuinely warm.
No Pilling Promise: The Quality Difference
One of the most common complaints about cashmere? Pilling—those frustrating little balls of fiber that appear after just a few wears.
Why our cashmere resists pilling:
- Longer fibre length – Our certified fibres exceed minimum length standards, creating stronger yarn that doesn't shed short fibres
- Ultra-fine consistency – Uniform fibre diameter means even wear and less friction
- Quality spinning techniques – Traditional methods that respect fibre integrity
- Natural fibre strength – Himalayan cashmere is inherently more durable
While all natural fibres may experience minimal pilling initially (as loose surface fibres settle), our certified Chyangra cashmere maintains its smooth surface far longer than standard cashmere. With proper care, your pieces will remain beautifully soft and pill-free for years.
The Most Luxurious Feel: What 'Fine Fibre' Really Means
When we say "luxurious feel," we're not being poetic—we're describing measurable qualities:
Softness
Finer fibres (under 19 microns) feel softer because they bend more easily against your skin, creating a cloud-like sensation rather than any scratchiness.
Lightweight Warmth
Chyangra cashmere is up to eight times warmer than sheep's wool, yet remarkably light. The fine fibres trap air efficiently, creating natural insulation without bulk.
Breathability
Unlike synthetic materials, our cashmere regulates temperature naturally. It keeps you warm when it's cold and remains comfortable when temperatures rise—perfect for year-round wear and travel.
Drape and Movement
Fine, long fibres create fabric that flows beautifully. Our cashmere scarves and garments have an elegant fall and graceful movement that's impossible to replicate with shorter or coarser fibres.
Durability That Improves With Age
Paradoxically, the finest cashmere becomes softer and more beautiful with proper care. Unlike lower-quality alternatives that deteriorate, our certified pieces develop a lustrous patina over time.
Ethical Luxury: Certification You Can Trust
The Chyangra Mark represents more than quality—it's a commitment to ethical practices:
For the Animals:
- Gentle combing during natural moulting (never shearing)
- Goats remain healthy and comfortable throughout the process
- No harm to the animal—cashmere collection is part of natural seasonal cycle
- Protection of goat populations and their natural habitat
For the Herders:
- Fair compensation that exceeds regional standards
- Support for traditional livelihoods in remote mountain communities
- Partnership rather than exploitation
- Preservation of centuries-old herding practices
For the Environment:
- Sustainable grazing practices that prevent overuse
- Protection of fragile high-altitude ecosystems
- No harmful chemicals in processing
- Minimal environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives
Complete Transparency:
Every piece comes with documentation tracing it back to certified producers. This isn't greenwashing—it's verifiable, audited accountability.
Investment Quality: The True Cost of Luxury
Certified Chyangra cashmere costs more than mass-market alternatives. Here's why it's worth it:
Longevity
With proper care, our cashmere pieces last 20-30 years or more. Calculate cost-per-wear over decades, and certified quality becomes remarkably affordable.
No Pilling = No Replacement
How many cheaper cashmere pieces have you replaced because they pilled or wore thin? Our certified fibres maintain their beauty, eliminating replacement costs.
Timeless Style
Quality this exceptional never goes out of fashion. These are heirloom pieces you'll treasure—and potentially pass down.
Sustainable Choice
One high-quality piece that lasts decades is infinitely more sustainable than multiple cheap alternatives that end up in landfills.
True Luxury
There's simply no comparison in how certified Chyangra cashmere feels. Once you experience it, standard cashmere feels ordinary.
How to Identify Authentic Chyangra Cashmere
In a market full of misleading labels, here's what genuine certification means:
Look for:
✓ Chyangra Mark certification – official certification mark and documentation
✓ Certificate of authenticity – included with each piece
✓ Fiber specifications – transparent about micron count and length
✓ Origin transparency – clear information about Himalayan sourcing
✓ Traceable production – verifiable supply chain
Be wary of:
✗ Vague terms like "cashmere-blend" or "cashmere-feel"
✗ Suspiciously low prices (genuine Chyangra cashmere cannot be cheap)
✗ No certification or authentication documentation
✗ "100% cashmere" without specifying origin or quality grade
✗ Claims of "pill-free" without explaining fiber specifications
Caring for Your Certified Cashmere
Quality this exceptional deserves proper care. These simple practices will ensure your pieces remain beautiful for decades:
Washing:
- Hand wash in cool water with gentle, pH-neutral detergent
- Never wring or twist—gently press out excess water
- Dry flat on a clean towel, reshaping to original dimensions
- Dry cleaning is safe but not necessary with proper hand washing
Storage:
- Fold (never hang) to maintain shape
- Store in breathable cotton or linen bags
- Add natural cedar or lavender to deter moths
- Keep away from direct sunlight
Wearing:
- Allow pieces to rest between wears (fibres naturally recover)
- Remove any initial pilling gently with a cashmere comb
- Avoid wearing with rough materials that cause friction
- Handle jewellery clasps carefully to prevent snagging
The Reward:
Properly cared for, your certified Chyangra cashmere will become softer, more lustrous, and more beloved with each passing year.
Our Collection: Where to Find Certified Chyangra Cashmere
We currently offer certified Chyangra cashmere in:
Scarves under 'Accessories'
Modern design. Gender-neutral. Contemporary luxury. Shop scarves here.
Coming Soon:
We're expanding our certified cashmere collection to include additional styles that honour traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern aesthetics.
Each piece comes with:
- Certificate of authenticity with Chyangra Mark
- Care instructions for longevity
- Traceability information
- Beautiful packaging worthy of the quality within
Why We Choose Chyangra Certification
We could source cheaper cashmere. We could blend fibres or use lower grades and most customers wouldn't immediately notice. But we'd know—and eventually, you would too.
The Chyangra Mark certification aligns with everything we believe about fashion:
Quality over quantity – One exceptional piece beats a closet full of mediocre alternatives
Transparency over marketing – Verifiable standards rather than empty promises
Longevity over trends – Investment pieces that transcend seasonal fashion
Ethics over profit – Fair practices that honor people, animals, and planet
Truth over greenwashing – Certified accountability, not convenient claims
This is luxury with integrity. This is cashmere as it should be.
Experience the Difference
Words can only convey so much. The true proof is in the touch—that impossibly soft, lightweight, warming sensation that only the world's finest fibres can provide.
We invite you to experience certified Chyangra cashmere for yourself. Feel the difference that rigorous standards, ethical practices, and exceptional craftsmanship create.
This is cashmere elevated. This is the Chyangra standard.
[Explore Our Certified Cashmere Collection →]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all cashmere from the Himalayas?
No. Cashmere comes from various regions including China, Mongolia, Iran, and Afghanistan. However, Himalayan Chyangra goats produce the finest fibres due to extreme climate conditions. Our certification guarantees Himalayan origin.
How can I verify my cashmere is certified?
Each piece includes a certificate of authenticity with the Chyangra Mark.
Will certified cashmere pill?
All natural fibers may experience minimal initial pilling as loose surface fibers settle. However, our long-fiber certified cashmere resists pilling far better than standard cashmere and maintains its smooth surface with minimal care.
Why is certified cashmere more expensive?
Certification requires rigorous testing, traceable ethical sourcing, and the finest grade fibers (only a small percentage of cashmere meets these standards). The higher cost reflects genuine quality, ethical practices, and exceptional longevity—making it more cost-effective long-term.
Can men and women both wear your cashmere?
Absolutely. Our designs, particularly the Luderon square scarf, are intentionally gender-neutral. Quality and style transcend traditional fashion boundaries.
How long will certified cashmere last?
With proper care, certified Chyangra cashmere can last 20-30 years or more, often improving with age. Many customers pass pieces down as heirlooms.
Is this cashmere suitable for warm climates?
Yes. Cashmere is naturally temperature-regulating and breathable. Our lightweight weaves make it comfortable year-round, providing warmth when needed without overheating.
Questions about our Chyangra certification? [Contact us →]