Essential Fabrics For Winter Travel: Cashmere
Winter weather can cause major headaches when you travel. You know what I'm talking about - delayed flights due to snow, overcrowded highways, scraping off your rental car, slippery sidewalks... ugh. While we can't control the weather or highway traffic, we can help you stay warm, cozy and looking great. Read on to discover the best winter fabrics for those on the go.
The Best Cold Weather Fabrics Are:
I. Warm
No need for extra layers
Transitions easily from outdoors to indoors
II. Lightweight
Don't add unnecessary weight to your suitcase
Fit comfortably under a winter coat
III. Durable
With proper care, will last many seasons
Doesn't need to be washed after every wear
CASHMERE
Cashmere has been around for thousands of years, and it still remains to be one of the softest, warmest and most refined fabrics. Made with hair from goats that is finer and softer than sheep's wool, cashmere will keep you warm and cozy from the terminal to your evening dinner meeting.
WARMTH
To keep warm on the mountains in extreme temperatures, Cashmere (Kashmir) goats grow a soft layer of hair underneath a thick course outer layer for additional insulation. During the spring molting season, the goats naturally shed this outer layer, and the soft, delicate hairs are collected for processing and manufacturing. This smooth and elegant inner layer is what is used to make the luxurious cashmere sweaters we have come to know and love. High-quality cashmere will keep you toasty and warm and will become softer over time with proper care. A basic cashmere sweater, like the Men and Women's $100 Cashmere Crew by Everlane is perfect as a single layer under wool or down jacket. You won't need to worry about layering up to stay warm, and it allows for a comfortable transition from the blustery outdoors to the heated airport lounge.
WEIGHT
Cashmere is known for being an ultra lightweight material which makes it a perfect addition to any carry-on wardrobe assortment. Cashmere fiber is crimped (vs. wavy), The crimps of the fiber cashmere garments to keep you warm without the thickness and weight. Industry standards require cashmere hairs to be at least 1-1/4' long and have an average diameter of fewer than 19 microns - the longer the hair, the better. Cashmere keeps you on the move whether you are wearing it or packing it for later.
DURABILITY
Some may think of Cashmere as a delicate and fragile fabric, but in fact, high quality cashmere, when cared for appropriately, is very durable. It can live in your suitcase, generally wrinkle-free. If you do happen to find wrinkles in your sweater the morning before a big meeting, just hang it up in the bathroom and take a long hot shower. That should take care of a mild case of wrinkles. Or if you carry a travel steamer with you, that would also work well. Use your judgment for how long to go in between washes, likely 3-4 wears. If you can tell it is in need of a little freshening up - trust your instinct. Cashmere sweaters can be dry cleaned, but hand washing in cold water is better for the fabric. The shape of cashmere is best maintained folded vs. hung - making yet another case for the superiority of this fabric when traveling.
FINAL TAKE
Cashmere is an excellent and lasting choice when it comes to winter travel wear. However, it is so important to source your Cashmere from brands who are committed to sustaining the environment and producing quality garments that will last. The popularity of this fabric means companies are more likely to cut corners in production in order to cut costs. Do your research and buy for years to come.
More tips on how to find quality cashmere:
Find The Perfect Cashmere Sweater
How To Care For Your Cashmere Sweaters
SHOP QUALITY CASHMERE