Feel the Difference: Colhay’s Premium Cashmere
As we begin the descent into the end of 2025, the bitter winter weather just around the corner and thoughts of Christmas gifting ever present, November is a month when we’re seeking out comfort, warmth and cosiness and, particularly with gifting in mind, a dash of luxury too.
Nicknamed the king of fibres, cashmere ticks each of these boxes. In this article, we’ll explain what makes a high quality cashmere, why luxury cashmere pieces are an investment, and give you a run down of some of our favourite cashmere garments, perfect for gifting to loved ones - or yourself!
In recent years the quality of cashmere has seen a distinct decline. An increase in demand led to over production and with that came a marked loss of quality. Much of what we see on the high street feels soft but is not strong or durable enough to keep its shape. At Colhay’s we use the finest cashmere for our knitwear. Cashmere that, if cared for properly, is strong enough to be passed down to your children and even grandchildren. (Whatsmore, our designs are considered, elegant and timeless, so these said grandchildren wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear them!)
Alongside a drop in quality in the cashmere itself, we also see a surge in blending of fibres. More often than not, this will see cashmere mixed with a synthetic fibre - polyester, nylon, or viscose, for example.
To understand what makes our cashmere different, you need to understand where cashmere itself comes from and how it is produced. Cashmere is a type of yarn spun from fibres found on a specific breed of goat living in the Himalayas. In this environment, the goats need some kind of climate control to be able to deal with the frequent jumps between hot and cold weather. As a result, the cashmere has the same properties and can help you regulate your body temperature.
As the fibres needed are taken from only a very specific part of the goat - the undercoat of their bellies - each goat produces just a small amount of cashmere, hence it became such an exclusive and sought-after fibre.
All of the fibres that are collected are very soft, but the ones that go on to create the best cashmere have very specific properties: they are both long and fine. For context, around 15.5 microns in diameter and 38mm in length. (Compare this to regular wool fibres which are often over 25 microns and the difference is obvious.) Long fibres result in strong yarns and garments that are far less likely to pill. The width denotes how soft the cashmere will be and so in lower quality cashmere, narrow but short fibres create softness but will undoubtedly pill soon after the first wear.
The yarn spinners we work with, Todd and Duncan, have the very strictest standards when it comes to collecting these fibres. Each and every fibre is triple-tested for impurities, whiteness and dimensions. Firstly they’re tested at source, then again before they leave for their factory in Scotland, and lastly on arrival. Criteria are defined and strict, meaning only the very best fibres will be made into yarn.
Todd and Duncan have been in business for over 150 years and have developed an unmatched and deserved reputation in the industry for their renowned quality. It is methods such as this self-imposed and rigorous testing that yield superb results.
When it comes to dyeing and spinning the yarns, Todd and Duncan favour traditional methods over newer automations that are potentially cost or time saving. This staunch commitment not to cut corners and stick to older methods is not simply a romantic affinity for a bygone era, rather it’s what has been tried and tested over many decades to promise the best results.
The fibres are both washed and dyed in a nearby loch, where the balance of minerals in this natural water source open up the fibres, making them soft to the touch and giving excellent and consistent colour. (It’s also worth noting here that the dyes used are environmentally friendly and the water used is cleaned before being returned to the loch.)
Finally the fibres are spun, using a method perfected back in the 50s. The yarns are spun on modern mules which takes much longer than other widely-used methods, but the yarn is most certainly worth the wait. By investing more time and effort, paying meticulous attention through each and every step, you’re rewarded with a voluminous yarn that’s strong, soft, and looks exceptional too.
You’ll find the same approach with the knitter we use: quality first. All of our knitwear is produced in a Scottish town called Howick, where knitting is a well-respected craft that has been passed down through generations. Our knitters champion techniques that have been left behind by many modern clothes manufacturers in favour of a quick production line. Much like Todd and Duncan, these knitters are meticulous in their processes, taking pride in each stage. The resulting high quality garments are proof that the time and effort is always worth it.
We’re incredibly proud and pleased to work with other companies who value this investment in traditional processes and favour a superior product over savings in costs or time.
Below we’ve listed some of our favourite cashmere garments, perfect for the end of the year weather, and all made with the finest cashmere, promising the elusive combination of softness and durability.
Cashmere Driver’s Half Zip
Easy to throw on and universally flattering, our Driver’s Half Zip sweater is a shining example of versatile knitwear. Ideal for casual weekend wear, but also working just as well over a shirt in the office, this is perfect for occasions when you don’t want to have to think too much about planning an outfit. Mid-weight and 100% cashmere, it’s also a great layering piece.
Alpine Cashmere Half Zip
If you’re looking for the same versatility but a little more warmth, our Alpine Half Zip is a more heavy weight style. Again, this sweater works really well for a variety of occasions. It’s made from 100% cashmere and features a rib stitch too, which adds little interest as well some extra warmth!
Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan
If you’re looking for something to keep you extra cosy during the winter months, this is the cardigan for you. Wrap up warm and fight off the bitter chill in this timeless cashmere piece. Our version features Italian horn buttons, two patch pockets perfect for protecting your hands from the cold, and a thick shawl collar that can be flipped up to keep your neck warm.
A quality crew neck is a wardrobe staple for many of us and this one certainly fits the bill. Made from 100% cashmere with a strong ribbed trim on the neck, waist and sleeves, our version is elegant, stylish and made to last.
Cashmere Belmondo Roll Neck
This roll neck was inspired by the sweaters worn by actors back in the 1960s. Again it’s another simple but classic piece that won’t go out of style and can be worn year after year. Wear on its own for a stylish casual look or under tailoring for when you need something a little smarter.
Cashmere Submariner Roll Neck
Lastly, our Submariner Roll Neck, a thick and chunky sweater that we see as a reimagining of the thick sweaters worn by the Royal Navy. Of course, navy attire needs to be warm and sturdy, able to withstand harsh conditions at sea and so we have mirrored this with a heavy weight sweater with a cosy and chunky rib stitch to help keep you warm. Our version is a slimmer fit in comparison to the originals, making it more suited to a modern wardrobe.
If you have any questions about our cashmere or cashmere products, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
