Sustainable Cashmere Knitwear from Inner Mongolia

Sustainable Cashmere Knitwear from Inner Mongolia

The cashmere we use for our knitwear comes from goats raised on the open grasslands of Inner Mongolia, one of the world’s most renowned regions for producing the finest cashmere fibre. These goats develop an exceptionally soft and insulating undercoat to survive some of the coldest winters on Earth.


Where Are Our Cashmere Goats Raised?

Our cashmere goats are raised on vast, open grasslands across the Mongolian Steppe, where winter temperatures can plunge as low as –46°C. Exposed to icy Siberian winds, these extreme conditions naturally encourage goats to grow a fine, downy undercoat known as cashmere.

Unlike sheep’s wool, cashmere is a natural hair fibre. It is hollow, exceptionally fine, and remarkably strong - making it lighter, softer, and approximately three times more insulating than sheep wool. This unique structure is what gives high-quality cashmere its renowned softness, warmth, and longevity.


From Fibre to Finished Knitwear

Once the raw cashmere fibre has been carefully collected during the spring moult, it undergoes a meticulous process:

  1. Washing and cleaning
  2. Dehairing (carding) to remove coarse fibres
  3. Dyeing and spinning into yarn
  4. Knitting into panels (swatches)
  5. Linking panels together to form garments
  6. Final washing, drying, and quality inspection

Each step is carefully controlled to preserve the integrity and softness of the fibre.

Our Misty Cashmere jumpers and cardigans are knitted using a luxurious cashmere/merino blend, available in two mid-weights: 5-gauge and 7-gauge.

Our vest is made from 100% pure cashmere and knitted in a finer, traditional 12-gauge for a lighter feel.


Responsible Cashmere and Sustainable Grazing

Global demand for cashmere has increased significantly in recent decades, placing pressure on fragile grassland ecosystems. Cashmere goats graze differently from other livestock and can uproot plants, which may contribute to desertification if not responsibly managed.

We take this responsibility seriously.

We partner exclusively with certified sustainable suppliers in Inner Mongolia who follow responsible grazing and animal-welfare practices. These include:

  • Rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing
  • Careful pasture management to protect soil health
  • Humane treatment of animals
  • Long-term protection of grassland ecosystems

By working directly with trusted suppliers, we ensure that the land is respected, the goats are well cared for, and local herders - who are the true stewards of this landscape - are supported.


Supporting Mongolian Herders and Traditional Life

Cashmere goat farming is the primary source of livelihood in the Gobi Desert and surrounding regions, where arid conditions make agriculture difficult. For centuries, Mongolian herders have lived nomadic lives in harmony with their animals, relying on deep knowledge, resilience, and sustainable land use.

We know exactly where our cashmere comes from - down to the herding communities themselves. We support fair-practice partnerships that ensure fair wages, training, and long-term economic security for the families who rely on cashmere production.


Our Commitment to Traceability and Certification

All our cashmere is fully traceable and meets internationally recognised standards, including:

  • The Good Cashmere Standard
  • Traceable Cashmere / Organic Cashmere
  • International Cooperation Committee on Animal Welfare (ICCAW)
  • Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA)
  • OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

These certifications ensure animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and safe, high-quality fibres.


From Grassland to Sweater, With Care

We have worked with our supplier, Mr Murun, since 2016. He is a traditional Mongolian herder whose family lives in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, on the southern edge of the Mongolian Plateau. His family has lived on this land for nearly a century, stewarding 1,000 acres of grassland.

Each spring, Mr Murun returns home for the cashmere harvest. His farm raises Arabas cashmere goats - one of the world’s finest cashmere goat breeds - alongside Merino sheep. This careful, small-scale approach allows quality, sustainability, and animal welfare to remain the priority.

Mr Murun has also created a short film documenting his return home and offering rare insight into modern Mongolian life and traditional cashmere harvesting practices.

👉 Watch here: Mongolian Life in the Gobi Desert and Cashmere Fibre Harvesting

 


A More Thoughtful Kind of Luxury

When you wear our cashmere knitwear, you are not just choosing exceptional softness and warmth - you are supporting a more responsible way of doing business. One that values the environment, animal welfare, and the people behind every garment.

From grassland to sweater, every piece is made with care.