Short answer
Cashmere is a soft, warm, lightweight and expensive animal fiber that needs gentle care. Cotton is a plant fiber that is affordable, easy to wash, and comfortable in mild or warm weather. Choose cashmere for warmth and a soft, refined feel in cool weather; choose cotton for everyday wear, low cost, and simple laundering.
Where cashmere and cotton come from
Cashmere is the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, with much of it sourced from regions such as China and Mongolia. Because each goat yields a limited amount of fine fiber, cashmere is relatively scarce, which is part of why it is costly. Cotton is harvested from the seed pods (bolls) of the cotton plant and is grown in many countries. So cashmere is technically a type of animal hair fiber often grouped with wool, rather than sheep’s wool itself.
Warmth and weight
Cashmere is known for providing a lot of warmth for its weight, and it is often described as warmer than ordinary sheep’s wool, though the exact difference depends on the product. Cotton insulates much less and feels cool, particularly when damp. For cold weather, cashmere is generally the cozier option; for mild or warm days, cotton or a light cotton knit is usually more comfortable.
Softness: does cashmere get softer over time?
Good cashmere is soft from the start, and many people find it feels even softer after gentle washing and wear. Some sellers add finishes to make cashmere feel soft in the store, and that effect can fade. Cotton is smooth and familiar, and higher-grade cottons feel softer, but it does not have the same fine, lofty feel as quality cashmere.
Care and washing
Cashmere usually requires gentle care: hand washing or dry cleaning as the label directs, and storing flat to avoid stretching. Cotton is typically much simpler, and many cotton items can be machine washed. Always follow the care label, since heat and agitation can shrink or felt cashmere. Moths are another risk for animal fibers; see holes in woolen clothes.
Durability and pilling
Cashmere can pill, especially in areas of friction, and cheaper cashmere made from shorter fibers tends to pill more. Fiber length and fineness both matter: longer fibers generally mean a more durable, less pilling garment. Cotton generally withstands frequent washing well, although it can lose shape or fade over time. Cashmere is not usually the most hard-wearing choice for rough daily use.
What is 2 ply cashmere?
“Ply” refers to how many strands of yarn are twisted together. Two-ply cashmere uses two twisted strands, which is generally considered more durable than single-ply and tends to produce a more resilient knit. Brands do not always state the ply, so it is worth checking product details.
Price
Cashmere costs far more than cotton, and the price range within cashmere is wide. A low price on a “100% cashmere” sweater can signal short, low-grade fibers. Blends labeled as cashmere may contain a small share of cashmere, so read the fiber content.
Cashmere-cotton blends
Blends can offer some cashmere softness with cotton’s easier care and lower price. They are typically lighter in warmth than pure cashmere. Check the percentages and the care instructions on the label.
Cashmere suit vs wool suit
A cashmere suit is a soft, luxurious option but is generally less hard-wearing than a standard wool suit. Wool suiting is the more common choice for durability and structure, while cashmere blends add a softer hand. See types of wool fabric for suits and wool vs cotton suits. If you need a suit for frequent wear, wool is usually the more practical option.
Which to choose
- Cold weather, softness, and a dressier feel: cashmere.
- Everyday wear, easy laundering, warm weather, and budget: cotton.
- Something in between: a cotton-cashmere blend.
For a wider look at animal versus plant fibers, read which is better, wool or cotton.