At JAKOB, we have always believed that understanding the materials we wear is part of appreciating them. Our knitwear is produced in Italy using yarns that combine recycled and virgin cashmere — bringing together centuries-old textile traditions with a more thoughtful approach to modern luxury. This article explores what makes cashmere such an extraordinary fibre and why we believe its future lies in responsible craftsmanship.
FIBRE, CRAFT AND WHY IT ENDURES
Cashmere has long held a particular place in the world of knitwear — prized for its softness, warmth and quiet elegance. Yet the true story of cashmere goes far beyond comfort. Behind every exceptional knit lies a remarkable natural fibre, centuries of craftsmanship, and today, an evolving conversation about how materials are sourced and reused.
WHAT MAKES CASHMERE UNIQUE
Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of goats that live in some of the world’s harshest climates, where winters can be unforgiving. To survive these conditions, the animals naturally grow an insulating fibre that is exceptionally fine, light and warm.
Compared with traditional wool, cashmere is notably softer and better at regulating temperature. This is why a well-made cashmere knit can feel warm without ever feeling heavy, adapting comfortably across changing seasons.
Just as important is its longevity. When spun and knitted well, cashmere fibres are resilient and can last for many years. A truly well-made knit is not something worn for a season but something that gradually becomes part of the wearer’s everyday life.
“A truly exceptional knit is not worn for a season, but for years.”
WHY RECYCLED CASHMERE MATTERS
As appreciation for cashmere has grown worldwide, so too has the need to rethink how precious fibres are used. Unlike sheep, which produce enough fibre to make several wool sweaters, cashmere goats produce only enough soft undercoat fibre for roughly a single cashmere garment each year. As global demand for accessible and affordable cashmere has increased, goat herds have expanded significantly — particularly in regions such as Mongolia and Northern China where much of the world’s cashmere originates. This growing pressure on fragile grazing ecosystems has contributed to soil degradation and desertification, with overgrazing preventing grasslands from naturally regenerating and accelerating the depletion of already vulnerable landscapes.
One of the most important developments in recent decades has been the revival of recycled cashmere — an approach that allows existing fibres to be regenerated into new yarns rather than discarded.
Recycling cashmere gives a second life to fibres that already exist, reducing textile waste and lowering the need for newly sourced raw materials. The process preserves many of the qualities that make cashmere so special while extending the life of the fibre itself. Recycled cashmere also requires significantly less water and energy than producing virgin cashmere, while helping reduce both emissions and material waste.
For the wearer, the experience remains the same: softness, warmth and comfort. The difference lies in the story behind the garment.
“Recycled cashmere allows precious fibres to be renewed rather than discarded.”
WHY JAKOB USES A BLEND OF RECYCLED AND VIRGIN FIBRES
At JAKOB we use yarns that combine recycled cashmere with carefully selected virgin fibres.
This balance allows us to preserve the durability and structure of the knit while significantly reducing environmental impact. Recycled fibres bring circularity and resource efficiency, while virgin fibres contribute strength and softness to ensure the garment performs beautifully over time.
Blending recycled and virgin fibres is also part of what gives recycled yarn its subtle individuality. Each batch reflects the fibres available at the time — often resulting in beautifully nuanced colours and textures.
DESIGNED TO BE WORN FOR YEARS
Ultimately, sustainability in clothing depends less on slogans and more on longevity. Cashmere has always been valued not only for its softness but for its ability to endure. With proper care, a well-made knit can accompany its wearer for years — sometimes even decades. For us, that is the true luxury of cashmere: not something disposable, but something to keep.
“The true luxury of cashmere lies in its longevity.”
