Cashmere Grades & Micron Guide: Understanding Quality Standards

Cashmere wool is measured in microns, which indicates the thickness of each fiber. The lower the micron number, the finer, softer, and more luxurious the cashmere. Based on this micron measurement, cashmere is assigned different grades (Grade-A, Grade-B, and so on), which helps you understand its quality and value before buying.

A micron, also called a micrometer, is a unit used to measure very small thickness.

Micron in cashmere means the thickness of the fiber. The lower the micron count, the finer and softer the cashmere usually feels.

In cashmere, micron is used to measure the diameter, or thickness, of each cashmere fiber. It does not measure the length of the fiber. It only tells us how fine or thick the fiber is.

For example, human hair is usually much thicker than cashmere. A human hair can be around 50 to 100 microns thick, while fine cashmere is often below 16 microns.

Here's how small:

The smaller the micron number, the softer the cashmere feels. Think of it like this: thinner fibers make softer fabric.

Get the full details at Cashmere vs Pashmina: The Real Comparison.  

There are different ways to grade cashmere. Some of the commonly used grading practices are: 

• Ultra-Fine (12–14 µm) – Ultra Luxury: Silky smooth, extremely lightweight, and flows beautifully. Provides maximum warmth with minimal bulk. Very delicate, hand wash only, lasts 10+ years. Best for evening wear, luxury shawls, and collector items.
• Premium Fine (Under 15 µm) – Grade A: Very soft and luxurious, light yet substantial. Excellent warmth and maintains shape well. Gentle hand wash or professional cleaning recommended, lasts 8–12 years. Ideal for high-end sweaters, scarves, and luxury gifts.
• Fine (15.6 - 19.0 µm) – Grade B: Soft with a slight texture, comfortable weight. Very good warmth, holds shape nicely.
• Standard (19.1 – 30.0 µm) – Grade C: Noticeably soft with texture, moderate weight. Good warmth and durable. Can handle regular gentle washing, lasts 4–8 years. Suitable for casual wear, kids’ items, and budget-friendly luxury.

Lower micron usually means softer cashmere, but it does not automatically mean the product is better.

A good cashmere product needs both:

1. Fine fibers

2. Long and strong fibers

If the fibers are very fine but too short, the product may pill easily. If the fibers are longer and properly spun, the product can be softer, stronger, and more durable.

So, when choosing cashmere, do not look only at the micron count. Also consider fiber length, purity, construction, and finishing.

Different places make different quality cashmere:

• Quality: Exceptional to ultra-premium
• Microns: 12-16 typical (finest available)
• Why it's the best: Extreme high-altitude conditions (3000m+) produce the finest, softest fibers. Himalayan goats develop ultra-fine undercoat to survive harsh mountain winters. Traditional hand-processing methods preserve fiber quality.
• Special features: Naturally lustrous, incredibly lightweight, superior warmth retention
• Best for: Ultra-luxury items, collector pieces, premium gifts
• Unique advantage: Combines traditional craftsmanship with world's finest natural conditions

• Quality: Excellent to premium
• Microns: 14-16 typical
• Why it's good: Cold climate makes fine fibers, large-scale quality production
• Best for: High-end cashmere items, luxury brands

• Quality: Traditional premium
• Microns: 12-15 for best quality
• Why it's good: Original cashmere region, centuries of expertise
• Best for: Premium shawls and traditional items

• Quality: Good to very good
• Microns: 15-18 typical
• Why it's good: Suitable climate for cashmere goats, traditional methods
• Best for: Mid-range cashmere items, regional specialties

1. Touch Test

• Rub the fabric gently between your fingers.
• Best cashmere (Grade A) feels silky and soft.
• Lower grades feel a little rougher but should never be scratchy.

2. Stretch Test

• Gently pull a small piece of the fabric.
• Good cashmere bounces back quickly.
• Poor cashmere stays stretched. Grade A recovers the fastest

3. Light Test

• Hold the fabric up to the light.
• High-quality cashmere looks even and smooth.
• Lower-quality cashmere may have thick spots or uneven color.

Our comprehensive cashmere test guide.

Before You Buy:

1. Ask about micron count - Good sellers will know this
2. Feel the fabric - Trust your hands
3. Check the origin - Some places make better cashmere
4. Read care instructions - Finer grades need more care
5. Compare prices - Make sure quality matches the price.

Ready to experience true quality? Explore our premium cashmere collection and find the perfect piece designed for comfort, elegance, and lasting value.

Cardigan and Robe

Cashmere Blanket

Cashmere muffler

Poncho and Cape

Stole and Shawl

Sweaters & Trousers

Before investing in luxury cashmere, understand fiber quality, grades, and what to look for when shopping. Get expert insights in The Real Cashmere Buyer's Guide - By Yes Helping Hand to make the right purchase decision.

1. What micron is Grade A cashmere?

Grade A cashmere is typically under 15.5 microns in fiber diameter, with some ultra-fine varieties measuring as low as 12–13.5 microns. The U.S. FTC defines cashmere as averaging 19 microns or under. Grade A sits at the premium end of that range.

2. What is the difference between Grade A and Grade B cashmere?

Grade A has finer fibers (under 16 microns) and longer staple lengths (36mm+), making it softer, more pill-resistant, and longer-lasting. Grade B (16–19 microns, 28–36mm staple) is still high quality and excellent for everyday use, most people find it hard to distinguish from Grade A at first touch. The difference becomes clearer after repeated washing.

3. Does micron count determine cashmere quality?

Micron count is the most important factor, but not the only one. Staple length (fiber length) matters equally for durability and pilling resistance. A piece with 14-micron fiber but short staple length will pill more than a 16-micron piece with 40mm staple length. True quality comes from being optimal.

4. What micron count is Himalayan cashmere from Nepal?

Nepal's Himalayan Chyangra goats, raised above 3,000 meters altitude, produce cashmere averaging 12–16 microns, consistently among the finest in the world. The extreme cold forces goats to develop an ultra-fine undercoat for insulation, which translates directly to fiber fineness.

5. Is baby cashmere a different grade?

Baby cashmere is a separate category, not officially within the A/B/C system. It comes from cashmere goat kids under one year old and averages around 13.5 microns, finer than even the finest Grade A adult fiber. Each kid produces only about 30 grams per season, making it extremely rare and expensive. It's the pinnacle of cashmere softness.

6. Can I trust a brand that doesn't list its micron count?

Not fully. Reputable cashmere producers know and are proud of their fiber specifications, micron count and staple length are quality markers they want buyers to see. A brand that cannot or will not share this data is often working with undisclosed blends or lower-grade fiber with heavy chemical softening.