Touch, Rub, Brun: Check Real Cashmere | Online shopping Guide

Buying real cashmere is tricky. Without knowing the signs of genuine cashmere, shoppers risk spending a premium on products that don’t deliver the softness, warmth, and durability they expect.

You walk into any store, and you'll see dozens of items labeled "100% Pure Cashmere." The tags look official. The prices seem right. The salesperson promises it's authentic. But here's the shocking truth: many of these products are completely fake.

With a few simple tests and careful observation, you can easily tell real cashmere from fakes. We will guide you through the most reliable ways to detect authentic cashmere, ensuring every purchase is worth your money and investment in comfort.

Easy to fake: Most people don't know what real cashmere feels like, so sellers can fool them with soft synthetic materials.

Weak enforcement: Many countries don't test products carefully, so fake labels slip through without consequences.

Customer confusion: Terms like "cashmere blend" and "cashmere feel" sound official but mean almost nothing.

There is also synthetic cashmere in the market, and it’s disturbing the genuine cashmere industry by creating confusion and lowering trust among buyers. Many people end up purchasing cheap imitations, thinking they’re getting real luxury, only to feel frustrated and disappointed. To help you avoid these issues and clearly understand the differences, you can read our full guide to understand natural and synthetic cashmere.

The cashmere industry isn’t self-regulating. Many stores profit from selling fake or low-quality cashmere, and government checks catch only the worst offenders. That means the best protection is you, the buyer.

This guide gives you the insider knowledge professional buyers rely on. You’ll learn how to spot fakes instantly, ask the right questions, and avoid wasting money on cheap imitations.

Before diving deep, here's a fast way to check if cashmere might be real:

• Feel it – Real cashmere feels soft but not slippery.
• Look at the label – Must say "100% Cashmere."
• Feel the weight – Real cashmere is light but has substance.
• Stretch it gently – Real cashmere bounces back quickly.
• Check the texture – Should feel smooth and fine, with no rough patches.

By using these quick checks, you can easily identify high-quality, authentic cashmere. This makes it much simpler to choose the best real cashmere blanket without getting confused by blends or synthetic look-alikes. Always trust the fiber feel, label honesty, and natural bounce before investing in a premium piece.

The real cashmere feels like: 

• Soft but not slippery – Softer than wool, not as slick as silk.
• Slight grip – Your fingers catch slightly on the fibers.
• Warm to touch – Feels warmer than synthetic materials.
• Gets softer with handling – Becomes even more comfortable as you touch it.
• Bounces back – Returns to its original shape when released.
• Lightweight yet substantial – Feels cozy without being heavy.

The fake cashmere feels like:

• Too smooth – Slides between fingers like plastic.
• Cold feeling – Stays cool rather than warming to touch.
• Rough or scratchy – Prickly or stiff texture.
• Stays stiff – Doesn’t soften with handling.
• Stretches out – Loses shape and doesn’t bounce back.
• Check the color natural or synthetic.

• Rub a small section between your fingers for 30 seconds.
• Real cashmere: gets softer and warmer.
• Fake cashmere: stays the same or feels rougher.
• Synthetic blends: may start to pill immediately.

Look at the Fiber Structure:

• Real cashmere: Slightly uneven fibers, natural variation.
• Fake cashmere: Perfect, machine-made appearance.
• Blends: Mix of different fiber types visible.

Check for Shine:

• Real cashmere: Soft, natural shine that changes with light.
• Synthetic: Artificial, plastic-like shine that stays constant.
• Poor quality: Dull or no shine at all.

Examine the Weave:

• Good cashmere: Tight, even weave with consistent texture.
• Poor quality: Loose weave, visible gaps, uneven sections.
• Fake materials: Too perfect or obviously machine-made patterns.

Only perform on a tiny, hidden thread if you are seriously considering buying. Proceed at your own risk.

Real Cashmere:

• Burns slowly with a small flame.
• Smells like burning hair (not pleasant).
• Leaves soft, crushable ash.
• Flame goes out when removed from the heat.

Synthetic Materials:

• Burns fast with a large flame.
• Smells like burning plastic (chemical odor).
• Leaves hard, bead-like residue.
• Continues burning even after removing heat.

Blends:

• Exhibit mixed burning behavior.
• Combined or confusing smells.
• Ash/residue may vary depending on fiber mix.

Before You Buy Online:

• Read reviews carefully - Look for mentions of quality and authenticity
• Check return policies - Make sure you can return if it's not real cashmere
• Look at detailed photos - Zoom in on fiber texture and weave
• Verify seller reputation - Stick to known, trusted retailers
• Ask for specifications - Micron count, origin, grade information

• No detailed product photos
• Vague product descriptions
• No customer reviews or only fake-looking reviews
• No return policy or very short return window
• Prices dramatically lower than other sellers
• Poor website quality or spelling errors

Explore the Yes Helping Hand cashmere buying guide.

Now that you know how to spot real cashmere, explore Yes Helping Hand’s verified collection, where every piece is crafted from genuine Himalayan cashmere you can truly trust.

Cardigan and Robe

Cashmere Blanket

Cashmere muffler

Poncho and Cape

Stole and Shawl

Sweater and Trousers

What makes cashmere different from other fabrics?

Cashmere is a special wool from goats that’s super soft and warm. Unlike regular wool or synthetic fabrics, it comes from their undercoat and feels unique.

Why is it hard to find real cashmere?

Some sellers make fake cashmere because it’s cheap to produce but sells for a lot. Plus, not everyone checks carefully, so fakes get mixed in.

Can I trust labels that say "100% Cashmere"?

Not always! Labels can lie. It’s smart to do your own tests or buy from trusted stores to be sure.

Is it safe to do the burn test?

Only try it on a tiny piece if you’re sure it’s okay with the seller. Be careful—it involves fire, so it’s risky!

How can I tell if an online store is legit?

Look for good reviews, clear return rules, and detailed info. Avoid stores with low prices or sloppy websites.

What should I do if I buy fake cashmere?

Check the return policy and send it back if you can. Learn from it and use our guide next time!

Does cashmere cost more because it’s rare?

Yes! Real cashmere takes time to make and comes from special goats, so it’s pricier than fakes.

Can I spot fake cashmere without tests?

Sometimes! Check the price, feel, and weave. If it seems too good to be true, it might be fake.

Where can I learn more about cashmere grades?

Our Micron Guide has all the details on cashmere quality levels!

What if I’m not sure after testing?

Ask the seller for more info, like the micron count or where it’s from. Trusted sellers will help you out.