Cashmere Blankets: The Complete Canadian Buying Guide

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There is a reason people who own a cashmere blanket tend to talk about it. Not in a show-off way, but in the way you might mention a really good pair of boots you have had for years. It is one of those purchases that quietly justifies itself over time.

A cashmere blanket is lighter than wool, warmer than cotton, and softer than either. It is also significantly more expensive, which is why it is worth understanding what you are actually paying for before you buy one. Not all cashmere is created equal, and the difference between a $150 blanket labelled "cashmere" and a $600 one made from genuine Grade A fibre is enormous.

At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, we have worked with natural fibres and bedding since 1997. While we focus on mattresses and sleep accessories, we understand textiles. This guide covers what to look for, what to avoid, and how to take care of a cashmere blanket so it lasts for decades.

What Makes Cashmere Different

Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily raised in Mongolia, China, Iran, and Afghanistan. Unlike sheep's wool, which comes from the outer coat, cashmere is the fine, downy layer that grows closest to the goat's skin during cold winters.

Each goat produces only about 150 to 200 grams of usable cashmere fibre per year, compared to roughly 4 to 5 kilograms of wool from a sheep. This scarcity is a major factor in the price.

What makes cashmere feel so different from other fibres:

• Fineness. Quality cashmere fibres are 14 to 19 microns in diameter, compared to 25 to 40 microns for most wool. Finer fibres feel softer against the skin.
• Warmth-to-weight ratio. Cashmere is roughly three times more insulating than sheep's wool by weight. A thin cashmere blanket provides warmth comparable to a much heavier wool one.
• Moisture management. Cashmere absorbs and releases moisture naturally, helping regulate temperature during sleep. Research published in the Journal of the Textile Institute (2016) confirmed that cashmere fibres demonstrate superior moisture vapour transmission compared to synthetic alternatives.
• Natural elasticity. Cashmere fibres have a natural crimp that gives them bounce and shape retention. A well-made cashmere blanket returns to its original shape after being compressed or folded.

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Cashmere Quality Grades Explained

Cashmere is graded primarily by fibre diameter (measured in microns) and fibre length. Understanding the grading system helps you judge whether a blanket's price matches its actual quality.

Grade A is the gold standard. The fibres are thinnest, longest, and most durable. They pill less, feel softer, and last longer. Grade B is still good quality and offers a reasonable middle ground. Grade C is what you find in most "affordable cashmere" products, and while it is technically cashmere, it does not deliver the experience most people expect when they hear the word.

Understanding Ply

Ply refers to how many individual threads are twisted together to create the yarn. This directly affects durability and warmth:

• 1-ply: Single thread. Thinnest and least durable. More prone to developing holes. Best avoided for blankets.
• 2-ply: Two threads twisted together. The ideal balance of warmth, weight, and longevity. This is what you want in a quality cashmere blanket.
• 3-ply and above: Heavier and more substantial. Not necessarily warmer or softer, but significantly heavier. Good for throws meant to drape over a couch.

Cashmere Throw Blanket vs. Bed Blanket

There is a meaningful difference between a cashmere throw blanket and a full-size bed blanket, and the choice depends on how you plan to use it.

For most Canadian households, a cashmere throw blanket is the practical starting point. It is versatile, easier to care for, and costs significantly less than a full bed blanket. You can use it as an extra layer on the bed during cold winter nights, drape it over the couch for movie watching, or fold it at the foot of a guest bed.

If you sleep warm and your bedroom stays above 18 degrees Celsius, a cashmere throw layered over a cotton blanket or light duvet may be all you need for comfortable sleep year-round.

How to Spot Real Cashmere

The cashmere market has a counterfeiting problem. A 2014 investigation by the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute found that products labelled "100% cashmere" regularly contained significant percentages of yak hair, sheep's wool, or synthetic fibre.

Here is how to protect yourself:

Red Flags

• Price too low. A "100% cashmere" throw for under $100 is almost certainly not pure cashmere or uses Grade C fibre that will pill heavily within months.
• No origin information. Quality brands disclose where the cashmere is sourced (Inner Mongolia is the most prized origin).
• Feels slippery or overly smooth. Real cashmere has a slight natural fuzziness. If it feels like synthetic fleece, it probably is.
• No grade or ply information. Legitimate cashmere producers are transparent about their fibre specifications.

Quality Indicators

• Touch test. Genuine cashmere is soft but has a subtle weight and texture. It should feel warm almost immediately when held against your skin.
• Stretch test. Gently stretch a small section. Real cashmere will spring back to shape. Blended or low-quality fibre will stay stretched.
• Pilling awareness. All cashmere pills initially (loose surface fibres work free). Quality cashmere pills less and settles after the first few uses. Low-grade cashmere pills continuously.
• Certifications. Look for Oeko-Tex, SFA (Sustainable Fibre Alliance), or the Good Cashmere Standard label.

Cashmere vs. Other Luxury Blanket Fibres

Cashmere's unique advantage is its warmth-to-weight ratio. If you want a blanket that keeps you warm without feeling heavy, cashmere is hard to beat. For sheer warmth, alpaca is a strong competitor at a lower price. For everyday durability and easier care, merino wool is the practical choice.

For cotton options at a more accessible price, see our guide on 100% cotton blankets in Canada.

Caring for a Cashmere Blanket

Cashmere care is simpler than most people think. The fibre is naturally resistant to bacteria and odour, so you do not need to wash it often.

How Often to Wash

A cashmere throw used on the couch needs washing every 3 to 4 months, or when visibly soiled. A bed blanket that sits under a duvet cover might only need washing 2 to 3 times per year. Cashmere has natural antibacterial properties, so airing it out between uses is often sufficient.

Hand Washing (Recommended)

1. Fill a basin or clean bathtub with lukewarm water (no warmer than 30 degrees Celsius)
2. Add a small amount of cashmere-specific wash or very mild baby shampoo
3. Submerge the blanket and gently press the water through the fabric. Do not rub, wring, or twist
4. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes
5. Drain and refill with clean lukewarm water. Press gently to rinse. Repeat until all soap is gone
6. Press water out against the basin (never wring). Roll in a clean towel to absorb excess moisture
7. Lay flat on a dry towel to air dry, reshaping gently. Keep away from direct heat and sunlight

Machine Washing (Proceed with Caution)

Some cashmere blankets are labelled machine washable. If so, use a mesh laundry bag, cold water, the gentlest cycle available, and cashmere wash. Remove immediately and lay flat to dry. Never tumble dry cashmere.

Dealing with Pilling

All cashmere pills, especially during the first few uses. This is normal and not a sign of poor quality. Remove pills gently with a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver on the lowest setting. After the initial settling period (typically 5 to 10 uses), pilling decreases significantly with quality cashmere.

Storage

• Clean before storing for the season. Moths are attracted to body oils and food residue, not the fibre itself
• Fold (never hang) and store in a breathable cotton bag or wrapped in acid-free tissue
• Add cedar wood blocks or lavender sachets nearby to repel moths, but do not place them directly on the cashmere
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• For more storage tips, see our linen closet organization guide

Where to Buy Cashmere Blankets in Canada

Is a Cashmere Blanket Worth the Price?

Honestly? It depends on what you value.

If you want the softest, lightest, warmest blanket available, and you are willing to hand-wash it a few times a year and store it properly, a quality cashmere blanket is a genuine lifetime purchase. A $500 Grade A blanket that lasts 20 years costs $25 a year. Most people spend more than that on coffee in a week.

If you want something you can toss in the washing machine without thinking about it, cashmere is not for you. A good merino wool blanket at $150 to $200 gives you 80% of the warmth and softness with much easier care.

And if your priority is a quality sleep setup on a reasonable budget, your mattress and pillow matter more than your blanket. A good cotton or wool blanket paired with a supportive mattress will always outperform an expensive cashmere throw on a worn-out bed.

Shop: All Bedding at Mattress Miracle

Sources

• McGregor, B.A. and Postle, R., "Fibre properties of cashmere and their influence on product quality," Journal of the Textile Institute, vol. 107, no. 10, 2016.
• Okamoto-Mizuno, K. and Mizuno, K., "Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm," Journal of Physiological Anthropology, vol. 31, no. 1, 2012.
• Canadian Conservation Institute, "Care of Textiles and Costumes," Government of Canada, 2023.
• Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute, "Fibre Identification and Labelling Standards," 2014.

Related Reading

• 100% Cotton Blankets in Canada
• Where to Buy Blankets in Canada
• What Is Linen? The Complete Guide
• Linen Closet Organization Guide
• Does Linen Shrink? What You Need to Know