It Doesn't Do What It Says On The Tin
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All cashmere is not created equal. Some brands deliberately lie. Some brands think you won’t notice. Some brands don’t mean to lie because they’re being lied to themselves (by manufacturers). And some brands (us) will try to get the best quality at a fair price. Like you, we’re fed up of buying jumpers that seem totally great then turn into dishcloths before your very eyes.
Our mission is to supply GRADE A, organic cashmere that will still look great in years to come, at a fair price. Here’s the top ways to avoid being duped by cashmere clowns, crooks and criminals.
1. Don’t trust a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Just because it’s expensive, and from a designer brand, doesn’t mean it’s high quality, 100% cashmere.
IRL Example (from a very well-known brand).
“Cashmere blend sweater. £795. 95% cashmere, 4% polyamide, 1% elastane. Gift packaging complimentary and plastic-free.”
Ahem. What is the point of doing plastic-free packaging if the garment itself has plastic in it? Polyamide and elastane = synthetic fibres made from oil, like plastic. This is not scientifically proven to be bad for you, but it’s definitely bad for the world. Once synthetics are combined with natural fibres, recycling is impossible. This jumper will end life in landfill.
2. Beware of cashmere vagueness. ‘Cashmere-feel’ or ‘cashmere-blend’ can have a low percentage of cashmere or even absolutely no cashmere in at all. Check the label inside the garment (not the swing tag, which doesn’t legally need to be factual).
IRL Example
“Cashmere blend sweater. £90. 90% merino wool, 10% cashmere.”
Review I bought this lovely looking cardigan and it was a good fit and felt cosy. However, after wearing it only about 4 times it is covered with bobbles all over. I am very disappointed and feel it was a waste of money.
3. Beware of airy fairy words. Just because it sounds natural, doesn’t make it so.
IRL Example
“Air Yarn jumper - £20. This jumper is spun with breathable air-yarn and a touch of wool, making it a comfortable and cosy choice for everyday wear. 51% polyester, 41% acrylic, 5% wool and 3% elastane.”
Review I purchased 5 of these jumpers, all of them were pilling BEFORE washing, even as I was wearing them they were pilling, oh dear ***, they are not up to standard.
4. 100% cashmere is no claim of quality. It’s like trying to pass off a supermarket Shiraz as a properly nice Merlot by saying “but it’s 100% red wine”.
IRL Example
“Relaxed Chunky Cashmere Crew Jumper. £260. 100% cashmere”
Review I loved the look of this jumper but after 3 uses it started to bobble. I'm afraid this doesn't match the quality for the price point- as much as I'd like to buy other colours I won't be.
5. And CashmilonTM is what exactly? Those clever little trademarked names sound oh so natural. Not.
IRL Example – “Cashmilon™ Crew Neck Sweater. £20. 100% Acrylic.”
Review After one wash and wear the jumper has gone very bobbly which makes it look old already.
6. If it’s too good to be true, it’s too good to be true.
IRL Example – “Extra Warm Cashmere Blend Turtleneck T-Shirt. £19.90. 57% Acrylic, 28% Viscose, 9% Cashmere, 6% Elastane
Review Although the fabric is soft, it is too thin and see-through. Looks cheap.
7. Beware snake oil salesmen. Reputable brands will be transparent about their standards of quality and sourcing. What is the micron count and grade? Where was it made and by whom? It’s not unreasonable to expect answers to any of those questions. And if you’re in a shop, ask. The staff should know what their brand is all about.
IRL Example – “Cashmere Crew Neck Fine Knit Jumper. £169.99. 100% cashmere.”
Review It was my first cashmere sweater, a dream come true. It was also a huge disappointment! I expected a very soft and warm quality sweater. IT'S NOTHING LIKE THAT. I will never buy from them again.
8. Check your source. Through Ai, counterfeiting is getting cleverer all the time. Before you buy anything online, look at independent reviews like those on Trust Pilot (as a new brand it’s difficult for BMP to generate lots of those – but still, that’s what we recommend), check in the brand’s terms and conditions that it has a UK address (that’s authentic), and even look up the founders online to see if they have a history in retail.
This lady ordered from a brand with London in its brand name.
Review Once I’d ordered from the London-based brand, the tracking information showed the goods were actually coming from China. What arrived was nothing like I ordered. Really poor quality. I emailed them to request a return. Their ‘London’ office agreed but said I would have to pay tracked postage to their warehouse in China and customs charges. They then offered a 20% refund.
At Baker Miller Pink, we care so you don’t have to. We ensure that our cashmere is 100% Grade A organic cashmere from Inner Mongolia. We went there and checked. We want to be as transparent and sustainable as we can be. No funny stuff. Our knitwear is made to last and fairly priced. End of.
