How to Spot Grade A Cashmere—The Rebel’s Guide to Luxury That Doesn’t Compromise

1. How Cashmere is Graded: The 2 Key Metrics

Fiber Diameter: The “Softness Scale”

• Cashmere fibers come from the undercoat of cashmere goats. The thinner the fiber, the softer and more luxurious it feels.
  • Grade A Cashmere: ≤ 14.5μm (the gold standard—so soft, it’s like wearing a cloud).
  • Grade B Cashmere: 14.6–16μm (noticeably coarser, less durable).
  • Grade C Cashmere: ≥ 16μm (often scratchy, more like low-grade wool than true cashmere).
• Why this matters for US buyers: You deserve cashmere that feels as good as it looks. Our rebel cashmere? Strictly Grade A, 14.5μm or finer—sourced from the finest Mongolian goat herds.

Grade Classification: A, B, or C?

• Grade A: Longest fibers (≥ 36mm), uniform thickness, minimal impurities (no coarse hairs or debris).
• Grade B: Shorter fibers (28–35mm), slight variations in thickness, more impurities.
• Grade C: Shortest fibers (≤ 27mm), inconsistent thickness, full of impurities (hence the scratchiness).
• Our rebel promise: We only use Grade A cashmere. Every sweater is a testament to “luxury without compromise”—so you get softness that lasts, not a sweater that pills and fades after one season.

2. Why Grade A Cashmere is the Rebel’s Choice

• Softness That Defies ExpectationsGrade A cashmere is so soft, you’ll forget it’s not a second skin. Unlike Grade B/C (which can feel stiff or scratchy), our Grade A pieces feel like “a gentle rebellion against ordinary knitwear”—perfect for layering over a band tee or wearing solo to make a statement.
• Durability That Matches Your LifestyleLong, uniform Grade A fibers mean less pilling, less stretching, and more wears. While Grade B/C cashmere starts to fall apart after a few months, our Grade A rebel cashmere is built to last—so you can rock that edgy cashmere sweater for years, not just seasons.
• Ethical Luxury You Can Feel Good AboutGrade A cashmere comes from ethical sourcing (we work directly with Mongolian herders who treat goats humanely). Meanwhile, Grade C often relies on unethical practices and lower-quality materials. For rebels, “luxury” isn’t just about feel—it’s about knowing your cashmere is as kind to the planet as it is to your skin.

3. How to Spot Grade A Cashmere (Even If a Brand Doesn’t Say So)

• The “Micrometer Check” (Ask for Proof)Reputable brands will disclose fiber diameter. If a “cashmere” sweater doesn’t list “≤ 14.5μm” or “Grade A,” it’s likely not the real deal. Our tip: We proudly display “14.5μm Grade A Cashmere” on every product page—no secrets, just transparency.
• The “Burn Test” (For the Skeptical Rebel)Only do this with a hidden swatch! Burn a tiny piece:
  • Grade A cashmere burns slowly, smells like human hair (it’s natural animal fiber), and leaves soft ash.
  • Grade B/C burns faster, smells more acrid, and leaves coarser residue.
  • Synthetics/wool blends melt or burn unevenly—run far, far away.
• The “Price Reality Check”Grade A cashmere isn’t cheap (quality costs). If a “cashmere” sweater is under $150, it’s probably Grade B/C or a blend. Our rebel cashmere is priced for Grade A quality—because we believe rebels deserve the best, not the bare minimum.

4. Our Rebel Cashmere: Grade A, All the Way