Mongolian cashmere is the soft undercoat of goats raised on the steppes of Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, where extreme winters make the animals grow some of the longest and finest cashmere fibres in the world. Long, fine fibres make a softer knit that pills less and lasts longer. N.Peal sources all its cashmere from goats in Inner Mongolia, and you can feel it across the N.Peal edit, from jumpers to cardigans.
Where cashmere comes from
Cashmere goats grow two coats: coarse outer guard hair and a fine, downy undercoat that keeps them warm through the winter. In spring, as the weather warms, herders comb the undercoat out by hand. Each goat gives only a small amount of usable fibre a year, which is why cashmere costs what it does.
Why Mongolia
Winters on the steppe fall far below freezing, and the goats grow a dense, fine undercoat to survive them. Fineness is measured in microns. The finest grade of cashmere is very fine indeed, finer than a human hair, and the longest fibres spin into a strong, smooth yarn.
Mongolia and Inner Mongolia
Mongolia is an independent country; Inner Mongolia is a region of China to its south. Both are traditional cashmere country with the same climate and nomadic herding. N.Peal buys from goats in Inner Mongolia, traces the fibre back to individual herders and sets its own standards for colour, fineness and length.
How it is graded
- Fineness: thinner fibres feel softer.
- Length: longer fibres spin stronger yarn and pill less.
- Colour: naturally white fibre takes pale dyes cleanly; darker fibre is used for deep colours.
Organic cashmere
N.Peal makes much of its women's collection in organic cashmere: grazing land free from fertiliser and pesticides, and organic dyes and detergents in production. Pieces include the Luna Roll Neck Cashmere Jumper in Black and the Evie Classic Round Neck Cashmere Jumper in New Ivory White.
How to tell good cashmere
Rub the surface: good cashmere feels soft but not slippery. Stretch the rib: it should spring back. Hold it to the light: it should look dense. Read cashmere ply explained and why cashmere pills for more.
From goat to garment
- Combing: in spring, herders comb the shedding undercoat by hand.
- Sorting: the fibre is sorted by colour and fineness.
- Dehairing: the coarse guard hair is removed, leaving the soft down.
- Spinning: the down is spun into yarn and twisted into ply.
- Dyeing and knitting: the yarn is dyed and knitted into the garment.
- Finishing: the knit is washed to bloom the fibres and give the soft handle.
N.Peal controls this chain from the herders to the finished piece, which is how it can trace a jumper back to the fibre.
Mongolian cashmere vs other cashmere
Cashmere is also produced in Afghanistan, Iran and elsewhere, often with shorter, coarser fibre. Price is a poor guide on its own: a low-priced jumper usually means short fibre, a loose knit and less finishing. The label will say 100% cashmere either way, so feel the density and look at the ribbing.
Cashmere vs merino and lambswool
| Fibre | Feel | Warmth for weight |
|---|---|---|
| Mongolian cashmere | Very soft, light | Highest |
| Merino wool | Soft, springy | High |
| Lambswool | Soft with some texture | Good |
Shop Mongolian cashmere at Coveti
Start with a fine Luna Roll Neck Cashmere Jumper in Black for layering, a Adelyn Cable Roll Cashmere Jumper in Cashew Brown for weight and the Myla Cable Cashmere Cardigan in Oatmeal Brown for a cardigan. All are spun from Inner Mongolian fibre.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mongolian cashmere?
Cashmere combed from goats raised on the steppes of Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, prized for its long, fine fibres.
Is Mongolian cashmere the best?
It is widely regarded as the best because the harsh climate produces long, fine fibres, which make a softer, more durable knit.
Where does N.Peal cashmere come from?
From goats in Inner Mongolia, traced back to the herders who raise them.
Is cashmere ethical?
It depends on the supply chain. Look for brands that trace their fibre to the herders and invest in grazing land, as N.Peal does with its organic cashmere.
Why is cashmere so expensive?
Each goat gives a small amount of fine undercoat a year, combed by hand, and the best fibre is sorted by fineness, length and colour.
Read next: Is N.Peal a luxury brand?, Cashmere ply explained, The best cashmere brands.
By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 19 October 2026.
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