WHO WE ARE
Nestled in the vibrant cultural heart of Kathmandu, Nepal, Namaste Cashmere was founded on a simple yet meaningful vision: to bring the purity of the world’s finest Mongolian cashmere together with the timeless artistry of Nepalese craftsmanship. Our story is woven through generations of tradition, an unbroken thread connecting the majestic landscapes of Mongolia to the skilled hands of artisans in Nepal, and ultimately, to those who cherish the warmth, softness, and soul of a beautifully made cashmere piece.
At Namaste Cashmere, luxury is not defined by extravagance alone, but by authenticity — the authenticity of materials, of people, of heritage, and of intention. Every creation we bring forward carries within it the respect we hold for culture, nature, and the human touch. “Namaste,” a greeting rooted in humility and reverence, reflects our belief that every person, every process, and every garment deserves honor. It is this spirit that defines us.
The journey of a Namaste Cashmere piece begins far beyond Kathmandu. It begins in the sweeping, cold plains of Mongolia, where some of the world’s highest-quality cashmere originates. Here, nomadic herders have, for centuries, cared for cashmere goats that naturally produce incredibly fine undercoats to withstand harsh winters. This delicate fiber — soft, warm, and exquisitely lightweight — is collected in a way that respects both the animals and the environment.
We choose Mongolian cashmere not only for its superior grade but for the integrity behind its sourcing. Our commitment to ethical practices ensures that the fibers we use are obtained responsibly, supporting communities that uphold ancient pastoral traditions. This dedication to quality and sustainability at the very beginning of the process sets the foundation for everything we create.
Once the raw cashmere arrives in Nepal, it transitions into the hands of our artisans — and it is here, within their mastery, that true magic happens.
Where Tradition Meets Craftsmanship?
Nepal is a land rich in artistry, and its heritage of textile craftsmanship runs deep. In Kathmandu and surrounding artisan communities, weaving and knitting are not merely skills; they are cultural expressions passed down through families like treasured heirlooms. At Namaste Cashmere, we work exclusively with skilled artisans who bring generational knowledge, patience, and precision to every piece they shape.
Our artisans wash, comb, spin, dye, weave, and knit each product by hand, preserving the slow, intentional processes that honor the rhythm of traditional craftsmanship. Their work is meticulous — every strand counted, every pattern aligned, every finishing touch perfected. It is this handcrafted care that gives our shawls, scarves, sweaters, blankets, beanies, and gloves their remarkable character and longevity.
No two hands craft exactly the same way — and that is the beauty. Every Namaste Cashmere creation carries subtle signatures of the artisan who made it: slight differences in tension, a unique gentleness in the weave, a personal familiarity with the material. These nuances are not imperfections; they are the marks of human artistry, the soul within the fabric.
In an age of mass production and fast fashion, our handmade approach is a deliberate act of preservation. We believe that the essence of true luxury lies in time-honored methods, cultural respect, and thoughtful creation.
Crafted with Heart,
Our brand stands firmly on five foundational values: luxury, sustainability, ethics, heritage, and craftsmanship. These values shape not only our products but our identity.
Luxury with Meaning
To us, luxury is an experience — the feeling of soft cashmere against the skin, the warmth wrapped around your shoulders on a winter morning, the elegance of minimal yet timeless design. Our pieces are created to be cherished, lived in, and passed on. They are made to accompany your most meaningful moments.
Sustainability at Every Step
Sustainability is not an afterthought; it is built into the heart of our process. From ethically sourced Mongolian fibers to eco-conscious dyeing practices and small-batch artisan production, we make choices that protect both the environment and the communities involved.
In a world where overconsumption is the norm, we stand for slow production, long-lasting quality, and mindful purchasing. A single well-made piece can outlast a dozen fast-fashion alternatives — and we are proud to contribute to a more responsible future.
Ethical Partnerships
We believe in fairness — fair work, fair wages, fair opportunities. Our artisans are more than workers; they are partners, creators, and guardians of heritage. By supporting them, we help sustain local craftsmanship, empower families, and strengthen community traditions that might otherwise fade.
Honoring Heritage
Nepal’s cultural identity is vibrant, spiritual, and deeply rooted in craftsmanship. We strive to honor this heritage through every aspect of our brand — from weaving patterns inspired by Himalayan tradition to embracing the spirit of “Namaste” as our guiding philosophy. When you choose Namaste Cashmere, you are embracing a story older than any fashion trend.
Craftsmanship Above All
Craftsmanship is our pride. Every detail — the weight of the fabric, the softness of the fibers, the precision of the handwork — is treated with the utmost respect. Our artisans put pieces of themselves into their creations, ensuring that each product feels personal, intentional, and beautifully made.
Tailored to You
While we offer a curated collection of shawls, scarves, sweaters, blankets, beanies, and gloves, we also celebrate the beauty of individuality. Many of our customers seek customized pieces — unique sizes, special colors, or personalized designs — and we gladly bring those visions to life.
Artisans work directly with our design guidelines to ensure that custom pieces maintain the same high standard as every item in our collection. Whether you envision a lightweight summer shawl, a richly textured winter blanket, or a bespoke sweater, we create it with the same dedication and refinement that define our brand.
The Spirit of “Namaste”
The word “Namaste” carries profound meaning. It is a greeting, a gesture, a recognition of the divine light within another person. It reflects humility, compassion, and interconnectedness — qualities that resonate deeply with our philosophy.
At Namaste Cashmere, “Namaste” is not just a word; it is our identity.
It is the respect we offer to the herders who provide our fibers,
to the artisans who shape our products,
to the environment that sustains our materials,
and to the customers who trust and cherish our creations.
Every piece we create is made with gratitude — gratitude for tradition, for the earth, and for the hands that craft beauty from raw fiber.
More Than A Brand — A Legacy of Warmth
Namaste Cashmere was created with a heartfelt ambition: to bridge cultures, preserve craftsmanship, and bring the warmth of the Himalayas to the world. What began as a deep appreciation for cashmere and heritage has grown into a brand committed to elevating traditional artistry through luxurious, meaningful design.
Our pieces are not just accessories or garments; they are stories. Stories of Mongolia’s open landscapes, Nepal’s artistic legacy, and the artisans who dedicate their lives to creating beauty. We invite you to be part of this journey — to wrap yourself in warmth, craftsmanship, and culture.
Welcome to Namaste Cashmere,
Where luxury feels personal, heritage feels alive, and every creation begins with a gesture of respect.
CASHMERE ORIGIN (HISTORY)
HISTORY OF CASHMERE ORIGIN
Cashmere wool—commonly known simply as cashmere—is a luxury natural fiber obtained from cashmere goats, pashmina goats, and certain other goat breeds. For centuries, it has been used to produce yarn, textiles, and a wide range of clothing. The term “cashmere” is derived from an anglicized form of Kashmir, the region renowned for its exquisite shawls, which captivated Europe when they arrived in the 19th century.
Both the soft undercoat and the coarse guard hairs of the goat are used: the fine underdown is reserved for apparel, while the guard hairs serve non-apparel functions such as brushes. Cashmere is also hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture from the air—helping regulate temperature in both warm and cold environments.
Today, several countries produce cashmere and have refined their processing technologies, with China and Mongolia emerging as major producers as of 2019, followed by Afghanistan. Due to the high value of this fiber, however, some products marketed as cashmere have been found to contain little or none at all, prompting calls for more rigorous testing standards. Meanwhile, overgrazing and poor land management linked to cashmere production have led to desertification in parts of Asia, affecting local climates and contributing to air pollution that has traveled as far as North America.
Classification
Historically, Western scientific literature referred to fine-haired cashmere goats as Capra hircus, classifying them as a subspecies of the domestic goat. They are now more commonly categorized under the subspecies Capra aegagrus hircus or identified with the alternate designation Hircus Blythi Goat.
These goats grow a double fleece:
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a soft, fine undercoat (underdown), and
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a straighter, coarser guard hair layer.
The undercoat develops in winter to protect the animal from extreme cold. To prepare this fiber for textile use, it must undergo de-hairing, a mechanical process that separates the soft underdown from the coarse guard hairs. Hand-harvesting the undercoat produces a higher-quality fiber and makes de-hairing easier, though it is more time-consuming.
Gathering Methods
Cashmere wool is collected during the spring moulting season, when goats naturally shed their winter coats. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs between March and May.
Combing vs. Shearing
In many regions, the fleece is removed by hand combing, which gently lifts tufts of fiber from the goat as the coat loosens. This method yields a higher percentage of pure cashmere after washing and de-hairing.
Alternatively, goats in Iran, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and Australia are typically shorn, a process that results in a higher content of coarse hair and a lower pure-cashmere yield. In the United States, combing is the most popular method and can take from one to two weeks depending on the skill and timing of the handler.
The term “baby cashmere” refers to fiber harvested from young goats, prized for its exceptional softness.
Global Production
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China is the world’s largest producer, producing approximately 19,200 metric tons (in hair) in 2016.
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Mongolia ranks second with roughly 8,900 tons.
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Other producers include Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and several Central Asian states.
Worldwide raw cashmere production ranges between 15,000 and 20,000 tons (in hair), but after washing and de-hairing, only about 6,500 tons of pure cashmere remain.
Processing and Textile Uses
Pure cashmere can be dyed, spun into yarn, knitted into garments—such as sweaters, hats, gloves, socks—or woven into fabrics for coats, jackets, scarves, blankets, pajamas, and more. Traditional leaders in cashmere fabric and garment manufacturing include Scotland, Italy, and Japan. Cashmere is also often blended with fibers like wool (for elasticity) or silk (for sheen).
History
Cashmere has been produced in Mongolia, Nepal, and Kashmir for thousands of years. Known as pashm (Persian for “wool”) or pashmina (a Persian/Urdu term derived from pashm), the fiber is central to the famed handmade shawls of Kashmir. Historical records from the 3rd century BCE to the 11th century CE mention woolen shawls, indicating a long-standing textile tradition.