Which countries produce the best cashmere?

When it comes to the “best” cashmere, the answer depends on whether you are talking about where the goats are raised (the raw material) or where the sweaters are knitted (the craftsmanship).

Here is the breakdown of the world’s top cashmere producers.

1. The Best Raw Material: China & Mongolia

Inner Mongolia (China) and Mongolia produce over 90% of the world’s raw cashmere.¹

• Why it’s the best: The goats here live in freezing conditions (-30°C), which forces them to grow the longest, finest, and whitest undercoats.²

• The Rule: Even if a sweater says “Made in Italy” or “Made in Scotland,” the actual goat hair almost certainly came from here.

2. The Best Manufacturing: Scotland vs. Italy

Once the fiber is harvested, it is shipped to mills for spinning and knitting. This is where the real debate lies. Scotland and Italy are the two undisputed leaders in luxury cashmere manufacturing, but they have very different styles.

Top Recommendations by Region

If you want to experience the difference yourself, here are the benchmark standards for each region.

The Scottish Standard: Johnstons of Elgin

Johnstons of Elgin has been manufacturing in Scotland since 1797. Their sweaters are famous for being “dense”—they might feel a bit stiff when you first buy them, but they soften with every wash and are virtually indestructible compared to cheaper cashmere.

The Classic Cashmere V-Neck is their signature piece. It features a 2-ply knit that resists stretching and pilling, making it a true investment piece.

The Italian Standard: Loro Piana

Loro Piana is the pinnacle of Italian luxury. They are famous for “Baby Cashmere” (fibers from kid goats), which is softer than anything else on the market.

The Classic V-Neck represents the ultimate in softness. Unlike the denser Scottish knits, this will feel impossibly light and smooth against the skin immediately, though it requires more delicate care.

The Best Value: Gobi Cashmere (Mongolia)

If you want to cut out the “European Markup,” buy directly from the source. Gobi Cashmere is a Mongolian brand that manufactures locally.3

The Essential V-Neck uses the same high-quality Mongolian fiber as the luxury brands but costs significantly less because it isn’t shipped to Europe for knitting. It is a great entry point for 100% cashmere.

My Recommendation: If you want a sweater that will last for 20 years, go with Scottish cashmere. If you want the softest thing you have ever touched and budget is no issue, go with Italian.