Is Your Cashmere Ethical?

& #WowOnWednesday

Dear friends. Sorry to add another worry to the list, but are your cashmere sweaters and cardigans ethical?

Unfortunately, cashmere, that most luxurious of yarns, has the most destructive environmental impact of any animal-derived fibre.  Plus, as it comes from the winter coats of goats, it also involves animal exploitation, cruelty, stress and injuries. Goats have a nervous system and can suffer and feel pain. 

But fortunately ethical suppliers are addressing some of the problems, and there's a welcome trend for seeing cashmere restored and recycled, which means we can buy with a clear conscience.

I bought my first cashmere jumper around 30 years ago, and as I lovingly stroked the black ribbed scoop neck from Denner Cashmere, I knew no other jumpers would ever feel quite the same.  Cashmere is never itchy, like many other fibres, and, properly washed and cared for, it lasts a long time.

The Newly New Cashmere Co hosts the UK's biggest collection of secondhand cashmere. The Yorkshire Dales based business restores and recycles discarded 100% cashmere. 

Alison Orr established the brand in 2015.  Now a growing team, Nearly New Cashmere sells its collection of restored cashmere online and continues finding innovative new ways to reuse discarded cashmere. 

The small, but skilled team meticulously repairs hundreds of cashmere clothing items each month. Those that can't be repaired are turned into gloves, scarves and other accessories, to minimise waste as much as possible.    

I was invited to choose a jumper  (sweater to my US friends).  I was like a kid in a sweetshop! So many styles and colours to select, and each a one-off.

I eventually chose this honey coloured jumper, which feels wonderful to the touch and is excellent quality. 

If you have old cashmere you no longer wear, you can send it to Nearly New Cashmere and they'll give you a website credit for any 100% cashmere garments they can recycle. 

The team also offers a service for cashmere jumpers that require repair. This helps to extend the life of  cashmere jumpers so that we can go on wearing them for many years to come. The website even features a video showing you how to make small repairs yourself.

You'll find cashmere for men, women and children at their website. Your only difficulty will be narrowing down the options! And you can buy relaxed in the knowledge that you're not perpetuating ethical issues around some types of new cashmere. 

Outfit details:  Cashmere jumper, Newly New Cashmere Co (prices start at £40);  camel ruched skirt and Sia silk scarf, Kettlewell Colours.  Brogue shoes Joe Brown's, old. 

Disclosure:  I was gifted with a cashmere jumper from the Nearly New Cashmere Co.  I was not asked to provide copy for clearance, and as always, my editorial opinions are objective and honest.

Do you love cashmere? Were you aware it has ethical issues? Do let us know in the comments.

Sharing this post with: On Mondays We Link Up at Glass of Glam, Weekday Wear at Away from the Blue, #AnythingGoes at My Random Musings, Rena at Fine Whatever, Turning Heads Tuesday at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish,  Confident Twosday at I Do Declaire, Style with a Smile at Stylesplash, Talent Sharing Tuesdays at Scribbling Boomer, Chic & Stylish at Mummabstylish, #SpreadTheKindness  and #Linkup on the Edge at Shelbee on the Edge,  Thursday Fashion Files at Doused in Pink, #Neverendingstyle at The Grey Brunette, Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style,  Traffic Jam Weekend at Marsha in the Middle,  Fabulous Fridays at Lucy Bertoldi, Curated by Jennifer (Wednesdays). 

Indulge Me With This One!

I was chuffed, as we say in the UK, to see my profile appear on new website Do More.Differently.com.  Interviewed by Nick Brookes, I cover topics including ageism, losing our fashion direction over 50, and the 10th anniversary this year of Is This Mutton.  You do have to create a log-in to view the post, but the site is very interesting:  it offers experiences to buy, including a rare opportunity to see author Margaret Atwoood in London, a charity sky dive, theatre visits and beauty treatments. Differently is a social enterprise owned by the charity Independent Age. 100% of profits go towards supporting vulnerable older people living in poverty and struggling with maintaining their quality of life.

Now it's time for #WowOnWednesday, Bloggers, Instagrammers and YouTubers are invited to share new and evergreen content. 

Last Week's Favourites

Not Stopping - and a Lot of Art by Veronica at Vronni's Style Meanderings

Phew, Veronica was thinking of giving up blogging, but I'm pleased to say she's decided not to. I would miss her walks, art galleries, stylish thrifted outfits and book and TV recommendations! Here she is with her daughter. 

Viva Magenta: Magnificent 8 Collaboration from Rena at Fine Whatever

Is This Mutton Choice

Welcome to link-up newcomer, Karins Kottage, and her post "Flattering Swimsuit for Women over 50".  

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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Differently, ethical cashmere, Fashion, fashion over 50, how to buy cashmere ethically, Nearly New Cashmere Co