Quietly devoted to beautiful things.
Located in the heart of Claremont, Simply Cashmere brings together the world's finest cashmere garments, handcrafted pashminas, exquisite artisan rugs, and premium home textiles. We are passionate about quality, craftsmanship, and the stories behind every piece we offer.
The story of cashmere.
A journey through centuries of luxury, from the rugged mountains of Central Asia to the wardrobes of the world's most discerning individuals.
Ancient origins
Cashmere takes its name from the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan, but the fibre itself traces back to the Changthangi goats of the high-altitude plateaus of Mongolia, Tibet, and the Himalayas — where temperatures fall to -40°C. Their fine, downy undercoat is what the world knows as cashmere.
The fibre was first woven into fine shawls in 13th-century Kashmir, where artisans developed the intricate hand-weaving techniques still unmatched today.
A symbol of royalty
By the 18th century, cashmere shawls had become the ultimate luxury in European courts. Empress Joséphine of France famously owned over 400 cashmere shawls. Each piece could take months — even years — to weave by hand.
Today, cashmere remains one of the most luxurious natural fibres in the world: eight times warmer than sheep's wool and exceptionally lightweight. At Simply Cashmere, we honour this heritage every day.
- 13th C.First cashmere shawls woven in Kashmir by master artisans.
- 18th C.Cashmere becomes the ultimate luxury in European royal courts.
- 19th C.Industrial production begins; handcrafted pieces remain most prized.
- TodayCashmere endures as the gold standard of luxury fibres worldwide.
A few gentle rules.
With proper care, your cashmere will remain soft and beautiful for many years. Here are the essentials — call us any time if you'd like advice on a specific piece.
Washing
- Hand wash in lukewarm water using a gentle shampoo, fully dissolved.
- Rinse with a touch of hair conditioner for added softness.
- Never bleach. Wash colours separately.
- Squeeze gently — never twist or wring.
- We recommend dry cleaning coats, jackets, and trousers.
Drying & pressing
- Roll in a dry towel to absorb moisture, then lay flat on a second towel.
- Reshape while damp; keep away from direct heat and sunlight.
- Press from the inside with a damp cloth on a cool iron — or steam.
Storing
- Never hang cashmere — fold along natural seam lines.
- Store inside-out, wrapped in tissue paper if possible.
- Keep in a cool, dry place. Cedar blocks protect against moths.
Everyday care
- De-pill gently with a cashmere comb or fabric shaver.
- Rotate pieces — let the fibres rest between wears.
- Air out flat in a well-ventilated spot. Cashmere naturally resists odours.
Have a question about a specific piece? Get in touch — we're always happy to help.
Find us at shows across the USA.
Beyond our Cape Town boutique, we proudly exhibit our collection at premium trade shows and exhibitions across the United States — bringing the finest cashmere, pashminas, and artisan rugs directly to our clients abroad.
- New York
- Boston
- Texas
- Philadelphia
For upcoming show dates and locations, please get in touch.