Some characteristics of cashmere scarves are the ply and gauge. Ply represents the number of strands twisted together and gauge is how tightly those strands are twisted. The higher the ply count, the thicker the scarf will feel. Also, a really great cashmere scarf will have a spring in the fabric; this spring is called a “loft.” To test if your potential scarf has loft, give it a little tug. If it springs back, it has loft and if not, chances are it won’t hold its shape for very long.

Lastly, cashmere scarves are available in many colors however, when buying a darker color, its possible that the manufacturer might used a lower grade wool because the higher grade cashmere is harder to dye and its less work to dye the lower grade wool. Lighter colors and darker colors may feel different, so check before you buy.

All women’s cashmere scarves feel soft, look fabulous and give a woman the warmth she needs however, there is no comparison to fine quality cashmere. So take a minute to make sure you’re getting the very best for yourself or for the women on your holiday list.