Why Grade A Cashmere Doesn’t Have to Cost €600
There is a long-held assumption that truly beautiful cashmere must be extraordinarily expensive. For many, a price tag of €500 or €600 feels like proof of quality.
But the truth is more nuanced than that.
At Ekotree, we design, knit, mill and finish our cashmere pieces in our studio in Doolin, County Clare. We work with Grade A Italian-spun yarn — the highest classification of cashmere fibre — chosen for its softness, durability and ability to retain warmth without weight.
And yet, our pieces are often priced at half of what you might see in traditional luxury retail.
So how is that possible?
Understanding What You’re Paying For
In a traditional retail model, a garment passes through several hands before it reaches you:
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Manufacturer
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Brand
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Distributor
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Retailer
Each layer applies its own margin. By the time a €200 garment reaches the shop floor, it may retail for €500 or more.
That pricing structure is standard in the industry. It covers wholesale margins, store overheads, marketing budgets and seasonal discounting strategies.
But it doesn’t necessarily mean the cashmere itself is better.
Fibre Quality Matters More Than the Label
Grade A cashmere refers to the finest fibres — longer, stronger strands that create a smoother, more durable knit. When spun well, these fibres produce fabric that is softer, warmer and more resilient over time.
This is the quality we use.
What determines the final experience is not only fibre grade, but also:
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Yarn spinning
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Tension in knitting
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Finishing processes
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Garment construction
Because we oversee each stage — from yarn selection to final finishing — we can control quality without layering on external markups.
The Direct-to-Consumer Difference
Being both maker and seller allows us to remove the traditional retail structure. There are no wholesale markups and no third-party distributors.
That doesn’t mean cutting corners. It simply means a different route to the customer.
The result is straightforward:
You receive Grade A cashmere, crafted in Ireland, without paying for multiple intermediaries.
Buying Once, Wearing for Years
True value in cashmere is not just the initial softness — it is how a piece wears over time.
Well-made cashmere:
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Retains warmth without heaviness
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Holds its shape
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Softens rather than deteriorates
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Becomes part of your everyday wardrobe
When cared for properly, a thoughtfully made piece can last for many years. In that context, price becomes about longevity rather than label prestige.
A Quieter Kind of Luxury
Luxury does not need to be loud. It can be simple, intentional and well made.
At Ekotree, we focus on:
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Timeless design
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Seamless construction
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Sustainable botanical dyeing
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Responsible production in small runs
Our aim is not to compete with high street pricing, nor to inflate our value through branding alone.
It is to make exceptional cashmere accessible in an honest way.
Because Grade A cashmere should feel extraordinary — not unattainable.
