Carded cashmere is like a very soft wool blanket: it envelops, traps air, and transmits warmth and softness. Combed cashmere is like a heavy silk fabric: fluid, clean, elegant, with a perfectly smooth surface.
When people think about cashmere knitwear, they often assume that one cashmere sweater is much like another. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
There are two main families of cashmere yarns used in knitwear: carded cashmere and combed cashmere.
Both can be made from the finest quality cashmere fibers, both can be entirely Made in Italy, and both can represent true luxury. Yet the final garment offers a completely different experience.
To better understand the difference, let's compare two women's sweaters produced by Due Toscani:
a sweater knitted in 100% carded cashmere Nm 2/28 on a 12-gauge knitting machine;
a sweater knitted in 100% combed cashmere Nm 2/60 on an 18-gauge Shima Seiki WholeGarment® machine, produced seamlessly.
Both are made from pure cashmere.
Both are manufactured in Italy.
Yet they almost seem to belong to two different worlds.
Carded Cashmere: Softness, Warmth and Volume
The very first sensation you experience when touching a sweater made from carded cashmere is softness.
During the carding process, the fibers are opened and arranged in a less uniform way than in combed yarns, allowing part of the fibers to naturally rise to the surface.
The result is a garment that feels:
softer;
fuller;
slightly fuzzy;
warmer to the touch.
Its surface is not perfectly smooth.
And that is precisely its beauty.
The delicate halo surrounding the yarn creates the comforting softness that most people instinctively associate with premium cashmere.
Carded yarn also traps a larger amount of air between the fibers.
Since air is nature's best thermal insulator, this structure allows the garment to retain heat extremely well.
That is why a carded cashmere sweater immediately feels warm and cozy, even when it is surprisingly lightweight.
Combed Cashmere: Precision, Elegance and Refinement
Combed cashmere follows a completely different philosophy.
Before spinning, the fibers are carefully combed and aligned in the same direction.
This produces a much more regular, compact and uniform yarn.
A sweater knitted in Nm 2/60 cashmere on an 18-gauge machine has characteristics that are immediately recognizable:
perfectly smooth surface;
silky, dry hand feel;
elegant drape;
exceptionally well-defined stitch structure;
uniform weight distribution.
It doesn't feel like a soft cloud.
Instead, it feels like an exceptionally refined textile.
Many customers describe it as wearing a "second skin."
The Way the Garment Drapes Is Completely Different
This is perhaps the biggest difference—although it is difficult to appreciate in photographs.
A carded cashmere sweater has more body.
It maintains its structure and shape more naturally.
A combed cashmere sweater, on the other hand, follows the body's movements effortlessly.
It drapes gracefully over the shoulders and adapts naturally to the silhouette.
For this reason, combed cashmere is widely used in contemporary luxury collections where elegance, fluidity and refined tailoring are essential.
Gauge Makes a Huge Difference
A 12-gauge knitting machine produces a richer, fuller knit with a more visible stitch structure.
The fabric feels substantial and textured, making it ideal for autumn and winter garments.
An 18-gauge machine, by contrast, creates an exceptionally fine knit.
The stitches become almost invisible.
The surface appears smooth, continuous and incredibly elegant.
When this construction is combined with WholeGarment® seamless technology, comfort reaches another level.
Without side seams or linking, the garment adapts naturally to the body and offers an almost imperceptible wearing experience.
Which One Feels Softer?
This is probably the question we hear most often.
The answer depends on what we mean by "soft."
Carded cashmere feels softer the moment you touch it.
Its loft immediately creates a sensation of warmth and comfort.
Combed cashmere, instead, initially feels smoother and drier.
But once worn, it surprises with its extraordinary delicacy against the skin.
They are simply two different kinds of softness.
One is cloud-like softness.
The other is silky softness.
Which One Is Warmer?
For garments of comparable weight, carded cashmere generally provides greater thermal insulation because its loft traps more air between the fibers.
Combed cashmere, on the other hand, focuses on lightness, elegance and year-round comfort.
It performs exceptionally well indoors, under jackets and in environments where refined layering is preferred.
Neither is objectively better.
They simply offer two different interpretations of luxury.
If we had to describe these two types of cashmere in just a few words, we would say this.
Carded Cashmere
✔ You immediately want to wrap yourself in it.
✔ It feels warm from the very first touch.
✔ It offers instant softness.
✔ It has a rich, natural and textured appearance.
✔ It creates an immediate sense of comfort.
Combed Cashmere
✔ It truly reveals itself once you wear it.
✔ It glides effortlessly over the body.
✔ It is exceptionally elegant.
✔ Its surface is perfectly smooth.
✔ It is so comfortable that you almost forget you're wearing it.
An Easy Way to Understand the Difference
A simple comparison often explains it better than any technical description.
Carded cashmere is like a luxurious blanket.
It wraps around you.
It keeps you warm.
It gives you an immediate feeling of comfort.
Combed cashmere is like a bespoke shirt made from the world's finest fiber.
It is lightweight.
It drapes beautifully.
It is effortlessly elegant.
A Matter of Personal Preference
Another important difference concerns how the garment evolves over time.
Because carded cashmere naturally has more free fibers on its surface, it may develop a light pilling during the first period of use. This is perfectly normal for high-quality carded yarns and usually stabilizes after the first wears and proper washing.
Combed cashmere, thanks to its longer, parallel fibers, generally has a smoother and more stable surface, with a lower tendency to pill and a more uniform appearance over time.
Neither characteristic should be considered a defect.
They are simply the natural result of two different spinning technologies.
Two Interpretations of the Same Extraordinary Fiber
Carded cashmere represents the warmest, softest and most enveloping expression of this extraordinary natural fiber.
Combed cashmere expresses its most refined, technical and elegant side.
At Due Toscani, we choose both because they meet different expectations.
Some customers seek the comforting embrace of a warm winter sweater.
Others are looking for an exceptionally refined knit that feels light, elegant and perfectly tailored.
In both cases, the true protagonist remains the same:
high-quality cashmere, expertly crafted in Italy through a combination of traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art knitting technology.
When it comes to premium knitwear, extra-fine Merino wool is one of the most appreciated fibres in the world. Soft, breathable, naturally elastic and incredibly versatile, it is used to create garments ranging from premium everyday knitwear to luxury fashion collections.
However, there is one essential distinction that is often overlooked: not all Merino yarns are the same.
One of the most important differences lies in the spinning process, which produces either woolen spun yarns or worsted spun yarns.
Understanding this difference helps designers, buyers and fashion brands choose the most suitable yarn for their collections, influencing the appearance, comfort, performance and commercial positioning of the final garment.
What is Extra-Fine Merino?
Extra-fine Merino wool comes from carefully selected Merino sheep known for producing exceptionally fine fibres.
The finest qualities measure below 19 microns, making them extremely soft against the skin and comfortable even for people who usually find wool itchy.
Thanks to its natural properties, extra-fine Merino offers:
excellent thermal insulation;
outstanding breathability;
natural moisture management;
excellent elasticity;
exceptional comfort throughout the year.
But fibre quality is only the starting point.
The way these fibres are processed into yarn dramatically changes the characteristics of the finished garment.
What is Woolen Spun Merino?
Woolen spinning is the traditional method of producing soft, lofty yarns.
During this process, the fibres are opened, cleaned and blended, but they remain arranged in a relatively random orientation.
Shorter fibres are intentionally retained within the yarn, creating a structure that traps more air.
The result is a yarn with distinctive characteristics:
softer hand feel;
greater loft;
fuller appearance;
slightly fuzzy surface;
superior warmth.
Because woolen spun yarn contains more air between the fibres, it provides excellent thermal insulation while remaining surprisingly lightweight.
This is why woolen spun Merino is particularly appreciated for Autumn/Winter collections.
The Visual Characteristics of Woolen Spun Knitwear
Garments knitted with woolen spun yarn typically feature:
a softer appearance;
a naturally fuzzy surface;
a warm, comfortable look;
rich texture and depth.
These qualities are especially appreciated in collections designed to communicate comfort, authenticity and timeless elegance.
What is Worsted Spun Merino?
After the initial preparation, fibres intended for worsted spinning undergo an additional combing process.
This removes most of the shorter fibres while aligning the longer fibres in the same direction.
The result is an extremely regular fibre ribbon from which a smoother and more compact yarn is produced.
Compared with woolen spun yarn, worsted spun yarn offers:
greater compactness;
smoother surface;
exceptional uniformity;
sharper stitch definition;
increased durability.
Visually, it creates a cleaner and more refined fabric.
The Appearance of Worsted Knitwear
Knitwear produced from worsted spun yarn generally features:
clearly defined stitches;
smooth surface;
minimal fuzziness;
elegant appearance;
excellent drape.
These characteristics make worsted Merino particularly popular in modern, minimalist collections.
Woolen or Worsted: Which One Should You Choose?
There is no universally better choice.
The right yarn depends entirely on the desired result.
Woolen spun Merino is ideal when looking for:
maximum softness;
superior warmth;
a fuller hand;
a classic, natural appearance.
Worsted spun Merino is preferable when seeking:
a cleaner look;
lighter garments;
refined elegance;
perfectly defined knit structures.
Both yarn types can be produced from premium-quality extra-fine Merino.
The difference lies not in the quality of the wool itself, but in the way the fibres are processed and in the performance and aesthetics of the finished garment.
Knitting Gauge Makes a Difference
The knitting machine gauge also plays an important role in determining the final result.
At Due Toscani we manufacture garments using both woolen and worsted extra-fine Merino.
Woolen Spun Extra-Fine Merino
Typically knitted on:
Gauge 5
Gauge 7
Gauge 12
These gauges create softer, warmer and fuller garments that are ideal for sweaters, cardigans, turtlenecks and premium casual knitwear.
Worsted Spun Extra-Fine Merino
Typically knitted on:
Gauge 18
Gauge 18 produces lightweight, elegant garments with exceptional stitch definition.
It is particularly suitable for:
lightweight crew neck sweaters;
knitted polo shirts;
mock necks and turtlenecks;
fine cardigans;
year-round knitwear collections.
Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Market
The target market should always influence the yarn selection.
Luxury boutiques often appreciate the warm, authentic character of woolen spun Merino.
Contemporary fashion brands, on the other hand, frequently prefer worsted yarns because of their cleaner appearance and modern elegance.
Before developing a new knitwear collection, it is therefore important to consider:
your target customer;
desired retail price;
garment weight;
seasonality;
brand positioning.
Choosing the right yarn at the beginning of the project often makes the difference between a good garment and an exceptional one.
The Due Toscani Approach
At Due Toscani, we work closely with every customer to identify the most suitable yarn for each project.
We manufacture premium Made in Italy knitwear using both woolen spun and worsted spun extra-fine Merino, selecting the best solution according to the desired style, fit, gauge and market positioning.
Whether you choose one of our Due Toscani collections or develop your own private label project, our goal remains the same: transforming your ideas into high-quality knitwear made with the finest Italian manufacturing expertise.
Why International Brands Choose Italian Cashmere Production
When fashion brands, boutiques, and concept stores search for a cashmere manufacturer in Italy, they are looking for much more than a supplier. They are looking for expertise, reliability, craftsmanship, flexibility, and the prestige that only authentic Made in Italy manufacturing can provide.
Italy has been recognized worldwide for excellence in textile production for generations, and within Italy, the textile district of Prato represents one of the most important centers for premium knitwear manufacturing.
At Due Toscani, we proudly continue this tradition by designing and producing high-quality cashmere knitwear entirely in Italy for international retailers and private label brands.
Why Choose an Italian Cashmere Manufacturer?
Choosing an Italian manufacturer means investing in quality, consistency, and long-term value.
Unlike mass production, Italian knitwear manufacturing focuses on:
Premium raw materials
Skilled craftsmanship
Advanced knitting technology
Attention to every production detail
Strict quality control
Sustainable manufacturing practices
The result is a product designed to last, both in quality and style.
Authentic Made in Italy Production
Today, the expression Made in Italy is often overused.
For us, it represents a complete production philosophy.
Every Due Toscani garment is developed and manufactured in the Prato textile district, where every production stage is carefully supervised:
Product development
Yarn sourcing
Knitting programming
Production
Linking and assembly
Washing and finishing
Quality inspection
Final packaging
This direct control ensures consistent quality and reliable production standards.
Specialists in Cashmere Knitwear
Unlike manufacturers producing multiple apparel categories, Due Toscani specializes exclusively in knitwear.
Our collections include:
Crew neck sweaters
V-neck sweaters
Turtlenecks
Cardigans
Polo sweaters
Hoodies
Ponchos
Scarves
Beanies
Gloves
Shawls
Coordinated accessories
Our expertise allows us to recommend the most suitable yarns, knitting gauges, constructions, and finishing techniques for every project.
Virgin Cashmere and Recycled Cashmere
One of our strengths is offering both luxury and sustainable solutions.
We manufacture collections using:
Virgin Cashmere
Premium-quality yarns for luxury collections with exceptional softness, warmth, and durability.
Recycled Cashmere
Sustainably produced Italian recycled cashmere that combines environmental responsibility with premium quality.
This allows brands to offer products for different market segments while working with a single trusted manufacturer.
Private Label Cashmere Manufacturing
Many of our customers want to create their own brand rather than sell existing labels.
Due Toscani offers complete Private Label manufacturing, including:
Custom designs
Exclusive colors
Personalized labels
Hang tags
Packaging
Size specifications
Brand identity customization
We transform your ideas into finished products while maintaining the highest manufacturing standards.
Advanced Italian Knitting Technology
Traditional craftsmanship alone is no longer enough.
Modern luxury knitwear combines artisanal expertise with cutting-edge technology.
Our production utilizes advanced Shima Seiki knitting technology to ensure:
Superior consistency
Precision knitting
Excellent fit
Efficient production
High-quality finishing
Technology supports craftsmanship—it never replaces it.
Flexible Manufacturing for Fashion Brands
Every customer has different needs.
Some require seasonal collections.
Others need ongoing production or regular replenishment.
We support:
Seasonal collections
Capsule collections
Wholesale production
Scheduled manufacturing
Repeat orders
Private Label programs
Our production model adapts to your business rather than forcing you into rigid manufacturing processes.
Working Directly with the Manufacturer
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Due Toscani is direct communication.
There are no unnecessary intermediaries between your brand and the production team.
This means:
Faster communication
Better technical support
Greater transparency
Shorter decision-making times
More efficient product development
Our customers work directly with the people responsible for manufacturing their collections.
More Than a Supplier
We don't simply manufacture garments.
We help brands develop successful collections.
Our team provides support in:
Yarn selection
Knit structures
Color development
Technical solutions
Production planning
Manufacturing optimization
We believe long-term partnerships create the best results for everyone.
Why International Brands Choose Due Toscani
Our customers choose us because they value:
Authentic Made in Italy production
Italian textile expertise
Cashmere specialization
Virgin and recycled cashmere collections
Private Label manufacturing
Flexible production
Direct communication
Reliable lead times
Premium quality standards
Long-term partnerships
The Value of Manufacturing in Prato
Prato is one of Europe's most important textile districts.
For decades it has been synonymous with:
Luxury fibers
Premium knitwear
Textile innovation
Sustainable manufacturing
Skilled craftsmanship
Manufacturing in Prato means becoming part of one of the world's most respected textile traditions.
Finding the right cashmere manufacturer in Italy means choosing more than production capacity.
It means selecting a partner capable of combining craftsmanship, technology, flexibility, and reliability.
At Due Toscani, we proudly manufacture premium Italian cashmere knitwear for boutiques, retailers, and fashion brands worldwide.
Whether you are launching your own label or expanding an established collection, we are ready to help transform your ideas into authentic Made in Italy products.
More Than a Cashmere Manufacturer: Your Italian Partner for Premium Knitwear
In today's premium knitwear market, choosing a manufacturer is about much more than buying garments. It means finding a partner capable of transforming your ideas into successful collections while ensuring quality, reliability, flexibility, and transparency.
That is exactly why more and more boutiques, concept stores, retailers, and international fashion brands choose Due Toscani.
An Italian Company Based in the Heart of the Prato Textile District
Due Toscani develops and manufactures its collections entirely in the textile district of Prato, one of the world's most renowned centers for luxury fibers and premium knitwear production.
Every stage of production is carefully managed:
Design and product development
Yarn selection
Shima Seiki knitting programming
Knitting production
Linking and garment assembly
Washing and finishing
Quality control
Final packaging
Producing locally allows us to oversee every detail without relying on outsourced manufacturing or intermediaries.
We Manufacture What We Sell
Many companies simply trade products made by others.
We don't.
Every Due Toscani garment is developed directly with our technicians and long-standing manufacturing partners.
This allows us to:
Maintain consistently high quality standards
Respond quickly during production
Offer extensive customization
Guarantee realistic lead times
Build a direct relationship with every client
When you speak with Due Toscani, you are speaking directly with the people who manufacture your products.
Specialists in Cashmere Knitwear
We don't produce every type of clothing.
Our expertise is premium knitwear.
Our collections include:
Men's sweaters
Women's knitwear
Cardigans
Turtlenecks
Polo sweaters
Scarves
Beanies
Gloves
Ponchos
Coordinated accessories
We primarily work with:
Virgin cashmere
Recycled cashmere
Extrafine merino wool
Merino silk
Cashmere silk blends
This specialization allows us to master every aspect of luxury knitwear production.
Virgin Cashmere and Recycled Cashmere
Few manufacturers can genuinely offer expertise in both.
Due Toscani develops premium collections made from virgin cashmere as well as sustainable collections crafted from recycled cashmere, entirely Made in Italy.
This gives our customers the opportunity to address different market segments while working with a single trusted supplier.
Private Label Manufacturing
Many of our clients are not looking to sell someone else's brand.
They want to build their own.
For this reason, we specialize in Private Label production, offering complete customization of:
Woven labels
Composition labels
Hang tags
Packaging
Exclusive colors
Sizes
Designs
Your brand remains the focus—we take care of the manufacturing.
Flexible Production
Every customer has different requirements.
That is why we offer several production solutions.
We work with:
Seasonal collections
Scheduled production
Reorders
Capsule collections
Continuous production programs
Flexibility is one of our greatest strengths.
More Than 15 Years of Knitwear Manufacturing Experience
Over the years we have collaborated with:
Independent boutiques
Concept stores
Specialty retailers
Distributors
Emerging fashion brands
International labels
This experience enables us to understand our customers' commercial needs and provide practical manufacturing solutions.
No Middlemen
One of the greatest advantages of working with Due Toscani is direct communication.
Our customers speak directly with the people managing their projects.
This means:
Faster responses
Greater transparency
Fewer mistakes
Faster decision-making
Continuous support throughout production
Authentic Made in Italy Production
Today, the expression "Made in Italy" is often used too loosely.
For us, it has a precise meaning.
Design, knitting, garment assembly, quality control, finishing, and packaging are all carried out within the Prato textile district.
Made in Italy is not simply a label.
It is our way of working.
More Than a Supplier—A Long-Term Partner
Our goal is not simply to fulfill an order.
We aim to build lasting partnerships.
We help our customers select the most suitable:
Materials
Yarn counts
Knitting gauges
Colors
Manufacturing solutions
We share the knowledge gained through years of hands-on manufacturing experience because when our customers grow, Due Toscani grows with them.
Why Choose Due Toscani?
Because choosing Due Toscani means choosing:
Authentic Made in Italy manufacturing
Specialized expertise in cashmere knitwear
Direct manufacturing experience
Virgin and recycled cashmere collections
Private Label production
Fully controlled production processes
Consistent premium quality
Direct communication with the manufacturer
Flexible production capacity
Technical and commercial support
In a market where many companies sell products they do not manufacture, Due Toscani offers a different approach: complete knowledge of every stage of production, direct control over manufacturing, and long-term relationships built on trust.
If you are looking for an Italian cashmere knitwear manufacturer for your boutique, concept store, or fashion brand, Due Toscani is ready to become your trusted partner in developing authentic Made in Italy collections with the quality, expertise, and flexibility demanded by today's international market.
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