Cashmere quality is often discussed in terms of softness, ply, or fiber length—but one of the most important factors is rarely mentioned: water.
In Scotland, two natural water sources play a critical role in how cashmere looks, feels, and lasts: Loch Leven and the River Teviot.
Each contributes at a different stage of the cashmere process, and together they help define the character of true Scottish cashmere — the subject of our complete Guide to Scottish Cashmere.
Stage One: Yarn Preparation at Loch Leven
Our cashmere yarns are spun and prepared using soft water from Loch Leven by Todd & Duncan, one of the world’s most respected cashmere spinners.
Soft water is free from heavy mineral content that can damage delicate fibers. During washing and spinning, it allows cashmere fibers to open gently—preserving elasticity, softness, and strength.
This stage determines how the yarn will perform for years, not just how it feels at first touch.
(Loch Leven, Kinross, Scotland)
Stage Two: Garment Finishing in the River Teviot
Once knitted, garments are washed and finished in Hawick using water drawn from the River Teviot.
This final wash allows the knit structure to relax and the fibers to bloom naturally, creating a soft yet substantial hand feel. Hard water can strip fibers and dull texture. Soft Scottish water enhances softness while maintaining resilience and shape.
This step is where a knitted piece becomes a finished garment.
(River Teviot, Hawick, Scotland)
Why Soft Water Matters in Cashmere
Soft Scottish water:
- Protects delicate cashmere fibers
- Enhances softness without chemical treatment
- Preserves elasticity and shape
- Contributes to garments that improve with wear
It’s one of the least visible, but most important, elements of luxury cashmere. It’s also one reason Scottish cashmere is often weighed favorably against Italian cashmere — see our comparison, Scottish Cashmere vs Italian Cashmere.
From Fiber to Finished Knit
Loch Leven and the River Teviot serve different purposes, but together they form a continuous thread—from yarn preparation to final finishing.
It’s a reminder that true luxury is never the result of a single step, but of thoughtful decisions made at every stage. Explore the sweaters spun and finished with this water in our Scottish cashmere collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does water matter in cashmere production?
Water quality affects the fiber at two separate stages: spinning and finishing. Soft water, low in mineral content, allows cashmere fibers to open and relax without damage, which preserves softness, elasticity, and shape over the life of the garment. Hard water can strip and dull the fiber at either stage.
What role does Loch Leven play in cashmere production?
Loch Leven supplies the soft water that Todd & Duncan uses to spin and prepare cashmere yarn in Kinross. This stage determines how the yarn performs over years of wear, not just how it feels on first touch.
What role does the River Teviot play in cashmere production?
Garments knitted in Hawick are washed and finished using water drawn from the River Teviot. This final wash lets the knit structure relax and the fibers bloom, producing the soft yet substantial hand feel associated with Scottish cashmere.
Does hard water damage cashmere?
Yes. Hard water's mineral content can strip natural oils from cashmere fiber and dull its texture during washing or finishing. Soft water avoids this, which is why the source of the water used in production affects the finished garment as much as the fiber grade itself.
Is Scottish cashmere softer because of the water, or the fiber?
Both contribute, but they're separate factors. Fiber grade (micron count and staple length) sets the ceiling on how soft cashmere can be. Soft water during spinning and finishing determines how much of that potential is preserved rather than damaged in processing.
