Superior length is likely to be one of the high quality features of cashmere produced in the Southern Hemisphere. The ideal mean length for woollen spun processing is 50-55 mm, but 40-42mm is acceptable. Lengths up to 70mm can be handled on the woollen system, but longer than that would be used for worsted processing. Most processors require the average lenth of the fibre to exceed 35mm.

The crucial factor with length is that there are no fibres shorter than 15mm, as these fibres will pill in the finished product, or reduce the yield when they are removed during carding.

The ideal length range for worsted spinning is 70mm, but no shorter than 20mm or longer than 110mm. For processors wanting to spin on the worsted system more emphasis on length is needed in specifications when buying cashmere, whether it be de-haired and or in the raw state.

Lustre

One of the early findings within the Australian cashmere industry has been that the lustre of Australian cashmere is greater than that of traditional suppliers. The lustre of both Australian and New Zealand cashmere enhances the handle of the product, but it does not make the cashmere slippery or shiny as in the case of mohair.