Generally, you have to have the fabric professionally cleaned. Some cashmere experts say it can be washed in mild shampoo, but that lends itself to a whole other set of problems. Rubbing the fabric changes its texture, according to the Posh Girl Vintage blog. And spot cleaning? Don't even think about it unless you want a noticeable worn area on the garment.

Merino wool (above right), on the other hand, is much more durable and a heckuva lot less expensive. Most merino wool sweaters typically cost about one-half to one-third less than those made of cashmere. Why? Because the merino sheep is the most numerous breed of sheep in the world, and many are bred in the Western U.S.
 

Cashmere comes from the cashmere goat, also known as a pashmina. More than 60 percent of the world's supply of cashmere comes from other countries, mainly China. But what makes it so precious is its limited supply. Very few of the clippings turn into pure cashmere.

Sure, the fragile fabric comes with an elevated status that merino typically falls well beneath. But who cares? Merino looks just as nice, and you can handwash merino without worrying that it will come out looking like a spotty, worn-out rag.

* Note: Moths consider cashmere, merino and all wools dinner. If you're concerned about losing your garment to the hungry insects, buy cotton.