What is 2-Ply Yarn? And Why Does it Matter for Cashmere?

If you've ever shopped for high-quality knitwear or premium cashmere pieces, chances are you've come across the term 2-ply yarn. So, what is 2-ply yarn? And why does it matter when choosing a cashmere garment?

To put it simply, 'ply' refers to the number of individual strands of yarn that are twisted together to create a single thread. The ply number can have a major impact on the softness, durability, and overall quality of your knitwear.

Whether you're searching for a warmer garment for winter or need something on cool summer evenings, understanding the difference between single ply yarn and two ply is important so you can make the right choice on what to invest in.

In this guide, Story Cashmere will break down what two ply means, and how it compares to one ply.

What does 2-ply mean?

To understand two ply cashmere vs single ply, you need to understand what ply actually means.

In textiles, when you hear "2 ply" or "two ends", it means that two strands have been twisted together in the opposite direction to how they were originally spun. This process balances the yarn's tension, and creates smoother, rounder, and more resilient threads.

Here's a quick comparison:

• Single ply yarn: Made from a single strand of yarn. Single ply feels delicate, airy, and incredibly soft, yes. But, it is also more fragile and prone to pilling or tearing with regular wear.

• 2 ply cashmere: Made from two strands twisted together. It results in a thicker, smoother, and more durable cashmere that's ideal for garments intended to last.

In short, 2 ply isn't bulky. It improves the overall texture, strength, and suitability of the fabric for everyday knitwear.

How ply effects your cashmere garments

The ply of your yarn is significant, as it completely effects how your cashmere garment looks, feels, and lasts over time. Whether you're shopping for everyday knitwear or for a statement winter piece, here's how two ply yarn compares to single ply yarn when it comes to the things that matter most:

Durability and Strength

Because 2 ply yarn is made from two individual strands together, it creates a fabric that is durable and more resistant to wear and tear.

This added strength means your cashmere knit is more suitable for regular use and will hold its shape longer, even after repeated wears.

Warmth and Thickness

The structure of 2 ply yarn naturally makes the garment thicker, warmer, and more insulated.

This makes it the ideal choice for a warmer garment during colder months. Despite the extra weight, 2 ply cashmere remains breathable and lightweight enough to wear indoors or outdoors.

Softness and Surface Texture

The evenness of 2 ply cashmere yarn also effects how colour is absorbed and reflected in the fabric. This gives garments a richer, more vibrant appearance to your knits compared to single ply.

Why we use 2 ply yarn at Story Cashmere

At Story Cashmere, every decision we make comes back to one thing: creating high quality, timeless knitwear that feels just as beautiful on you as it looks.

By twisting two strands of the finest cashmere fibres, we're able to create garments that are smoother, stronger, and more suitable if your intended use is everyday wear. This thickness is all without sacrificing that signature, huggably soft texture.

Our knits, wraps, and socks are designed not just for one season, but for many. They hold their shape, resist pilling, and maintain their colour and texture over time (as long as you wash it correctly).

You'll feel the difference from the very first touch.

We believe that timeless style starts with durable, soft, high quality materials, and we aim to balance elegance with practicality—garments that are just as at home on a crisp country walk as they are draped over your shoulders at a fancy dinner.