Cashmere a hot seller for summer wear

NEW YORK, June 2 (UPI) -- Cashmere -- long a staple for fall and winter wear -- has become a hot-selling, often high-priced summer fashion trend across the United States.

Cashmere sweaters "are perfect for summer weather at the beach," J. Crew Marketing Director Margot Brunelle told the New York Times. "We've had customers who bought one in every color to stock in their summer houses.

"In a strange way, cashmere has become the fur shrug for warm weather," designer Michael Kors said. "It's fashion at its most utilitarian."

In Los Angeles, the owner of the Tracey Ross boutique said she has seen a run on summer cashmere sweaters from Queen & Belle and dresses from Alex Gaines.

Summer-weight cashmere is generally thinner than fall and winter weights, but not necessarily cheaper since it requires stronger fibers.

Some worried, though, that cashmere would lose its luxury status.

"The quality is going to go downhill," said Karl Spilhaus, president of the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute of Boston.