Cashmere Clothing Care Guide

Soft, effortless and made to last, cashmere is the perfect investment for every wardrobe. A little extra care goes a long way, so here’s how to keep your cashmere jumpers and cashmere cardigans looking (and feeling) their best.

How to wash cashmere

Luxurious and premium, cashmere needs more care than synthetic materials, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

As a breathable fabric, cashmere doesn’t need frequent washing. Simply air your jumper or cardigan out after it’s been worn and the natural fibres will release most odours on their own. Unlike other fabrics, you don’t need to wash after every wear – so you can mix and match with more outfits before adding to your washing.

Cashmere is an investment piece. Knowing how to wash cashmere can be the difference between something that stays in rotation or something that fades fast. Due to the fine, natural fibres, we recommend a gentle hand wash for anything 100% cashmere, and when washing cashmere-blended pieces, turn them inside out and wash them on a delicate cycle. To keep delicates feeling soft and supple, opt for a mild detergent, such as Woolite, designed especially for delicate garments.

If you need to wash your cashmere, gentle is best. Scrubbing or wringing is off-limits! Quickly treat any marks or stains with care and remember, a light touch goes a long way.

How to Store Cashmere

FOLD, DON'T HANG

Hanging your knits can stretch and distort their shape over time, so store them folded to help your most-loved items maintain their shape for many autumn/winter seasons to come. If you’ve worn your cashmere garment a couple of days in a row, rotate it out and give the cashmere time to breathe.

PROTECT YOUR PIECES

When it’s time to pack your cashmere away during the warmer months, wash and dry your woollens before wrapping them in a pillowcase to keep them fresh and moth-proof. Place some cedar balls or lavender sachets in the drawers or storage containers to deter moths. Need something longer-term? Airtight storage or vacuum packing works wonders for space saving and ensuring no uninvited mothsget near your knits.

How to dry cashmere

Dry flat, always

After washing, lay your cashmere knitwear out flat to dry. Nobody wants unshapely necklines or shoulders in their jumpers or cardigans so avoid hanging them. Laying flat to dry also helps reduce the risk of trapped moisture which can attract unwanted moths.

Don’t tumble dry

High heat can ruin cashmere fibres, so always air drying. Not only will it help preserve the quality of your cashmere garments, it will also reduce your laundry emissions.

Does 100% cashmere need to be dry cleaned?

If you’re looking to freshen up your knitwear at the end of the season, dry cleaning could be an option. However, it’s worth noting that higher temperatures or harsh chemicals can be tough on the fabric and cause fading or stretching. Hand washing is the gentlest method of washing cashmere, so you can feel sure about caring for own cashmere at home.

How do you care for 100% cashmere?

Our tips are designed to help keep your cashmere knitwear looking its best for longer. In addition to washing, drying, and storing, always check the label for specific instructions tailored to your pieces. This way it’ll keep them looking and feeling premium season after season.

Keep your cashmere smooth

How to prevent pilling

Natural fibres like cashmere can pill more than synthetic ones, but don’t worry as it’s completely normal and can be easily removed without damaging the fabric. To help reduce bobbling, wash your garments inside out and for any additional pilling, simply remove them with a cashmere comb or fabric shaver.

Cashmere knitwear is soft, so of course you’ll want to wear it again and again. The more you wear your pieces, the more prone they are to pilling. Bobbling is a natural side-effect caused by friction, from fibres rubbing together during everyday wear or when washing or drying. Pills might appear first in places like your sleeves, underarms or wherever your bag strap rubs against – the areas that get the most friction whenever you wear them.

Bobbles and pills might not look great, but removing them is simple. Invest in a cashmere comb, razor or a fabric comb – they’re designed to gently, but effectively remove bobbles and have your pieces looking as good as new in no time. Gently comb or shave the pills away, and remember, pilling should decrease over time. A quick label check before every wash means more seasons of wear from your favourite knits.

Discover Cashmere

What should you not do with cashmere?