HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CASHMERE
 

Our step-by-step guide to giving your cashmere styles some TLC.

Investing in quality cashmere is one of those real indulgences (and, in our opinion, one of the best wardrobe decisions you’ll ever make), so keeping it in tip-top condition is always high on our priority list. Its irresistible softness and amazing warmth comes from being one of the more delicate yarns out there, so it’s even more important than usual to give it the TLC it deserves if you want it to last and last. Whether you’ve got a cosy pair of bedsocks or a plush rollneck, here’s how to take care of your favourite cashmere styles.

STEP ONE: COMB YOUR CASHMERE

Before you wash cashmere, remove any small balls of fibre, or ‘pills’, using a mini cashmere comb. Pills or bobbles aren’t a sign of poor quality, they’re actually a natural result of the delicate processing used to make cashmere. You might find you need to comb your cashmere the first few times you wear it, but it should settle down and soften up, so you’ll only need to do it every once in a while. 

STEP TWO: WASH CASHMERE BY HAND

Fill your sink or tub with cold-to-lukewarm water and swirl in a few drops of pH neutral or cashmere specific liquid detergent. Turn your garment inside out, massage it with your fingertips – taking care not to pull, stretch or rub the fabric – and leave to soak for 5-10 minutes max. Create a loose ball with the knit and gently squeeze (make sure not to wring) out the excess water, then rinse in a clean (or separate) basin filled with cold water.

STEP THREE: DRY CASHMERE FLAT

Soaking wet cashmere is surprisingly heavy, so be careful not to let the weight of the water stretch it. Lay your wet cashmere on a clean, dry towel that’s big enough for the whole knit to lie flat and smooth it back into its original shape. Leave it to dry naturally on a flat surface, ideally a mesh drying rack. Keep it away from direct heat – another shrinkage trap – like radiators or sunlight.

STEP FOUR: STORE CASHMERE WITH CARE

De-pilling and cleaning your cashmere knitwear before you store it should help to avoid pesky moth damage. Folding your knitwear, rather than hanging it, should also help it to stay in shape. When not using it, store your cashmere pieces in a clean drawer or airtight vacuum bag along with fresh cedar sticks or lavender bags.

Shop our cashmere styles here.