How to Care for Cashmere

Cashmere earns its reputation for softness, but that same delicacy means it needs a gentler hand than regular wool. Treated well, a good cashmere piece can genuinely last decades. Treated like an ordinary sweater, it won't.

Washing

• Wash infrequently. Cashmere doesn't hold odor the way synthetic fibers do — airing a piece out after wear is often enough between washes.
• Hand wash in cold water with a mild, pH-neutral detergent made for delicates or cashmere specifically. Avoid regular laundry detergent, which is too harsh for the fine fibers.
• Never rub, twist, or wring. Cashmere fibers are finer and more fragile than sheep's wool. Gently press water through the fabric instead of agitating it.
• Rinse thoroughly. Leftover detergent residue stiffens the fibers over time and dulls the fabric's natural softness.

Drying

Always dry flat, never hung and never in a dryer. Roll the piece in a clean towel to press out excess water first, then lay it flat on a fresh towel, gently easing it back into its original shape. Keep it away from direct heat or sunlight while it dries.

Pilling Is Normal — Here's How to Handle It

Cashmere pills more readily than tougher wools, especially in high-friction spots like underarms and where a bag strap sits. This isn't a sign of poor quality — it's simply a trait of the fiber. Use a cashmere comb or a fine fabric shaver, working gently in one direction, and pills lift away cleanly without damaging the knit.

Storage

• Always fold, never hang. Hanging stretches cashmere out of shape almost immediately under its own weight.
• Use breathable storage — cotton garment bags rather than plastic, which traps moisture.
• Cedar, not mothballs. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets protect against moths without leaving a chemical smell behind.
• Store clean. Moths are attracted to body oils and food residue, not the fiber itself — always wash before long-term storage.

Cashmere rewards a little extra care with a fabric that only gets softer over time. The investment in how you treat it pays off for years.