There is something special about cashmere.
Soft, warm and wonderfully light, it is one of those pieces that feels just as lovely to give as it does to receive. And when it is beautifully made, it is something that can be worn, loved and eventually passed on.
But cashmere is delicate. The fibres are finer than ordinary wool, which is part of what makes it feel so soft, but also means it benefits from a little more care.
The good news? Looking after cashmere doesn’t need to be complicated.
Here are our simple tips for keeping your cashmere soft, beautiful and ready to be loved for years to come.
A little pilling is completely natural
One of the first things you may notice with a new cashmere piece is a little pilling.
Pilling happens when the fine, loose fibres on the surface of the cashmere rub together during wear, forming small, soft bobbles. It is particularly common in areas where there is friction, under the arms, around the sides or where one layer rubs against another.
It can be more noticeable when cashmere is new, as shorter fibres naturally work their way to the surface during the first few wears.
Pilling isn’t a sign that your cashmere is poor quality or that something has gone wrong. In fact, some pilling is simply part of how natural fibres behave.
When you notice it, gently remove the bobbles with a specialist cashmere comb (which can be purchased on amazon, link below). Run the comb lightly over the surface without pressing too firmly.
Try not to pull or cut the pills away by hand. Doing so can disturb or damage the delicate fibres.
With gentle care, pilling usually becomes less noticeable over time.
Cashmere doesn’t need washing after every wear
One of the simplest ways to look after cashmere is actually to wash it less.
Unlike some synthetic fabrics, natural fibres don’t necessarily need to be washed every time they are worn. Often, a little fresh air is all a cashmere jumper needs.
After wearing, leave your cashmere somewhere cool and well ventilated so the fibres can breathe. If there is a small mark, spot-cleaning it is often preferable to washing the entire garment.
Washing too frequently puts unnecessary stress on delicate fibres. Less washing means less friction, less agitation and ultimately less wear.
For children’s cashmere in particular, this can make a real difference. Little ones may not always be quite as gentle with their clothes, but careful washing and airing can help a beautiful piece last through many more adventures.
When it does need a wash
When your cashmere does need cleaning, the gentler the better.
Always check our care label first, as different cashmere garments can have different requirements.
For pieces suitable for hand washing:
- Use cool to lukewarm water.
- Choose a detergent specifically designed for cashmere or wool (we love the Lab Co, linked below)
- Allow the garment to soak gently rather than scrubbing or rubbing it.
- Rinse carefully.
- Never wring or twist the cashmere.
The reason for all this gentleness is simple: heat, friction and agitation can cause natural fibres to felt, shrink or lose their shape.
We love using a specialist wool and cashmere detergent, such as The Lab Co., which is designed to clean delicate fibres without treating them as though they were ordinary laundry.
The way you dry it matters too
Washing is only half the process. How you dry your cashmere can make just as much difference.
Once washed, gently press out excess water. Don’t wring or twist the garment.
Instead, lay it flat on a clean, dry towel and gently reshape it while it is still damp. Pay particular attention to the sleeves, hem and neckline, returning them to their original shape.
Allow it to dry naturally, away from radiators and direct heat.
Cashmere can be particularly sensitive to heat, and high temperatures can cause the fibres to shrink or change shape. Drying it slowly and naturally helps preserve its softness, structure and fit.
What to avoid
There are a few things that cashmere simply doesn’t enjoy.
Avoid:
- Standard laundry detergents
- Harsh stain removers
- Fabric softener
- Excessive heat
- Wringing or twisting
- Aggressive rubbing
- Hanging wet cashmere
A little patience is much kinder to the fibres.
And if a particularly special piece needs cleaning and you’d rather leave it to the professionals, professional cleaning is always an option.
Store cashmere carefully between wears
How you store cashmere matters, particularly when it is going away for a season.
Always make sure it is completely clean and dry before storing it. Fold cashmere rather than hanging it, as hanging can stretch the shoulders and distort the shape over time.
Keep it somewhere cool, dry and protected, ideally folded in tissue paper or a breathable storage bag.
Natural cedar can also be useful when storing wool and cashmere, helping to deter moths.
And give stored pieces a little attention from time to time. Keeping an eye on your favourite cashmere means you are more likely to spot any issues before they become a problem.
Why all this care matters
Cashmere is a natural fibre, and its beauty comes from those incredibly fine fibres. They create the softness and warmth we love, but they also need to be treated with consideration.
The aim isn’t to keep cashmere looking brand new forever. A well-loved cashmere piece may pill, soften and develop its own character as it is worn.
The aim is to care for it well enough that it can keep being worn.
Because we believe children’s clothes should be more than something they wear once and grow out of. The most special pieces become part of childhood, a favourite jumper worn on chilly mornings, a blanket taken everywhere, a cardigan remembered long after they have outgrown it.
And perhaps one day, that same piece becomes something you pass on.
A little care goes a long way.
With gentle washing, careful drying and thoughtful storage, your cashmere can remain beautifully soft through all their little adventures.
Useful Links:
Cashmere and Wool Mist (for between washes)
100% cashmere · Personalised · Embroidered in Britain