How do I look after my cashmere?
12/11/2024Cashmere: A Wardrobe Essential and How to Care for It to Ensure Lasting Quality
Cashmere is one of the most sought-after and luxurious materials in fashion. Soft, warm, and elegant, it endures through the seasons with timeless grace. However, this natural fiber, sourced from the wool of cashmere goats, requires special care to maintain its softness and beauty. In this article, discover everything you need to know about cashmere—from its unique qualities to the best ways to care for it so it can remain a cherished part of your wardrobe for years to come.
Cashmere is one of the rarest and most precious natural fibers in the world. Cashmere goats, native to cold mountainous regions like Mongolia and Nepal, produce a fine, light undercoat that protects them from extreme temperatures. This down, carefully harvested each year, is spun into exceptionally fine yarn, renowned for its unparalleled softness and enveloping warmth.
Unlike ordinary wool, cashmere is up to eight times more insulating and significantly softer to the touch. Its light and luxurious texture makes it a preferred fabric for sweaters, scarves, cardigans, and many other garments, providing unmatched comfort.
Cashmere is a delicate fabric, but with a few precautions, you can extend its lifespan and maintain its soft texture. Here are our care tips:
Gentle Washing: Opt for Hand Washing
Hand washing is generally recommended for cashmere garments. Use lukewarm water (about 20°C) and a gentle wool or cashmere-specific detergent.
Gently immerse your garment and avoid rubbing or twisting it. After a few minutes, rinse it thoroughly with clear water.
Use a Machine with Caution
If you prefer using a machine, choose the "wool" or "delicate" cycle with cold water and a low spin. Place your garment in a mesh laundry bag to protect it.
Avoid fabric softener as it can damage the cashmere fibers and reduce their softness.
Flat Drying: The Key to Maintaining Its Shape
Never put cashmere in the dryer! After washing, gently press out excess water without wringing it, then lay your garment flat on a clean towel to dry.
Change the towel if it becomes too damp, and avoid direct exposure to sunlight or heat sources, as they may damage the fibers.
Avoid Frequent Wearing
To preserve the elasticity of the fibers, try not to wear your cashmere multiple days in a row. Allow it to rest between wears, which helps the cashmere regain its shape and prevents deformation.
Regular Pilling Removal
Even high-quality cashmere pills less than synthetic fibers, it may still form some fuzz, especially in areas of friction. Use a cashmere comb or a soft brush to gently remove the pills without damaging the fibers.