Cashmere improves with careful washing. The fibres bloom and soften in water, which is why hand-washed cashmere feels better than dry-cleaned cashmere.
How to wash cashmere
| Garment | Wash | Dry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashmere | cool, 20°C (68°F) maximum, or hand wash | flat, rolled in a towel first to remove water | cashmere or baby shampoo, a very small amount |
Use a hand wash or delicate wool cycle and cashmere or baby shampoo, a very small amount. Pilling in the first few wears is normal and not a defect — it is loose short fibres working out. De-pill gently and it stops.
Drying and ironing
Dry flat, rolled in a towel first to remove water. For ironing: do not iron; steam at a distance.
Never wring cashmere. Press the water out, roll it in a towel, then dry flat. Wringing breaks the fibres and the garment never recovers its shape.
How long it should last
Ten years or more for good-quality two-ply, if de-pilled and stored properly.
Quick reference
Cashmere at a glance
- Wash: cool, 20°C (68°F) maximum, or hand wash
- Cycle: hand wash or delicate wool cycle
- Detergent: cashmere or baby shampoo, a very small amount
- Dry: flat, rolled in a towel first to remove water
- Iron: do not iron; steam at a distance