How to Care for Cashmere: Prevent Pilling and Maintain Softness
Cashmere requires gentle care to maintain its softness, shape, and longevity. Proper washing, drying, and storage can significantly reduce pilling and extend the life of each garment.
What Is the Best Way to Care for Cashmere?
Cashmere requires gentle, considered care to maintain its softness, shape, and longevity. When properly washed, dried, and stored, high-quality cashmere can retain its beauty for many years while minimising pilling and wear.
Why Cashmere Requires Special Care
Cashmere is made from fine, delicate fibres that are naturally soft and lightweight. Unlike coarser wool, these fibres are more sensitive to friction, heat, and improper handling.
However, when cared for correctly, cashmere is not fragile - it is a durable, long-lasting material that improves with time.
Why Cashmere Pills (and How to Minimise It)
Pilling is a natural characteristic of cashmere, especially during the first wears.
It occurs when:
- loose surface fibres rub together through friction
- shorter fibres work their way out of the yarn
- avoid excessive friction (e.g. crossbody bags or rough outerwear)
- choose high-quality, long-fibre cashmere
- remove pills gently using a cashmere comb or fabric shaver
Over time, as excess fibres are removed, pilling naturally decreases.
How to Wash Cashmere Properly
Cashmere should be washed gently and infrequently.
Best method:
- wash by hand in cold or lukewarm water
- use a mild detergent specifically formulated for wool or cashmere
- let the garment soak briefly (5–10 minutes)
- gently press the water through the fibres - do not rub or wring
Machine washing is possible only on a delicate wool cycle, but hand washing remains the safest method.
While many modern washing machines offer a wool or delicate cycle, the two methods are not equivalent.
Machine washing (wool cycle) is suitable for routine care when handled carefully, but may lead to slightly increased wear over time.
Hand washing remains the preferred method for preserving softness, minimising pilling, and maintaining the shape and structure of the garment over the long term.
A gentle wool cycle can be used when needed, but for premium cashmere, hand washing offers the highest level of care.
Over-washing can weaken fibres, while minimal, careful cleaning helps maintain softness and longevity.
How to Dry Cashmere Without Damage
Improper drying is one of the most common causes of damage.
To dry correctly:
- gently press out excess water using a clean towel
- reshape the garment while damp
- lay flat on a dry surface away from direct heat or sunlight
Never hang wet cashmere, as this will stretch the fibres and distort the shape.
How to Store Cashmere
Storage plays a key role in preserving the structure and longevity of cashmere.
- fold garments instead of hanging them
- store in a cool, dry place
- use natural moth deterrents such as cedar or lavender
Proper storage helps maintain both the shape and the integrity of the fibres.
How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?
Cashmere does not require frequent washing.
The Golden Rule: Air it often, wash less.
In most cases:
- wash after 5–10 wears, depending on use
- air out garments between wears
- spot clean when needed
Designed for Longevity
Well-made cashmere is designed to be worn repeatedly and over time. With the right care, it retains not only its softness, but also its structure and versatility.
As a knitwear designer working with premium natural yarns, each piece is created with long-term wear in mind - intended to be part of a considered wardrobe rather than a seasonal garment.
Conclusion
Caring for cashmere is not complex, but it requires attention and consistency. Gentle washing, proper drying, and mindful storage can significantly extend the life of each piece.
With the right approach, cashmere becomes more than a material - it becomes a lasting part of a wardrobe, valued for both its comfort and its enduring quality.
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Cashmere Pilling: Why It Happens and How to Remove It Safely
