Cashmere Care Guide: How to Care for Cashmere So It Lasts for Years
Cashmere has a reputation for being delicate, temperamental, and high-maintenance.
In reality, it’s very much misunderstood.
When cared for properly, cashmere is one of the most resilient, long-lasting fibres in a wardrobe. Softer with age, richer in character, and deeply personal to the wearer. The problem isn’t cashmere itself. It’s how we’ve been taught to treat it.
This cashmere care series exists to change that, so your after value from your cashmere will go on for years and years.
Why Proper Cashmere Care Matters
Cashmere isn’t just another knit. It’s a natural animal fiber, closer to hair than fabric, which means it responds to friction, water, heat, and gravity in very specific ways.
Fast fashion has trained us to treat all sweaters the same: hang them, toss them in the wash, fold them tightly into drawers. With cashmere, those habits quietly shorten its lifespan.
Proper cashmere care isn’t about being precious, it’s about being intentional. Cashmere isn’t cheap, it’s an investment and an excellent investment if you commit to its proper care.
Should You Hang or Fold Cashmere Sweaters?
One of the most common cashmere care mistakes is hanging sweaters.
Even lightweight cashmere knits will stretch under their own weight over time. Shoulder points weaken, necklines distort, and sleeves lengthen unevenly. Folding cashmere, gently and loosely, allows the fibre to rest rather than pull against itself.
Think of folding as preservation, not storage.
How to Wash Cashmere Without Ruining It
Another widespread myth: cashmere should only be dry-cleaned.
In reality, frequent dry cleaning can strip the natural oils from cashmere fibers.
Hand washing cashmere (or using a delicate wool cycle with a cashmere-safe detergent) helps the fabric reset, soften, and recover its shape.
Water, when used correctly, refreshes cashmere.
Neglect wears it down.
Remember, you don’t need to wash cashmere after every wear. To prolong time between washes wear a tee shirt or vest underneath your cashmere so there is a layer between your cashmere and your skin.
Why Cashmere Pills and How to Fix It
Pilling is one of the most misunderstood aspects of cashmere care.
It isn’t a sign of poor quality. In fact, high-quality cashmere often pills more at first because the fibers are longer and finer. Friction causes loose fibres to surface, especially in high-movement areas.
Regular, gentle depilling keeps cashmere sweaters looking refined rather than tired. Theres two ways you can do this. Use a fabric shaver or a cashmere comb.
Fabric Shaver
Fabric Shaver
cashmere comb
How to Store Cashmere the Right Way
Cashmere storage is where longevity is decided.
Cashmere should always be stored clean, folded, and protected from pressure and pests. Breathable storage solutions, natural moth deterrents, and space to rest between wears make all the difference.
A properly stored cashmere sweater doesn’t just survive the off-season it returns better.
Before storing away you cashmere for the summer you must clean it.
Cashmere Care Is a Long-Term Relationship
The best cashmere pieces don’t stay brand new forever and they shouldn’t.
They soften, relax, and mold to your body over time. Caring for cashmere isn’t about rigid rules; it’s about respect for the material, the craftsmanship, and yourself.
This cashmere care series is designed to slow the conversation down, replace vague advice with thoughtful guidance, and help you build a wardrobe that lasts.
Because luxury isn’t about owning more.
It’s about caring better.
