Despite common beliefs, cashmere is a noble material that is rather easy to care for. It is a natural, soft and delicate fibre that reveals itself with each wash in unmatched fineness and suppleness.

But for this, it is important to adopt the right care practices and stick to them. Here are some instructions that should help you keep quality cashmere for many years.

Washing cashmere

1. Cashmere loves water

You have just bought a new cashmere sweater and you are already eager to wear it to enjoy its gentle warmth. Yet, taken out of its packaging, the sweater does not seem as soft as it should. This is normal!

First of all, it is important to wash your garment for the first time to remove any impurities and nourish the fibre which loves water.

It should then regain suppleness and softness, and this will only improve with each wash. Keep in mind that cashmere loves water: washing will only make it more beautiful. It will need regular care to relax the fibre and prevent pilling.

2. Machine washing cashmere

While some cashmere pieces can only withstand dry cleaning (veils, scarves, double-faced fabrics…), our soft fibre likes to soak up water to show its splendour. Machine washing is therefore perfectly suitable.

If in doubt, refer to the care label inside the garment. It will provide valuable advice on washing, drying and ironing to preserve your piece.

Generally, machine washing is recommended because it better respects the cashmere fibres. However, be careful not to fill the machine too much, as this encourages rubbing and damages the material.

It is advised to use gentle or delicate programmes such as a special wool cycle, at a low temperature (20°C, or even 30°C if the garment is stained). Cashmere exposed to water that is too hot risks shrinking or deforming.

To optimise machine washing of cashmere, it is best to use a washing bag to enclose the garment and protect it from rubbing and snags.

Use a special wool (or cashmere) detergent sparingly in the machine. Cashmere is a dense product that will absorb the detergent and require more rinsing to remove it. Otherwise, your garment may deform under the weight of the detergent action.

Finally, never use fabric softener or conditioner on cashmere knitwear. It could felt the knit and spoil its softness.

3. Hand washing cashmere

If your machine does not have a specific programme, you can opt for hand washing. However, be sure to follow the right practices.

First, do not soak the garment for more than 30 minutes. As with machine washing, use cold water (around 20°C) and a special wool detergent or cashmere shampoo.

Quickly dip the garment, gently rub it for a few minutes and rinse with clear water. Never run the knit directly under the tap: the water pressure would stretch and damage the fibre.

Similarly, avoid stretching or twisting the garment to prevent irreversible deformation.

Finally, if necessary, dry cleaning can be considered for heavy soiling, although it is generally not recommended for everyday care.

Drying cashmere

While spinning cashmere in the machine is possible, using a tumble dryer is strongly discouraged. However, aim for a gentle spin (recommended spin speed between 400 and 500 revolutions max) to avoid felting the garment.

Also avoid drying the knit on a hanger: the weight of the wet fabric would pull on the fibre and stretch it.

Prefer flat drying, in the open air, on a towel or cotton cloth, away from light and heat.

Before storing, make sure your sweater is completely dry. Damp cashmere attracts moths, which love this material.

Ironing cashmere

As mentioned, caring for cashmere is not so difficult and even allows for ironing the material. Several rules apply when ironing cashmere:

  • Use a low heat setting on your iron.
  • Iron on the reverse side of the garment.
  • Place a clean cloth between the iron and the knit.
  • Avoid ironing the ribbing on the collar, body and sleeves to prevent “burning” them.

Using steam or ideally a steamer is highly recommended.

Discover: find our selection of cashmeres.

Daily care of cashmere

After purchase, your cashmere sweater may pill superficially in areas of friction. Don’t worry, this is normal! It is even a good sign of quality.

Indeed, these first pills show a dense knitting and should disappear after about ten washes.

If you want to remove them, do not pull on them. Instead, use a special cashmere razor and run it in the direction of the fibre, without pressing, and only occasionally. There are also cashmere combs that can help you care for your knits.

In any case, it is better to avoid wearing your cashmere pieces more than 3 days in a row and avoid layering clothes. Rubbing damages the knit and speeds up pilling.

In the wardrobe, do not hang cashmere. Prefer folding it and storing it in a protective cover, away from light and moths.