How to Care for Cashmere So It Lasts Decades, Not Seasons

Why Most People Ruin Their Cashmere in the First Wash

The single biggest mistake? Treating a £400 Loro Piana crewneck like a merino base layer. Cashmere fibres are finer than wool—typically 14 to 19 microns—which makes them luxuriously soft but also more vulnerable to agitation, heat, and friction. Follow these cashmere care instructions properly, and that jumper you bought in 2024 will still look considered in 2034.

Washing: When, How, and What to Avoid

Wash less than you think. Cashmere doesn't need laundering after every wear. Air garments on a flat surface or padded hanger between uses, ideally near an open window. Spot-treat stains with a damp cloth and a drop of baby shampoo. Most knits only require a full wash every five to seven wears, unless you've spilled something or perspired heavily.

When it's time to wash, hand-washing remains the gold standard. Fill a basin with cool water—never hot—and add a capful of specialist cashmere detergent. Brands like The Laundress or Kookaï Cashmere Wash are formulated without enzymes that can degrade fine fibres. Submerge the garment, gently press the water through (no wringing), and let it soak for up to 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly in cool water until no suds remain.

If you must use a machine, turn the garment inside out, place it in a mesh laundry bag, and select the delicate or wool cycle with a cold-water setting. Skip the spin cycle entirely—excess centrifugal force stretches fibres and distorts shape.

Drying is where damage happens. Never tumble-dry or hang a wet cashmere piece. Instead, lay the garment flat on a clean towel, gently roll the towel to absorb moisture, then transfer to a dry towel on a flat surface away from direct sunlight or radiators. Reshape while damp, paying attention to sleeve length and hem width. Expect 12 to 24 hours for full drying, depending on weight and humidity.

Storage: Folding, Moths, and Seasonal Rotation

Cashmere should always be folded, never hung. The weight of the garment on a hanger—even a padded one—will stretch the shoulders and distort the silhouette over time. Fold along natural lines and store in a drawer or on a shelf with adequate airflow.

Moth prevention is non-negotiable. The same keratin protein that makes cashmere soft also makes it irresistible to Tineola bisselliella. Before seasonal storage, ensure garments are clean—moths are attracted to body oils and food residue. Store in breathable cotton bags (never plastic, which traps moisture) with natural repellents:

• Cedar blocks or rings (refresh annually with sandpaper)
• Dried lavender sachets
• Wool-specific moth papers, replaced every six months

If you're storing a Brunello Cucinelli cardigan or an Extreme Cashmere oversized style for the summer, consider a dedicated storage box with airtight seals. Check every six weeks for signs of activity—small holes or fine webbing.

Pilling: Why It Happens and How to Manage It

Pilling isn't a defect. It's physics. Short fibres work their way to the surface through friction—against a bag strap, a seatbelt, or even another garment—and tangle into small balls. Higher-quality cashmere actually pills less because longer fibres (35mm and above) are more securely spun, but no cashmere is immune.

The fix is simple: use a cashmere comb or a battery-powered fabric shaver after the first few wears, working gently in one direction. Cheap razors and aggressive pulling will damage the knit structure. After the initial pilling subsides—usually within the first month of wear—maintenance becomes minimal.

Some cashmere care instructions recommend freezing garments to reduce pilling. The theory: cold contracts fibres and slows shedding. In practice, results are inconsistent. Better to invest in a quality comb and embrace the ritual.

A Note on Repairs

Small holes and loose threads are repairable. Many brands—including Johnstons of Elgin and Allude—offer in-house repair services. Independent knit specialists can also reweave damaged areas invisibly. A £60 repair on a £500 jumper is always preferable to replacement, both financially and environmentally.

Treat your cashmere with the same care you'd give a leather handbag or a silk blouse, and it will reward you with decades of wear. The knits that look best aren't always the newest ones.