How to Care for Cashmere: The Complete Guide to Making It Last Decades

You've invested in quality cashmere. Maybe it's a luxurious sweater, a beautiful cardigan, or an elegant coat. You love how it feels, how it looks, how special it makes you feel when you wear it.

Now comes the crucial question: how do you care for it properly so it lasts years, or even decades instead of falling apart after one season?

Cashmere has a reputation for being delicate and high-maintenance. The truth is more nuanced: cashmere is durable when cared for correctly, but unforgiving when mistreated. A few simple mistakes can ruin even the most expensive piece.

This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about cashmere care, from washing and drying to storage and repair. Follow these practices and your cashmere will remain soft, beautiful, and wearable for 10, 20, even 30+ years.

 

Understanding Cashmere: Why It Needs Special Care

Before diving into care instructions, understanding cashmere's unique properties helps explain why certain care methods work and others damage it.

What Makes Cashmere Different

Cashmere fiber comes from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats. Unlike sheep's wool, cashmere fibers are:

Finer: Cashmere measures 14-19 microns in diameter versus wool's 25-45 microns. This fineness creates incredible softness but also makes fibers more delicate.

Smoother: Cashmere has fewer scales along the fiber shaft, giving it that silky feel but also meaning it doesn't felt as easily as wool (both advantage and disadvantage).

More elastic: Quality cashmere stretches and returns to shape beautifully when treated well, but loses this property when damaged.

Temperature-regulating: Cashmere's structure traps air for insulation while wicking moisture, making it comfortable across seasons.

Protein-based: Like wool and silk, cashmere is a protein fiber. Harsh chemicals, heat, and agitation break down these proteins, permanently damaging the fabric.

What Damages Cashmere

Understanding your enemies helps you avoid them:

Heat: Breaks down protein structure, causes shrinking and felting
Agitation: Causes fibers to tangle and felt together
Harsh chemicals: Degrade protein fibers
Moths: Eat protein fibers (cashmere is their favorite)
Improper storage: Stretching, creasing, or compressing damages shape
Overwashing: Strips natural oils and weakens fibers
Hanging: Gravity stretches out shape over time

Every cashmere care practice aims to minimize these threats while keeping the garment clean and fresh.

 

How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?

This is the first and most important rule: wash cashmere as infrequently as possible.

The Washing Schedule

After every wear: Never. This is too frequent and will wear out your cashmere quickly.

After 2-3 wears: Only if visibly soiled, stained, or you've sweated significantly in it.

After 5-7 wears: The standard for most people under normal conditions.

After 10+ wears: Possible if the garment hasn't been worn against bare skin (e.g., a cardigan worn over other clothes).

Before storage: Always wash before putting away for the season, even if it seems clean. Body oils and invisible stains attract moths.

Why Washing Less Is Better

Every wash cycle causes some fiber degradation:

• Friction loosens fibers, leading to pilling
• Water swells fibers, weakening their structure
• Movement causes fibers to migrate and tangle
• Repeated wet-dry cycles gradually damage proteins

Washing when truly necessary preserves your cashmere's integrity far longer than washing after each wear.

Between-Wash Refreshing

To extend time between washes:

Air it out: After wearing, lay your cashmere flat or hang briefly (not long-term) in a well-ventilated area. Fresh air removes odors without washing.

Spot clean: Address small stains immediately with a damp cloth rather than washing the entire garment.

Steam it: A handheld steamer refreshes cashmere and removes wrinkles without full washing. The moisture helps reshape the garment.

Freeze it: For odor removal without washing, place your cashmere in a sealed bag in the freezer overnight. This kills odor-causing bacteria.

 

Hand Washing Cashmere: The Best Method

Hand washing is the gold standard for cashmere care. It gives you complete control, minimizing agitation and ensuring proper treatment.

What You'll Need

• Clean sink or basin
• Cool or lukewarm water (never hot)
• pH-neutral detergent or specialized cashmere wash
• Clean towels
• Flat drying space

Step-by-Step Hand Washing Process

Step 1: Prepare the Water

Fill your sink or basin with cool to lukewarm water (max 30°C / 86°F). Hot water causes shrinking and felting.

Add a small amount of detergent:

• 1-2 teaspoons of cashmere wash, or
• 1 teaspoon of pH-neutral detergent (baby shampoo works in a pinch)

Mix until dissolved. Less is more, excess soap is hard to rinse out.

Step 2: Submerge the Garment

Turn your cashmere inside out (protects the outer surface from friction).

Gently submerge it in the water, pressing down lightly to ensure it's fully saturated. Don't wring, twist, or agitate.

Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This loosens dirt and oils without aggressive action.

Step 3: Gentle Cleaning Motion

Very gently move the garment through the water with a soft squeezing motion, like you're kneading dough extremely gently.

Focus on areas that contact skin directly: collar, cuffs, underarms. Gently squeeze these areas to release oils and dirt.

Never:

• Rub fabric against itself
• Twist or wring
• Scrub vigorously
• Pull or stretch

Total active washing time: 2-3 minutes maximum.

Step 4: Drain and Press

Drain the soapy water.

Gently press the garment against the basin sides to remove excess water. Don't wring or twist, just press.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Refill the basin with cool, clean water.

Gently move the garment through the rinse water to remove all detergent. Residual soap attracts dirt and makes cashmere feel stiff.

Drain and press out water again.

Repeat the rinse process. Most cashmere needs 2-3 rinses to remove all soap.

You'll know rinsing is complete when the water runs clear with no suds.

Step 6: Remove Excess Water

Lay a clean, dry towel flat.

Place your cashmere on the towel and roll it up like a burrito, pressing gently as you roll. This absorbs significant moisture without wringing.

Unroll and transfer to a fresh dry towel if the first one is very wet.

Your cashmere should be damp but not dripping at this point.

Common Hand Washing Mistakes

Using hot water: Causes immediate shrinking and damage
Too much soap: Hard to rinse out, leaves residue
Vigorous rubbing: Causes felting and pilling
Insufficient rinsing: Soap residue attracts dirt
Wringing out water: Stretches and distorts shape
Hanging while wet: Weight of water stretches garment

 

Machine Washing Cashmere: When and How

Many people successfully machine wash cashmere, but it's riskier than hand washing. If you choose this method, take extreme precautions.

When Machine Washing Is Acceptable

Machine washing works best for:

• Sturdy cashmere pieces (not delicate lace or very fine knits)
• Two-ply or heavier cashmere (single-ply is too delicate)
• Garments you wear very frequently and need practical care
• When you absolutely don't have time for hand washing

How to Machine Wash Safely

Step 1: Prepare the Garment

Turn inside out and place in a mesh laundry bag. This protects from excessive agitation.

Step 2: Machine Settings

• Cycle: Delicate, hand wash, or wool cycle only
• Water temp: Cold (30°C / 86°F maximum)
• Spin speed: Lowest possible or no spin
• Detergent: Small amount of pH-neutral or wool-specific detergent

Step 3: Never

• Use regular wash cycles
• Use warm or hot water
• Add fabric softener (coats fibers)
• Wash with heavy items (jeans, towels)
• Overfill the machine
• Use regular high-spin speeds

Step 4: Remove Immediately

Take cashmere out as soon as the cycle ends. Don't let it sit in the machine, this can set wrinkles and cause odors.

Machine Washing Risk Assessment

Even with precautions, machine washing carries risks:

• Higher pilling likelihood
• Shape distortion potential
• Faster fiber degradation over time
• Risk of felting if machine overheats or agitates too much

Verdict: Hand washing is always safer. Save machine washing for when absolutely necessary.

 

Drying Cashmere: The Most Critical Step

How you dry cashmere matters more than how you wash it. Improper drying ruins garments permanently.

The Only Safe Method: Flat Drying

Step 1: Reshape Immediately

While your cashmere is still damp, gently reshape it to its original dimensions. Smooth out wrinkles, align seams, check that sleeves are symmetrical.

Cashmere is most pliable when damp, this is your opportunity to restore proper shape.

Step 2: Lay Flat on Dry Surface

Place a clean, dry towel on a flat surface away from direct heat and sunlight.

Lay your cashmere flat on the towel in its natural shape:

• Sleeves extended naturally (not folded)
• Body smooth and unwrinkled
• Neckline shaped properly

Step 3: Flip Halfway Through

After several hours, flip the garment over and replace the damp towel with a fresh dry one. This ensures even drying and prevents moisture being trapped underneath.

Step 4: Allow Full Drying Time

Complete drying takes 24-48 hours depending on:

• Thickness of the cashmere
• Room humidity
• Air circulation

Never rush this process. Wearing slightly damp cashmere can cause it to stretch out of shape.

Drying Location Matters

Good locations:

• Spare bedroom with good airflow
• Guest bed or unused table
• Drying rack with a towel on top (if rack is flat and stable)
• Clean floor space with towel underneath

Bad locations:

• Near radiators or heaters (heat damages fibers)
• Direct sunlight (fades colors and weakens fibers)
• Humid bathrooms (prolongs drying, risks mildew)
• Draped over chairs or racks (creates permanent creases)

What Never to Do When Drying

Never hang wet cashmere: The weight of water will stretch it out permanently, especially in the shoulders and sleeves.

Never use a dryer: Even on low heat, dryers cause shrinking, felting, and damage. One dryer cycle can ruin cashmere permanently.

Never dry near direct heat: Radiators, heating vents, hair dryers, all cause shrinking and damage.

Never rush the process: Impatience leads to mistakes. Let it dry fully, naturally.

 

Removing Stains from Cashmere

Stains happen. Treat them quickly and carefully.

General Stain Treatment Principles

Act immediately: Fresh stains are easier to remove than set stains.

Blot, don't rub: Rubbing pushes stains deeper and damages fibers. Gently blot with a clean cloth.

Work from outside in: Prevents spreading the stain.

Test first: Try any stain treatment on an inconspicuous area first.

When in doubt, dry clean: Some stains (ink, red wine, oil) need professional treatment.

Common Stain Solutions

Water-based stains (coffee, tea, juice):

1. Blot immediately with clean, damp cloth
2. Mix tiny amount of pH-neutral detergent in cool water
3. Dip clean cloth in solution and gently dab stain
4. Blot with clean water to rinse
5. Press with dry towel to remove moisture
6. Air dry flat

Oil-based stains (makeup, food grease):

1. Blot excess with paper towel (don't rub)
2. Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on stain to absorb oil
3. Let sit 30 minutes to several hours
4. Gently brush off powder
5. If stain remains, hand wash the entire garment
6. For stubborn stains, take to professional dry cleaner

Protein stains (sweat, blood):

1. Rinse immediately in cold water (never hot, this sets protein stains)
2. Soak in cool water with enzyme-based detergent for 30 minutes
3. Gently hand wash following standard process
4. If stain persists, try white vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water)

Ink:

• Don't attempt home treatment
• Take to professional dry cleaner immediately
• The longer ink sits, the harder it is to remove

Stains to Never Treat at Home

Some stains require professional expertise:

• Red wine (very difficult to remove without proper chemicals)
• Ink or permanent marker
• Paint or dye
• Large or complex combination stains

Attempting DIY removal on these can make stains permanent. Professional dry cleaners have specialized treatments that work.

 

Dealing with Pilling

Pilling (those annoying little balls of fiber on the fabric surface) is cashmere's most common complaint. Here's how to handle it properly.

Why Cashmere Pills

All cashmere pills to some degree. Pilling occurs when:

• Short fibers work loose during wear
• Friction (from bags, seatbelts, friction against other fabrics) tangles loose fibers
• The garment is new and initial loose fibers are still working out

Important: Quality cashmere pills primarily during the first 5-10 wears, then stabilizes. Cheap cashmere pills continuously forever.

Normal vs. Excessive Pilling

Normal pilling:

• Concentrated in high-friction areas (underarms, where bags rest, inner elbows)
• Happens mainly during first several wears
• Significantly decreases after initial period
• Easy to remove

Excessive pilling (indicates poor quality):

• All over the garment, not just friction zones
• Continues heavily after 15+ wears
• Returns immediately after removal
• Never stabilizes

If you're experiencing excessive pilling, the cashmere quality is likely poor, not your care routine.

How to Remove Pills Correctly

Use the right tool: A cashmere comb (fine-tooth comb designed for delicate fabrics) or electric fabric shaver designed for delicates.

Never use: Scissors, razors, tape, or harsh fabric shavers. These damage the underlying fabric.

Proper technique with cashmere comb:

1. Lay garment flat on table
2. Hold fabric taut with one hand
3. Gently comb in one direction with light pressure
4. Don't press hard or scrape aggressively
5. Work section by section
6. Comb away from yourself (easier control)

Proper technique with fabric shaver:

1. Lay garment flat
2. Hold fabric taut
3. Use shaver on lowest setting
4. Move in gentle circular motions
5. Don't press hard against fabric
6. Empty shaver frequently so it works efficiently

Frequency: Remove pills as they appear. Regular light de-pilling is better than infrequent aggressive sessions.

Preventing Pilling

While you can't eliminate pilling entirely, you can minimize it:

• Reduce friction (avoid wearing backpacks directly on cashmere)
• Wash less frequently (friction during washing causes pilling)
• Turn inside out when washing
• Don't wear the same piece consecutive days (let fibers rest)
• Store properly to avoid fabric rubbing against itself
• Buy quality cashmere with longer fibers (36mm+)

 

Storing Cashmere: Daily and Seasonal

Proper storage prevents damage, maintains shape, and protects from moths.

Daily Storage (In-Season)

The golden rule: Always fold, never hang.

Hanging cashmere (even for short periods) causes:

• Shoulder bumps where the hanger sits
• Stretching in the shoulders and sleeves
• Distorted shape over time
• Gravity pulling the garment out of proportion

How to fold cashmere properly:

Method 1: Basic fold

1. Lay flat face-down
2. Fold one sleeve across the back
3. Fold the other sleeve across
4. Fold in half vertically
5. Fold in half horizontally
6. Store on shelf

Method 2: KonMari vertical fold

1. Lay flat face-down
2. Fold vertically into thirds (bring sides to center)
3. Fold sleeves down along the fold lines
4. Fold in half or thirds horizontally depending on drawer depth
5. Store standing vertically in drawer

Storage locations:

• Shelves in closet
• Dresser drawers
• Dedicated sweater storage
• Under-bed storage boxes (with moth deterrent)

What to avoid:

• Hanging (causes stretching)
• Cramming too tightly (creates permanent creases)
• Storing in plastic (cashmere needs to breathe)
• Leaving in direct sunlight (fades colors)

Seasonal Storage (Off-Season)

When storing cashmere for months, extra protection is essential.

Step 1: Clean Before Storage

This is critical. Moths are attracted to:

• Body oils
• Food residue
• Perfume and lotions
• Any organic matter

Even if your cashmere looks clean, wash or dry clean it before storage. One microscopic food stain can attract moths that destroy an entire collection.

Step 2: Choose Proper Storage Container

Good options:

• Breathable cotton storage bags
• Cedar chests
• Cardboard boxes (clean, dry)
• Canvas storage boxes

Bad options:

• Plastic bins (trap moisture, prevent breathing)
• Vacuum-sealed bags (compress fibers, create permanent creases)
• Damp basements or humid attics (mildew risk)

Step 3: Add moth deterrent

Moths are cashmere's worst enemy. Protect your investment with:

Cedar: Cedar blocks, balls, or sachets naturally repel moths. Replace annually as scent fades.

Lavender: Dried lavender sachets repel moths and smell pleasant. Refresh annually.

Herbal sachets: Combinations of rosemary, thyme, cloves, and lavender work well.

What not to use: Mothballs (toxic chemicals, terrible smell that permeates cashmere).

Step 4: Store in Cool, Dark, Dry Location

Ideal conditions:

• Temperature: Cool (below 24°C / 75°F)
• Humidity: Low (moths thrive in humidity)
• Light: Dark (prevents fading)
• Air circulation: Some airflow prevents musty odors

Good locations: Main closets, under beds, clean basements (if dry), climate-controlled storage

Bad locations: Hot attics, damp basements, garages, direct sunlight areas

Step 5: Check Periodically

Every 2-3 months during storage season:

• Open containers to air out briefly
• Check for moth activity (tiny holes, larvae, webbing)
• Replace moth deterrents if scent has faded
• Refold to prevent permanent creases from forming

 

Fighting Moths: Prevention and Treatment

Moths cause more cashmere damage than all other factors combined. Take them seriously.

Signs of Moth Damage

Early warning signs:

• Tiny holes appearing in cashmere
• Small white larvae in storage areas
• Webbing in corners of drawers or closets
• Adult moths flying around closet (the damage is already done)

Important: The adult moths you see don't eat clothes, their larvae do. One female moth can lay 50+ eggs, which hatch into larvae that feast on your cashmere.

Moth Prevention Strategy

Clean everything: Moths need food (body oils, food residue). Clean clothes don't attract them.

Use natural deterrents: Cedar and lavender repel moths but don't kill larvae. They're prevention, not treatment.

Regular inspection: Check stored cashmere monthly during storage season.

Freeze new items: When buying new cashmere, place in sealed bag and freeze for 48 hours to kill any potential larvae before introducing to your closet.

Vacuum storage areas: Regular vacuuming removes moth eggs and larvae from closet floors and shelves.

Maintain low humidity: Moths thrive in humidity. Use dehumidifiers if needed.

If You Discover Moths

Immediate action:

1. Remove all cashmere: Take everything out of affected area
2. Inspect each item: Look for holes, larvae, webbing
3. Freeze everything: Place all cashmere in sealed bags, freeze for 72 hours (kills larvae and eggs)
4. Wash all items: Even pieces that look undamaged
5. Vacuum thoroughly: Every corner of closet, drawers, shelves
6. Wipe down storage areas: Use vinegar solution or mild cleaner
7. Replace storage containers: Old ones may have eggs
8. Add fresh moth deterrents: New cedar, new lavender
9. Monitor closely: Check weekly for several months

Damaged items:

• Small holes can sometimes be repaired professionally
• Extensive damage usually means the piece is unsalvageable
• Don't store damaged items with undamaged ones (might have remaining eggs)

 

Repairing Cashmere: When and How

Quality cashmere is worth repairing. Small damage doesn't mean discarding the piece.

Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Small snags:

• Use a crochet hook or needle to pull the snag to the inside
• Gently work the fabric around the snag to even out tension
• Never cut snags (creates holes)

Loose threads:

• Trim close to fabric with sharp scissors
• Don't pull (unravels further)

Minor pilling:

• Use cashmere comb as described earlier
• Regular maintenance prevents buildup

Repairs for Professionals

Holes:

• Small moth holes can be invisibly rewoven
• Professional reweaving costs €20-50 per hole
• Specialized services can make holes completely disappear

Significant unraveling:

• Needs professional reknitting
• Complex but possible for valuable pieces

Resizing:

• Cashmere can sometimes be taken in or let out
• Skilled tailors who work with knits can do this

Where to find repairs:

• Dry cleaners specializing in alterations
• Specialized textile repair services
• Knitting shops sometimes offer repair services
• Search "invisible reweaving" or "moth hole repair"

Cost-benefit: If you paid €500+ for quality cashmere, spending €30-50 on professional repair makes sense.

 

Dry Cleaning Cashmere: Pros and Cons

Dry cleaning is an option, but not always the best one.

When Dry Cleaning Makes Sense

Good reasons to dry clean:

• Difficult stains (ink, red wine, oil)
• Heavy coats or structured pieces that are hard to wash at home
• Garments with embellishments or complex construction
• When you absolutely don't have time to hand wash
• Before seasonal storage (professional cleaning removes all oils)

When hand washing is better:

• Regular maintenance cleaning
• Lightweight sweaters, cardigans, scarves
• When garment isn't visibly soiled
• To save money and maintain control

Choosing the Right Dry Cleaner

Not all dry cleaners handle cashmere well. Look for:

Green flags:

• Specializes in delicate fabrics
• Asks questions about the garment
• Inspects items carefully before cleaning
• Uses gentle, cashmere-appropriate processes
• Has good reviews specifically for delicates
• Charges premium prices (skill costs money)

Red flags:

• Uses harsh chemicals
• Treats all items the same way
• Doesn't inspect for damage before cleaning
• Suspiciously cheap prices
• Poor reviews mentioning damaged delicates

Questions to ask:

• "Do you specialize in cashmere and delicate fabrics?"
• "What cleaning process do you use for cashmere?"
• "Do you hand-finish cashmere or machine press it?"

Frequency: Even if you dry clean, limit to 1-2 times per season maximum. Chemicals still stress fibers.

 

Cashmere Care by Garment Type

Different cashmere items need slightly different care.

Cashmere Sweaters and Cardigans

Washing frequency: Every 5-7 wears
Method: Hand wash preferred, gentle machine wash acceptable
Drying: Always flat
Storage: Folded on shelf or in drawer
Special notes: De-pill underarms and cuffs regularly

Cashmere Coats

Washing frequency: 1-2 times per season maximum
Method: Professional dry cleaning recommended (home washing is difficult due to size and structure)
Drying: If hand-washed, requires multiple towels and 48+ hours
Storage: Needs larger storage area; hang briefly to air out, then fold for long-term
Special notes: Check pockets before cleaning, spot-clean when possible

Cashmere Scarves

Washing frequency: Every 10-15 wears (worn over other clothes)
Method: Hand wash is easy due to size
Drying: Flat on towel, dries quickly
Storage: Fold gently or roll loosely
Special notes: Fringe requires extra gentle care

Cashmere Dresses

Washing frequency: After every 2-3 wears (in contact with skin)
Method: Hand wash, be extremely gentle with any bias-cut pieces
Drying: Flat, reshape carefully while damp
Storage: Fold carefully or roll to prevent creases
Special notes: Pay attention to underarm areas and any areas that contact skin directly

Cashmere Accessories (hats, gloves)

Washing frequency: Several times per season
Method: Hand wash, very gentle
Drying: Stuff gloves with tissue to maintain shape; reshape hats while damp
Storage: Fold or lay flat (don't compress)
Special notes: Accessories show wear quickly; maintain regularly

 

Creating Your Cashmere Care Routine

Consistent care is easier than emergency interventions. Build these habits:

After Every Wear

• Air out for 30 minutes before storing
• Check for stains and treat immediately
• Fold properly (never hang)
• Use garment brush to remove surface dust and lint

Weekly (During Active Wear)

• Inspect for pilling and remove as needed
• Check for loose threads or snags
• Verify moth deterrents are still fragrant

After 5-7 Wears

• Hand wash following proper technique
• Allow full drying time
• Reshape carefully before storing

Monthly

• Rotate pieces to even out wear
• Check stored items for moth activity
• Refresh moth deterrents if needed

Seasonally

• Deep clean all cashmere before storage
• Inspect each piece thoroughly
• Clean storage areas
• Add fresh moth protection
• Update care supply inventory

Annually

• Assess condition of each piece
• Repair any damage professionally
• Replace worn items
• Donate pieces you no longer wear (don't let them languish)

 

Cashmere Care Supplies: What to Keep on Hand

Stock these items for proper cashmere care:

Essential:

• pH-neutral detergent or cashmere wash
• Clean white towels (for drying)
• Cashmere comb
• Cedar blocks or lavender sachets
• Mesh laundry bags (if machine washing)

Helpful:

• Fabric shaver (electric, gentle setting)
• Handheld steamer
• White vinegar (for stubborn odors)
• Soft brush for lint removal
• Storage boxes or cotton bags

Nice to have:

• Sweater stone (natural pumice for pilling)
• Wool balls (for dryer, though you shouldn't use dryer)
• Garment spray for refreshing between washes

Total investment: €40-80 for complete care kit that lasts years

 

Common Cashmere Care Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Learn from others' errors:

Mistake 1: Hanging Cashmere

Problem: Creates shoulder bumps, stretches garment
Solution: Always fold, use shelves or drawers

Mistake 2: Washing Too Frequently

Problem: Accelerates fiber degradation
Solution: Wash only when truly needed (every 5-7 wears)

Mistake 3: Using Regular Detergent

Problem: Too harsh, strips natural oils
Solution: Use pH-neutral or cashmere-specific detergent

Mistake 4: Machine Drying

Problem: Causes immediate shrinking and damage
Solution: Always air dry flat

Mistake 5: Ignoring Small Damage

Problem: Small holes become large holes; minor pilling becomes matting
Solution: Address issues immediately

Mistake 6: Storing Dirty Cashmere

Problem: Attracts moths, sets stains
Solution: Always clean before storage

Mistake 7: Using Fabric Softener

Problem: Coats fibers, reduces softness
Solution: Never use fabric softener on cashmere

Mistake 8: Aggressive Pilling Removal

Problem: Damages underlying fabric
Solution: Use proper tools with gentle pressure

Mistake 9: Storing in Plastic

Problem: Traps moisture, prevents breathing
Solution: Use breathable cotton bags or boxes

Mistake 10: Giving Up on Damaged Pieces

Problem: Discarding repairable cashmere
Solution: Investigate professional repair options

 

The Long View: Cashmere as a Lifetime Investment

When properly cared for, quality cashmere lasts 20-30+ years. Some vintage cashmere is 50+ years old and still beautiful.

This longevity transforms the economics:

€500 cashmere sweater worn 100 times over 15 years = €5 per wear

€100 cheap sweater worn 30 times over 2 years = €3.33 per wear, but replaced 7 times = €700 total

The properly cared-for quality piece costs less and provides better experience.

Your cashmere care routine is an investment in:

• Financial value (making your purchase last)
• Environmental responsibility (fewer replacements = less consumption)
• Personal satisfaction (wearing beautiful pieces that stay beautiful)
• Wardrobe coherence (pieces you keep become wardrobe foundations)

The time spent caring for cashmere (maybe 90 minutes per season per piece) pays dividends in years of continued wear.

 

Final Thoughts: Care Creates Value

Cashmere isn't inherently high-maintenance. It simply requires different care than cotton t-shirts or synthetic fleeces.

Once you establish a routine, cashmere care becomes second nature:

• Hand wash every 5-7 wears (20 minutes)
• Dry flat overnight (no active time)
• Fold for storage (30 seconds)
• De-pill occasionally (5 minutes)
• Clean before seasonal storage (once yearly)

That's it. These simple practices preserve your investment for decades.

The cashmere pieces you care for properly will be with you through life changes, seasons, years. They'll become trusted wardrobe foundations you reach for again and again.

That's worth learning to care for properly.