How To Care For Your Cashmere

Let’s be real: once you’ve experienced the featherlight, buttery-soft embrace of cashmere, there’s no unknowing that level of comfort. Cotton suddenly feels… pedestrian. Wool? Itchy by comparison. And acrylic? Frankly, it’s just lying to everyone.

Cashmere, on the other hand, is the textile equivalent of first-class on a long-haul flight—elegant, indulgent, and absolutely worth it. But like all VIPs, it needs a little special treatment to stay fabulous.

Before we get into it, what makes me qualified to speak on this topic? I work for an apparel brand that specializes in cashmere, which means I’ve had the insider scoop from experts, fabric geeks, and people who use the word “ply” unironically. Over the years, I’ve built a well-loved collection (read: borderline addiction), so I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to rescue your favorite sweater from certain doom.

Wait, What Is Cashmere Exactly?

Cashmere isn’t just “fancy wool.” It’s the ultra-soft undercoat from cashmere goats—real animals, not mythical creatures bred in boutique farms in the South of France (although that would be on brand).

The best cashmere has historically come from the frosty regions of Mongolia, Nepal, and Tibet, where the goats grow long, insulating fibers to survive sub-zero winters. That soft fluff gets gently combed (not sheared), spun into yarn, and turned into the luxe knitwear we all know and love.

Today, China is the biggest player in the cashmere game—don’t roll your eyes—many excellent-quality garments come from Chinese mills at a much friendlier price point than their Himalayan cousins. It’s not about the stamp on the label; it’s about fiber length and micron count (yes, this is where luxury meets science).

“Okay, So How Do I Wash This Thing Without Crying?”

Deep breath. You’ve worn your cashmere out shopping with the girls, to a dinner date, on Zoom calls, and, in a lazy moment of weakness, to walk the dog. It’s time for a clean—but the trick is knowing when and how.

Rule #1: Don’t Over-Wash

The golden rule of cashmere care? Don’t wash it every time you wear it. Cashmere doesn’t trap odors or grime like other fabrics. Unless you’ve spilled wine or gone jogging in it (please don’t), you can get 3–4 wears before it needs a bath.

In-between wears, air it out overnight, or try steaming it to freshen and fluff the fibers. A handheld steamer is a great investment; it’s like a facial for your sweaters. This is the one that I have.

The Spa Treatment: Hand-Washing Your Cashmere
If you’ve got the time, hand-washing is the gold standard. Here’s the process:

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm (not hot!) water.
2. Add a capful of detergent made for delicates. Woolite Delicates and Forever New are great.
3. Submerge the garment in the bowl of water. Gently squeeze all over to work the suds through the fibers (remember, you’re cleansing not giving CPR).
4. Let soak for about 5 minutes, then gently squeeze out the water. Do not wring it out like it’s a dishrag.
5. Rinse with fresh cool water, repeating the gentle squeeze dance. Then rinse one more time, just to make sure.
6. Roll the sweater in a dry towel like a cashmere sushi roll. Press to remove excess water. No wringing!

Machine-Washing (yes, really)

Honestly, this is my go-to. Turn the garment inside out, use a delicate detergent, and throw it in the washer on the delicate/wool cycle. Choose cold water and the shortest spin cycle (if that’s an option). My only caution would be if the garment is particularly delicate or sentimental, perhaps stick to hand washing. Better safe than sorry!

Drying & Blocking: The Low & Slow Method

No hangers. No dryers. No radiators. Find a flat, undisturbed space where your garment can lay low for 24+ hours. Spread it out on a dry towel, reshape it lovingly, and her rest—preferably away from sunlight or sources of heat. Thicker knits may take a bit longer, so no sudden panic if it’s not dry in a day. Remember, it’s cashmere, not fast fashion.

The Magic of the Cashmere Comb

Even the best cashmere will pill. It’s not a flaw—it’s a sign that its been well loved. Friction causes those tiny little balls of fuzz, especially under the arms or at the sides. Enter: the humble cashmere comb. This little wonder tool removes those fuzzy balls and brings your knit back to its polished self. Here’s the style of comb that I use.

How to use:

Lay your dry garment out on a flat surface. Hold one end firmly, and gently drag the comb across the surface of the cashmere on a 35 degree angle.

You’ll be amazed—and slightly horrified—by the fluff you collect. It’s oddly satisfying. Pull the fluff off your comb as you go.

Repeat as needed. If you’re feeling extra, an electric fabric shaver works too, but the comb is cheaper, more travel-friendly, and frankly, more therapeutic. Also, I find the comb grooms the fibers and fluffs them up a bit, giving your garment a fresher appearance.

Bonus Tips From One Cashmere Lover To Another:

• Storage: always fold, never hang. Hangers can stretch and deform the shoulders. If you are determined to hang your sweaters, here’s a video showing you how to fold your sweater on a hanger to help prevent the stretching
• Moth prevention: moths love cashmere almost as much as we do. Use lavender sachets or cedar blocks in your drawers or on your shelves to help repel moths.

The Bottom Line:

Cashmere is an indulgence, yes. But it’s also a worthy investment—timeless, elegant, and built to last… if you treat it right. With just a little TLC, your cashmere can stay gorgeous for years to come.

Think of it like skincare, but for your closet. A little attention goes a long way—and your future self will thank you when you pull out your favorite sweater next fall and it still looks (and feels) like a dream.

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