To care for cashmere, hand wash it in cool water with a gentle wool wash, soak for about 10 minutes, then press out the water without wringing. Roll it in a towel, dry it flat away from heat, and store it folded and clean with cedar. Comb away pills as they appear.
That is the short version. Below is the full routine, plus how to handle pilling, moths and storage so a soft sweater stays soft for many winters. We also cover a couple of other delicate knits, because not everything in your drawer is cashmere.
How do you hand wash cashmere step by step?
Always check the care label first. If it says dry clean only, follow it. Most cashmere, though, is happiest with a gentle hand wash at home.
- Turn it inside out. This protects the outside surface from friction.
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water. Aim for cool to barely lukewarm, around 85°F (30°C) or below. Hot water can shrink and felt the fibers.
- Add a small amount of wool or cashmere wash. About a teaspoon is enough for one sweater. A mild, gentle hair shampoo works in a pinch.
- Submerge and soak for about 10 minutes. Swish it gently once or twice. Do not scrub, twist or rub.
- Rinse in fresh cool water. Keep the temperature the same, since sudden changes stress the fibers. Rinse until no suds remain.
- Press out the water. Gather the sweater into a ball and press it against the side of the basin. Never wring it.
- Roll it in a towel. Lay it flat on a dry bath towel, roll the towel up like a jelly roll and press to soak up the extra water.
How do you dry cashmere without stretching it?
Unroll the towel and lay the sweater flat on a fresh dry towel or a mesh drying rack. Gently pat it back into shape, lining up the shoulders, sleeves and ribbed hem.
Keep it away from radiators, dryers and direct sun, which can shrink or fade the knit. Flip it once after a few hours so both sides dry evenly. Most sweaters are dry in 12 to 24 hours.
Skip the iron. For creases, hold a steamer a few inches away.
The Marlowe Cashmere Sweater in Ivory is 100% cashmere with an allover cable design, a high mockneck and ribbed trims. Drying it flat keeps those cables crisp. This listing is size XS.
Why does cashmere pill, and how do you fix it?
Pilling is the little fuzz balls that form where fabric rubs: under the arms, at the cuffs and where a bag strap sits. Cashmere fibers are fine and soft, so some loose fibers work their way to the surface, especially in the first few weeks of wear.
It is normal, and it is fixable. Lay the sweater flat and glide a cashmere comb or sweater stone over the pilled area in one direction. A battery fabric shaver also works on a light setting.
To reduce pilling, rest a sweater for a day between wears, avoid rough bag straps and wash it inside out. Pilling usually slows down once the loosest fibers are gone.
Should you fold or hang cashmere?
Fold it. Knits are heavy for their structure, and a hanger pulls the shoulders into little peaks and stretches the body longer over time.
Fold the sleeves in across the back, then fold the body in half or thirds. If you need a sweater on a hanger for a day, drape it over the bar folded in half rather than hanging it by the shoulders.
Cardigans follow the same rule. The Cameron Cashmere Cardigan in Dark Umber is 100% cashmere with a V-neck, bracelet-length sleeves and mother-of-pearl buttons, so button it before washing and fold it for storage (this listing is size XXS). For outfit ideas, see how to style a cardigan with a dress.
How do you store cashmere and protect it from moths?
Moths and their larvae are drawn to natural fibers that carry body oils, perfume or food traces. The most useful rule is simple: never put cashmere away dirty.
- Wash before storing. Clean the whole knit drawer before you pack it away for summer.
- Use breathable storage. Cotton garment bags or lidded boxes work well. Sealed plastic can trap moisture.
- Add cedar or lavender. Cedar blocks and lavender sachets help deter moths. Sand cedar lightly each season to refresh the scent.
- Check every few months. Shake out stored knits and look for small holes or webbing, especially along seams.
- Freeze if you spot trouble. Sealing an affected knit in a bag in the freezer for about 72 hours is a common home method to deal with larvae.
What are the do's and don'ts of cashmere care?
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Hand wash in cool water, about 85°F (30°C) or below | Use hot water or a hot dryer |
| Use a gentle wool or cashmere wash | Use bleach or regular heavy-duty detergent |
| Press water out and roll in a towel | Wring, twist or scrub |
| Dry flat and reshape | Hang it wet or dry it in direct sun |
| Fold for storage | Hang it long term on a hanger |
| Wash after about 3 to 5 wears | Wash after every single wear |
| Store clean with cedar or lavender | Store it after wearing without washing |
How do you care for other delicate knits like wool blends and pointelle?
Not every soft sweater is cashmere, so read the label and adjust.
Alpaca and wool blends
Animal-fiber blends behave a lot like cashmere: hand wash cool, press, roll in a towel and dry flat. The Lindon Sweater in Cerise is cable-knit from an alpaca-wool blend with a crew neck, so it gets the same routine. This listing is size XXS.
Cotton pointelle
Pointelle is a knit with small decorative eyelets, and in cotton it is sturdier than cashmere, though the holes can snag. Wash it inside out in cold water, by hand or in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle if the label allows, then dry flat. The Lois Tank in Salt Quelle Jolie Pointelle is a cotton pointelle tank with a scalloped scoop neck, in size XXS.
Where can you find soft knits to care for?
Browse our outerwear and knits collection for cardigans, sweaters and vests. Each listing is one color in one size, and the size is listed on every product page.
The Alberta Cashmere Vest in Cottage is 100% cashmere with allover cables, a plunging V-neckline and faux horn buttons, in size XS. Standard U.S. shipping is free on orders of $100 or more. Shipping and return details are on our FAQ page.
FAQ
How often should you wash a cashmere sweater?
Wash a cashmere sweater after about every 3 to 5 wears, or sooner if it has a spill or holds odor. Airing it out flat between wears keeps it fresh in the meantime.
Can you put cashmere in the washing machine?
Hand washing in cool water is the safest choice for cashmere. If the care label allows machine washing, use a mesh bag, a cold wool or delicate cycle and a low spin, then dry it flat.
Why is my new cashmere sweater pilling?
Pilling happens when short fibers rub loose in high-friction spots like the underarms and cuffs, and it is most noticeable in the first few weeks. Remove the pills gently with a cashmere comb or fabric shaver and it usually settles down.
Should you hang or fold cashmere?
Fold cashmere. Hangers stretch the shoulders and pull the knit longer over time, while folding keeps the shape intact.
How do you keep moths away from cashmere?
Store cashmere only after washing it, since moths are drawn to body oils and food traces. Keep it in a breathable cotton bag or lidded box with cedar blocks or lavender sachets, and check it every few months.