How to Look After Your Cashmere This Winter

Cashmere season is well and truly here, and with it the question of how to keep a favourite jumper looking its best. A few bobbles needn’t mean it’s past its prime, and it probably doesn’t need washing as often as you think, but a little care pays off when it comes to drying, folding and fending off moths. And it’s a subject Lisa Yang knows all too well.

Having co-founded her namesake label with Samuel Stenberg in 2014, she’s built her Stockholm-based brand on cashmere, combining the craft traditions of Inner Mongolia with the simplicity of Scandi design. Its collections are all about texture and fibres in different weights, textures, and knitting techniques. So who better to share her guide to caring for cashmere, from dealing with pilling to knowing when to put down the detergent and simply give it an airing?

The Ultimate Care Guide: How To Look After Cashmere

Washing Your Cashmere

Don’t just bung it in the washing machine; cashmere is a delicate fabric that is prone to shrinking, stretching and going out of shape in the wash. ‘Cashmere is very delicate and requires gentle care,’ agrees Lisa. ‘I would recommend handwashing in cool water, at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees, using a mild cashmere detergent. Alternatively, you can machine wash it on a wool setting, using a laundry bag.’

But above all, you should always check the individual garment’s care instructions. ‘Different cashmere finishes require specific care; some should only be dry cleaned, like brushed or bouclé textures. Always check the care label before washing. But generally, I prefer to wash at home, as dry cleaners use harsh chemicals which can gradually degrade the fibres.’

You also don’t need to wash cashmere as much as you might think. ‘To keep cashmere looking good for years, I would recommend only washing cashmere every five to 10 wears. Between washes, airing the garment is often sufficient to freshen it, but I also use Clothes Doctor’s Cedarwood & Vanilla Knitwear Mist for an added boost.’

Lisa Yang

Drying & Keeping Its Shape

Drying is just as important as washing, as drying cashmere at an odd angle can warp its shape. ‘To dry cashmere properly after washing, lay the knit flat on a towel, then roll it loosely, pressing it lightly to remove any excess water,’ recommends Lisa. ‘Afterwards, let it air dry flat. Do not hang cashmere, as it will stretch; it’s best to keep it folded.’

Dealing With Pilling

Bobbling and pilling are commonplace for any knitted garment, but how should we deal with it correctly? ‘Pilling is normal over time, due to the friction of everyday wear,’ says Lisa. ‘However, the amount of pilling will be determined by the quality of fibre used for the piece. High-quality cashmere is characterised by longer fibres which don’t pill as easily. To remove pilling, lay the garment flat and brush it gently using a cashmere comb.’

Lisa Yang

Storing & Protecting It From Moths

Don’t just scrunch up your cashmere or leave it hanging in the back of your wardrobe; it’s best to keep cashmere folded between wears. ‘I use cedarwood balls in my closet, as they are a natural moth repellent,’ adds Lisa. ‘For longer periods of storage, I keep my cashmere folded in a breathable bag.’

Repairing & Reviving Old Favourites

‘Cashmere is an investment piece, and if you care for it properly, you should be able to wear it for years to come,’ emphasises Lisa. ‘If you get a small hole in your cashmere piece, you should always try and repair it.

‘But some damage is harder to repair, such as shrinkage, which occurs when water, heat and movement come together. The water softens the fibre, heat opens the scales and movement causes them to bind. Treat cashmere as gently as possible, wash it at low temperatures with no spinning, using mild detergents.’

She adds that it’s worth having a cashmere care kit to keep pieces looking fresh, such as ‘Lakeland’s handy Rechargeable Lint Remover or the Russell Hobbs Revive Fabric Shaver for tackling bobbles.’