How to care for cashmere: washing, pilling and storage
Hand wash cashmere in cool water with a gentle wool or cashmere shampoo, press the water out without wringing, dry it flat in shape away from heat, and store it folded and clean. Light pilling is normal and comes off with a cashmere comb.
Washing
- Turn knitwear inside out. Use cool to lukewarm water, about 30 °C at most.
- Add a small amount of wool or cashmere shampoo; avoid biological detergents and bleach.
- Soak for a few minutes and squeeze gently. Do not rub or wring.
- Rinse in water at the same temperature.
- Roll the piece in a towel to press out water.
- Dry flat, reshaped, out of direct sun and away from radiators. Never tumble dry.
Woven scarves and stoles need washing far less often than knitwear; airing them is usually enough. Prints, silk blends and delicate fringes are safest dry cleaned. Always follow the care label.
Pilling
Pilling is short fibres working loose and tangling on the surface, usually where a garment rubs — underarms, cuffs, under a bag strap. It is normal on cashmere and heaviest in the first weeks of wear. Remove pills with a cashmere comb or fabric shaver, laid flat, with light strokes. Heavy pilling after very little wear can point to short fibres or a loose knit; see our quality guide.
Storage and moths
Store cashmere clean, because moths go for body oils and food traces. Fold knitwear rather than hanging it. Use breathable cotton bags or boxes, add cedar or lavender, and air pieces now and then during long storage.
For brands: the care label
Your care label is part of your product. We sew in care labels to your wording as part of private label production. Most cashmere labels say hand wash cold or dry clean, do not tumble dry, dry flat and cool iron, but the right wording depends on the construction and your market’s labelling rules. Agree it when you approve your sample.
Buyer questions
Can I machine wash cashmere?
Only on a wool or hand-wash cycle, cold, in a mesh bag, and only if the care label allows it. Hand washing is safer.
Why is my new cashmere pilling?
Loose surface fibres come away in the first weeks of wear. Comb them off; pilling usually reduces after the first few cleans.
How often should I wash cashmere?
Knitwear every few wears; scarves and stoles much less often. Airing between wears is usually enough.
Does cashmere shrink?
It can felt and shrink in hot water or with rough handling. Keep water cool and handle gently.
Questions about a product?
Standard minimum: 50 pieces per style and colour. Production takes 45–60 working days after sample approval. Sampling is charged at 2× unit cost and deducted from the bulk order under the agreed terms.