Cashmere Care Guide – How to Wash & Store Cashmere

It is normal for new cashmere to show some surface fluff or light pilling during the first few wears. Shorter fibres naturally rise to the surface, especially in high-friction zones such as underarms, side seams, and where a bag strap or seatbelt rubs.

What you can expect from a new cashmere sweater

• Light fuzz or halo on the surface after the first days of wear.
• Small, soft pills forming where the garment rubs against itself or other fabrics.
• A softer, more relaxed handle after the first wash and rest cycle.

How to manage the first pilling phase

• Wear the garment two or three times before the first wash.
• Use a cashmere comb or high-quality fabric shaver with a very light hand.
• Always work in one direction on a flat surface and avoid pulling pills with your fingers.
• Remove only the loose fibres at the surface — do not overwork the yarn.

Once the initial loose fibres are removed, good-quality cashmere settles and pills less over time. With a correct wash and rest rhythm, the knit surface becomes smoother and more refined season after season.

Hand washing is the safest method for cashmere care. It gives you full control over water temperature, detergent and handling, which is essential for protecting a luxury knit structure.

Preparing the wash

• Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water — never hot.
• Add a small amount of wool or cashmere-specific detergent; avoid standard laundry liquids, softeners or bleach.
• Turn the garment inside out to protect the outer surface.
• Remove jewellery or watches that might catch on the knit.

Washing step-by-step

• Submerge the garment gently and press water through the knit with flat hands.
• Avoid rubbing, twisting or wringing — this can cause felting or stretching.
• Focus on areas that receive more contact with the skin, such as cuffs, underarms and neckline.
• Let the garment soak for 10–15 minutes.
• Rinse in cool water until it runs clear, pressing water out gently between rinses.

The aim is to clean the fibre without shocking it. Gentle handling maintains the stitch definition, hand-feel and drape of each Kanchan Cashmere piece.

Can I machine wash cashmere?

If your machine has a proven, delicate wool programme with a very low spin and cool water, some pieces may tolerate it. However, hand washing remains the safest standard, especially for heavier gauges or special stitches.

Drying is the stage where fit and measurements are either preserved or distorted. A little extra care here makes a visible difference to how your sweater or scarf looks on the body.

Removing excess water

• Never wring or twist cashmere to remove water.
• Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, roll it gently and press to absorb moisture.
• Unroll, replace with a dry towel if needed, and repeat once more for heavier knits.

Reshaping and drying flat

• Lay the garment flat on a dry towel or mesh drying rack.
• Refine the shoulder line, body width and sleeve length with your hands.
• Check that ribs sit straight and the side seams are parallel.
• Dry away from radiators, direct sunlight or heated floors.

Allow the garment to dry completely before folding or storing. This protects the neckline, prevents stretching, and maintains the intended silhouette from one season to the next.

Even the best cashmere will show light pilling in high-friction areas over its life. The goal is not to eliminate pilling entirely, but to manage it carefully so the surface remains smooth and refined.

Simple pilling routine

• De-pill on a flat surface only when you can see visible pills.
• Use a fine cashmere comb or high-quality fabric shaver with a gentle, slow motion.
• Work in one direction and avoid over-working the same area again and again.
• Focus on underarms, side seams and cuffs — areas with natural friction.

How to reduce future pilling

• Avoid carrying heavy shoulder bags directly over delicate knits.
• Layer smooth fabrics under the sweater to reduce friction from shirts or denim.
• Rotate pieces so the same garment is not worn every day.

With the right approach, pilling becomes a quick, occasional maintenance step, and your cashmere retains a clean, luxury appearance after many wears.

Correct storage protects cashmere from stretching, creasing and moth damage. A few simple habits provide long-term protection for your favourite pieces.

Everyday storage

• Always fold cashmere; do not hang it on hangers, even padded ones.
• Use shelves or drawers with enough space to avoid heavy compression.
• Keep the area clean and dust-free to discourage moths.

End-of-season routine

• Wash and fully dry all pieces before long-term storage.
• De-pill lightly so the surface is smooth and clean.
• Store in breathable cotton or linen bags instead of plastic.
• Add natural moth repellents such as cedar, lavender or specially designed cards.

Regular cleaning and sealed, breathable bags are the most effective defence. Moths are attracted to human scent and food traces, not to clean cashmere alone.

Cashmere is an ideal travel companion: light, warm and versatile. Packed carefully, it will arrive ready to wear with minimal creasing.

How to pack cashmere for travel

• Fold the garment neatly and place it in a soft pouch or dedicated section of your suitcase.
• Avoid placing hard shoes, belts or accessories directly on top of the knit.
• For long journeys, keep one piece in your hand luggage to use as a layer on flights.

On arrival

• Unpack cashmere soon after reaching your destination.
• Lay pieces flat on a bed or clean surface for a few hours to release creases.
• A light steam (without pressing down) can be used if needed, always testing first.

Most travel creases disappear naturally with body warmth once you start wearing the garment.

For boutiques and luxury retailers, the way cashmere is presented and handled in-store has a direct impact on its lifespan and on the customer’s perception of quality.

Display recommendations

• Prefer folded table displays and low stacks rather than tight hanging rails.
• If hanging is necessary, use broad, soft hangers and support the shoulders carefully.
• Avoid direct spotlights that create heat on a single garment.

Backroom and storage best practices

• Store backstock folded, with sufficient space for air to circulate.
• Keep the stockroom clean, vacuumed and free from food and drink.
• Use cedar blocks or other natural moth deterrents in storage zones.

Kanchan Cashmere can provide care-card text and hangtag wording tailored to your brand so your customers receive clear, consistent care instructions at the point of sale.

True sustainability in cashmere starts with responsible sourcing and continues with how long each garment is worn and loved. Extending the life of a sweater by several seasons has a meaningful environmental impact.

Why care is part of sustainability

• Washing less often reduces water and energy use.
• Repairing small snags or holes keeps garments in circulation for years.
• Thoughtful storage reduces the need to replace moth-damaged knitwear.

When to consider repair

• Small holes near seams or ribs can often be invisibly repaired by a skilled mender.
• Loose seams at cuffs or neckline can be re-stitched before they grow.
• Heavy pilling or surface wear may be improved by professional de-pilling and re-blocking.

For larger programmes, Kanchan Cashmere can advise on simple repair guidelines and care cards to support a longer product life in your customer’s wardrobe.

Most Kanchan Cashmere pieces can be hand washed at home with excellent results. However, some situations justify professional help.

When to seek a specialist

• Stubborn stains that do not respond to gentle hand washing.
• Heavily soiled garments after travel, events or long-term wear.
• Pieces with complex intarsia, embroidery or mixed-fibre trims.

Always choose a cleaner who understands knitwear and cashmere, and avoid aggressive dry-clean cycles. Over time, repeated strong solvent cleaning can strip the fibre of its natural softness.