Cashmere – All You Need to Know: A Complete Care Guide
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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Cashmere – All You Need to Know: A Complete Care Guide
Cashmere is one of fashion’s most coveted fabrics — luxuriously soft, effortlessly stylish, and timelessly elegant. But with that luxury comes responsibility: cashmere needs the right care to maintain its beauty and last for years.
Whether you already own a piece or are considering investing, this guide explains everything you need to know about caring for cashmere — including how to wash it, avoid bobbling, and store it properly.
🧵 What Is Cashmere?
Cashmere is a natural fibre made from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily from Mongolia, Nepal, and China. It’s up to three times more insulating than sheep wool, yet incredibly lightweight and breathable — which is why it feels so luxurious to wear.
🧼 How to Wash Cashmere
Cashmere doesn’t need frequent washing. In fact, overwashing damages the fibres. Every 3–5 wears is ideal — or when it genuinely needs refreshing.
✅ Hand Washing (Best Method)
Fill a basin with lukewarm water
Add a small amount of cashmere or wool detergent (never regular detergent)
Gently swirl your item in the water for 5–10 minutes
Rinse thoroughly in clean lukewarm water
Press (don’t wring) to remove excess water
Lay flat on a towel and roll to absorb moisture
Reshape and dry flat, away from sunlight or heat
Never hang wet cashmere — it stretches out of shape.
🚫 Machine Washing
Only use the machine if the label says so. Even then:
Use a wool/delicate cycle
Place inside a mesh laundry bag
Wash with cold water only
Use a dedicated wool detergent
🧺 Drying and Ironing
Air dry flat on a clean towel
Avoid tumble dryers, radiators, or hanging
Steam is safest to remove creases
If ironing, use a cool iron with a pressing cloth
🧽 How to Remove Pilling (Bobbling)
Pilling is completely normal and especially common on high-friction areas (under arms, elbows, sides of bags).
To remove:
Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver
Always work gently in one direction
Don’t pull bobbles with your fingers — it can tear the fabric
Over time, pilling reduces as loose fibres shed.
📦 How to Store Cashmere
Proper storage helps preserve shape and avoid moth damage.
Short-Term:
Fold, never hang (hangers distort cashmere)
Store flat in drawers or shelves
Long-Term:
Use breathable cotton bags (not plastic)
Add cedar balls or lavender sachets to deter moths
Wash before storing away for the season
⛔️ What to Avoid
Hot water or heat drying
Regular laundry detergent or bleach
Hanging wet or dry cashmere
Friction from crossbody bags or rough fabrics
Wearing cashmere several days in a row (rotate to let fibres rest)
🧥 How to Care for Different Cashmere Items
Item Care Tip
Jumpers Fold with tissue inside sleeves to keep shape
Scarves Steam to refresh and store loosely rolled
Cardigans Button before folding to reduce crease marks
Trousers Avoid sitting on rough surfaces to reduce bobble
Coats Spot clean and brush with a cashmere comb
💸 Is Expensive Cashmere Always Better?
Not necessarily. What matters is:
Grade of cashmere (Grade A is best: longer, finer fibres)
Fibre length and tension (longer fibres = less pilling)
Brand transparency (ethical sourcing, blend % clarity)
Look for:
100% cashmere or high % blend
Tightly knit weave
Minimal loose fibres on the surface
Brands that source from ethical farms (e.g. Naadam, Johnstons of Elgin, COS)
📏 Size Matters – Get It Right First Time
Cashmere doesn’t bounce back like synthetics. A too-tight jumper will stay tight, and a loose fit may lose shape.
Before you buy, use Tellar.co.uk to:
Match your body measurements to the correct size
Get recommendations from 1,500+ brands
Avoid the hassle (and waste) of returns
👉 Try Tellar for free — it’s the UK’s leading sizing tool.
🛍️ Brands That Offer Quality Cashmere
COS – Sleek, affordable minimalist styles
Uniqlo – Good entry-level cashmere for layering
M&S Autograph – Everyday luxury with care instructions included
Reiss – Polished silhouettes
Johnstons of Elgin – Premium heritage craftsmanship
Naadam – Ethical Mongolian cashmere at fair prices
✅ Final Takeaways
Cashmere is worth the investment if you care for it correctly
Hand wash, dry flat, and store folded
Use a comb to remove bobbles gently
Size matters — so use Tellar.co.uk before buying
A well-cared-for cashmere jumper can last over a decade
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