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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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