There are a lot of questions around how best to look after your cashmere. So much so, some of you avoid it completely in fear of ruining it, so we thought we'd compile somethings not to do when taking care of your cashmere.
Here are the biggest cashmere care mistakes to avoid – and how to do it right instead.
1. Washing Too Often
Unlike cotton or synthetic fibres, cashmere doesn’t need frequent washing. Over-washing can strip the fibres of their natural oils, making them feel rough while weakening them.
Do this instead: Air out your cashmere between wears and only wash when it really needs it. If you spill something on your cashmere, simply do a spot clean straight away with lukewarm water or you can use a baby wipe - they are magic!
2. Using Hot Water
Hot water may feel like the best way to “deep clean" but it’s the fastest route to shrinking your favourite jumper. Cashmere fibres are delicate and will tighten and felt when exposed to heat.
Do this instead: Always use cool or lukewarm water. Keep your washes gentle – your cashmere really will thank you!
3. Hanging to Dry
One of the most common mistakes people make is hanging wet cashmere to dry. The weight of the water pulls on the fibres, causing your knitwear to stretch out of shape.
Do this instead: Lay your cashmere flat on a towel and reshape it while damp. Let it dry naturally, on a flat surface away from direct sunlight or heat.
4. Storing Cashmere Without Protection
Cashmere is a natural fibre, which means moths love it. Leaving your knitwear folded on an open shelf or tucked away for the warmer seasons without protection is asking for trouble.
Do this instead: Store your cashmere in breathable cotton bags or sealed containers with natural moth repellents such as cedar balls or lavender sachets.
5. Ignoring Pilling
Pilling is natural and doesn’t mean your cashmere is poor quality. However, ignoring it can make your garment look worn-out faster than it should.
Do this instead: Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to gently remove pills. Regular de-pilling keeps your knitwear looking fresh and new.
6. Not repairing holes
If a hole appears in your cashmere, make sure you get it fixed before re-wearing it. By wearing a cashmere jumper with a hole in it, you'll stretch it and increase the size of the hole - which no one wants!
Do this instead: Darn your cashmere yourself at home using our mending yarns, or send your cashmere off to be repaired. Small moth holes and nicks are easily repaired and our Cashmere Repair Service is quick and easy to use so you can get your cashmere back in no time.
Cashmere really is an investment – whether secondhand, vintage, or recycled. By avoiding these simple mistakes, you’ll keep your knitwear luxuriously soft and stylish for many winters to come. Remember: caring for your clothes is caring for the planet. The longer your cashmere lasts, the less waste we create.
At Second Cashmere, we believe in affordable luxury with a lighter footprint. With the right care, your secondhand cashmere can stay part of your wardrobe for decades – proof that sustainable fashion is and will always be in style.