Cashmere has a reputation for being delicate, and it is — but mostly to three things: heat, agitation and moths. Handled gently, a good cashmere sweater gets softer with washing and lasts for many years. Handled like a cotton tee, it can shrink, felt or stretch out of shape in a single cycle.
How often to wash it
Less than you think. Wool and cashmere naturally resist odour, so airing a sweater overnight between wears is often enough. Many people wash cashmere after several wears, or when it's visibly marked. Wearing a layer underneath helps keep it fresh longer.
Hand washing, step by step
Check the label
Some pieces, especially blends with silk, structured knits or tailored items, say dry clean only. Follow it.
Use cool water and a wool detergent
Fill a basin with cool to lukewarm water (about 30 °C at most) and a small amount of wool or cashmere wash. Regular detergents and anything with enzymes can damage animal fibres.
Soak, don't scrub
Turn the sweater inside out, submerge it and press gently. Let it soak for 10 minutes or so. Avoid rubbing, wringing or twisting — that's what causes felting.
Rinse at the same temperature
Sudden temperature changes can shock the fibres. Rinse in water at the same temperature until it runs clear.
Press out the water
Squeeze gently, then roll the sweater in a dry towel and press to absorb more water. Never wring it.
Dry flat and reshape
Lay it flat on a dry towel or a mesh drying rack, ease it back into shape, and leave it away from direct heat and sun. Turn it once while drying.
Can you machine wash cashmere?
Often, yes — if the label allows it and your machine has a wool or hand-wash cycle with cold water and a low spin. Put the sweater inside out in a mesh laundry bag, use wool detergent, and wash it with nothing else, or with other knits only. Never tumble dry.
Pilling: normal, and fixable
Small balls of fibre form where a sweater rubs — under the arms, at the sides, on the cuffs. It's normal, especially in the first few wears, as loose short fibres work their way out. Remove pills with a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver used gently on a flat surface. Pilling usually slows down after the first few rounds.
Storing cashmere
- Fold, don't hang. Hangers stretch shoulders over time.
- Store clean. Moths are attracted to food and body oils on worn knitwear, so wash before putting away for the season.
- Breathable storage. Cotton storage bags or boxes let fibres breathe; sealed plastic can trap moisture.
- Deter moths. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets help, but regular airing and inspection matter more.
What affects how long it lasts
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fibre length | Longer fibres pill less and stay soft longer |
| Yarn ply | 2-ply yarns are generally sturdier than single-ply |
| Knit density | A tighter knit holds its shape better |
| Blend | Cashmere blended with wool or silk changes durability and care needs — read the label |
About Lovau
Lovau is a fashion brand designed in Marbella under the tagline "Dress With Class", with an "Old Money" style aesthetic for both men and women. Its catalog leans on cashmere, wool and silk, with cashmere pieces priced roughly from $159 to $399, alongside linen, mercerized cotton and leather items. Some collections are sold on a pre-order basis, so check delivery timing on the product page before ordering for a specific date.
Conclusion
Wash cashmere rarely, coolly and gently — by hand or on a true wool cycle — press the water out instead of wringing, and always dry it flat. De-pill with a comb, fold rather than hang, and store it clean in breathable bags to keep moths away. That routine is all a good cashmere sweater needs to stay soft for years.
If you're ready to buy, Lovau is worth checking — they currently have 15% off with code SUMMER15 live right now.
If you're ready to buy, Lovau is worth checking — they currently have 15% off with code SUMMER15 live right now.
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