Institute of Cosiness: how to care for cashmere

How to look after cashmere properly

Life


Institute of Cosiness: how to care for cashmere

By Hannah Keegan

7 years ago

Throughout December, Stylist is inviting you to revel in the simple joy of cosiness. From finding the perfect scarf (and effectively swathing yourself in it), to planning a weekend getaway at a rustic country pub, our content over the next month will endeavor to give you that warm, snuggly feeling inside. Here, learn how to look after cashmere properly. Welcome, dear friends, to the Institute of Cosiness.

With cashmere, all is well and good until it comes to washing it. We asked John Lewis & Partners’ head of womenswear buying, Jo Bennett, how to avoid disaster

Step 1

Wait to wash

“To extend the life of cashmere, you should only wash it when it’s dirty, so get a few wears out of it before considering sticking it in the machine.”

Step 2

Skip the softener

“Always use non-biological detergents specially formulated for wools and silks, and steer clear of fabric conditioner or your cashmere will thin over time and develop holes.”

Step 3

Scrunch to dry

“Reshape your cashmere while damp but avoid twisting or wringing it; instead carefully squeeze out excess water by scrunching into a ball. Then dry your garment flat to avoid it spreading out of shape.”

Step 4

Store with care

“If you’re stowing away pieces in summer, store them in a cool dry place in breathable sealed bags.”

Image: Unsplash

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