
Five easy ways to look after cashmere
We source the finest, highest-grade sustainable cashmere and work with expert makers who craft it into the most wonderful long-lasting pieces.
So, will my cashmere last?
Cashmere is amongst the most long-lasting wool fibres available. Connoisseurs claim that garments can easily last up to 30 years – just as long as you show them some care. By following the simple advice below, you can take comfort and pleasure in your Loop cashmere for years to come.
1. Looking after cashmere - comb away any pills
Knitted products made from natural fibres can ‘pill’. Pilling is when the fibres form little fuzzy balls in areas where rubbing occurs - for example, under the arms or along the inside of the thighs. Pilling is most likely to happen when cashmere is brand new. Some people use a razor blade or lint tape to remove loose fibres, but we recommend our Loop cashmere comb to remove any unwanted debris from the surface of your cashmere.
2. Washing cashmere - gently does it
Be sure to use a mild specialist washing detergent or cashmere shampoo to ensure a successful clean. Regular washing detergent is too harsh for cashmere and will damage the fibre. Similarly do not use any fabric conditioner. The conditioner will leave a film on the cashmere that will effect the softness and handle of the garment.
So, to the washing. Firstly, fill a bowl with lukewarm water (35 degrees) and add the detergent. Before putting the item in to wash, turn it inside-out. Soak for a few minutes then rinse in cold water.
3. Don’t wash your cashmere between every single wear
Unless you have a disaster with dinner or a cup of coffee, you should be able to get five wears out of any cashmere item before needing to wash it. Instead, after wearing, hang it in sunlight for a short period, spot-wash any little stains or spills with a baby wipe and spritz a cashmere mist over the garment to keep it smelling and feeling fresh.
4. Drying Cashmere - roll & reshape
After rinsing in cold water, squeeze out your cashmere to remove the excess water, but do so gently, with minimal pressure. Place your cashmere onto a dry towel and roll it in the towel to remove the water, pressing gently with your palms.
Unravel the towel and gently reshape your cashmere, laying it on a flat surface to dry. Do not put near direct heat - it needs to be either laid out on a flat surface, for example laid on a dry towel over the top of a clothes airer, or placed on a flat surface in an airing cupboard.
5. Store your cashmere correctly
The main thing is to store your cashmere folded, not hung. It’s a small point, but it will help to keep them looking and feeling their best. Hanging cashmere will affect its shape over time.
An additional tip here would be to store the folded garments in acid-free tissue paper or a moth-proof cloth bag. Alternatively, you can use cedar balls in your drawers to keep the pesky moths at bay.
Remember - look after your cashmere and it will look after you for many years to come.