If you have a cashmere garment and want to make it last as long as possible, these tips can help. The right care can see your favourite cashmere jumper lasting upwards of 20 years. We have several tips to help all cashmere lovers prolong the life of their favourite garments.
Shave off the fuzz
Cashmere often develops a fuzz or bobble on the exterior of the fabric. To keep the fabric looking better for longer, you can use a clean shaver or a fabric shaver to remove the fuzz and bobbles. Whatever shaving device you use, ensure you’re careful and only shave the fabric's surface. Going too deep can lead to holes in your cashmere jumper, which you want to avoid. Some fabric shavers have a guard that can help prevent holes in the garment; these are slightly safer than other options.
Stop washing after every wear
Washing your clothing after every wear leads to premature issues with your garments. Try to reduce the number of times you wash your clothes. If you think items need a refresh, you can use a product that’s designed to make garments fresher. However, don’t avoid washing clothes altogether; just minimise how often you wash your cashmere garments.
Wash in cold water
Any form of heat will cause your cashmere to shrink, which will leave you with clothing that no longer fits. To minimise issues when washing your clothes, you should always wash them in cold water and never on high heat.
Use a gentle detergent
Your choice of detergent is important when washing any item of cashmere. A strong detergent will break down the fibres and negatively affect the garment. Choose a gentle detergent to keep your cashmere items in top condition. Baby shampoo is a good alternative to traditional detergent and is gentle enough to use on delicate fabrics such as cashmere.
Hand wash
Cashmere garments might be ok in the washing machine on occasion, but you shouldn’t make a habit of this method of washing. The best option is to wash cashmere items by hand to prolong their life. It might be more time-consuming, but it will ensure your favourite cashmere tunic lasts much longer than one that’s washed in the washing machine. If you use the washing machine, make sure to select a gentle cycle.
Skip fabric softener
Cashmere is already very soft, so there is no need to add additional products into the wash to make the fabric even softer. Fabric softeners can lead to damage to cashmere garments; therefore, avoiding these is the best idea when you’re washing your cashmere. If you really want to add fabric softener to your wash, you should look for a homemade option that will be gentler on the cashmere fibres. However, there really is no need; most cashmere items are soft enough and don’t need any fabric softener.
Choose the right occasion
Cashmere garments always look great, but there are some occasions when you should choose something else to wear. For example, if you’re attending a festival, your clothes might get covered in grass and dirt, and it can be hard to get these stains out of a cashmere jumper; an alternative, less expensive clothing option would be a better choice. Another occasion when cashmere should be avoided is if you’re likely to get wet. Rain won’t ruin your cashmere garments, but it's vital you dry them flat to help them maintain their shape. When you’re going out, and there is potential for rain, make sure you wear a waterproof jacket to protect your jumper from the rain. If you’re going on a wet ride at the theme park, take off your jumper and leave it in a safe place before you ride.
Well looked after quality cashmere clothing holds its value well and can be a good investment. When you look after cashmere items properly, you can prolong their life and keep wearing them for much longer. Many people even pass on well-looked items to children and other family members as gifts. If your cashmere garments aren’t to the taste of others in your family, you can choose to sell them to make some extra money.