Cashmere 101
From washing to wearing, here's everything you need to know.
Cashmere 101
Cashmere? It's just that girl. Cosy, luxurious, versatile, and the perfect layer with just about any outfit. Thinking of investing this season but not sure where to start? Consider this your cashmere cheat sheet, from washing to wearing, everything you need to know before you shop.
WHERE CASHMERE COMES FROM
Contrary to popular belief, cashmere doesn't come from sheep, it's combed from the undercoat of cashmere goats, most commonly raised across Mongolia and Northern China.
HOW TO CARE FOR CASHMERE
Whether you're wrapping up in a
brand-new favourite or giving an old one a second life, knowing how to care for
cashmere is the difference between a piece you wear for one winter and one you wear for five. Wash by hand in cold water with a wool-friendly detergent, then lay flat to dry, never hang, and never anywhere near a hot radiator.
Store folded in a breathable bag with a cedar ball or two to keep moths at bay, and if pilling shows up, don't panic, it's simply the fibres settling in, easily smoothed away with a cashmere comb. Treat it gently and it'll only get softer with time.
brand-new favourite or giving an old one a second life, knowing how to care for
cashmere is the difference between a piece you wear for one winter and one you wear for five. Wash by hand in cold water with a wool-friendly detergent, then lay flat to dry, never hang, and never anywhere near a hot radiator.
Store folded in a breathable bag with a cedar ball or two to keep moths at bay, and if pilling shows up, don't panic, it's simply the fibres settling in, easily smoothed away with a cashmere comb. Treat it gently and it'll only get softer with time.
HOW TO STORE CASHMERE
As the temperature drops, it's time to bring
cashmere back into rotation, but a little TLC now means it lasts long after the season's gone. If pieces have spent the summer packed away, check for any tricksy moth holes before you wear them (better to catch them early). Once you're back to reaching for cashmere daily, fold rather than hang to keep shoulders and necklines in shape.
cashmere back into rotation, but a little TLC now means it lasts long after the season's gone. If pieces have spent the summer packed away, check for any tricksy moth holes before you wear them (better to catch them early). Once you're back to reaching for cashmere daily, fold rather than hang to keep shoulders and necklines in shape.
COMMON CASHMERE MISTAKES
Even the most well-loved cashmere collection can fall victim to a few common mistakes.Chucking it in the washing machine (or worse, the tumble dryer) tops the list. Cashmere wants a gentle hand, not a spin cycle.
When you're shopping, it pays to check the mix: not all cashmere is created equal, so look closely at the label for the percentage of cashmere versus other fibres like wool or synthetic blends.The higher the cashmere content, the softer (and longer-lasting) your piece will be.
When you're shopping, it pays to check the mix: not all cashmere is created equal, so look closely at the label for the percentage of cashmere versus other fibres like wool or synthetic blends.The higher the cashmere content, the softer (and longer-lasting) your piece will be.
HOW TO STYLE CASHMERE
Cashmere earns its place as a wardrobe hero the moment you start layering it in unexpected ways. Slip a fine-knit jumper under a tailored blazer for a look that feels put-together without trying too hard, letting the cashmere soften up an otherwise sharp silhouette. For weekends, throw a cardigan over a slip dress, the contrast of delicate and cosy is a combination we can't get enough of.
And when in doubt, a relaxed crew neck tucked loosely into wide-leg jeans proves that comfort and style were never mutually exclusive.
And when in doubt, a relaxed crew neck tucked loosely into wide-leg jeans proves that comfort and style were never mutually exclusive.