Softness, warmth, elegance… The cashmere sweater is an essential piece in any high-end wardrobe. But this noble and delicate material requires special attention to preserve its beauty over time. Good news: caring for a cashmere sweater at home, without damaging it, is entirely possible, provided you follow the right steps.

In this article, Studio Cashmere8 provides all its expert advice for washing, drying, storing, and maintaining your Mongolian cashmere pieces for a long time. An essential guide to making the magic last… season after season.

1. Why does cashmere require specific care?

Cashmere comes from the undercoat of the Hircus goat, which lives on the high plateaus of Central Asia. This precious down is very fine and is harvested manually in spring. It stands out for its lightness, exceptional insulating power, and ultra-soft texture.

However, it is precisely this fineness (less than 19 microns) that makes it sensitive to heat, friction, and aggressive products. Inadequate washing can cause pilling, felting, or deformation of the knit. Hence the importance of gentle, patient, and precise care.

2. Should a cashmere sweater be hand-washed or machine-washed?

The best method for washing a cashmere sweater remains hand washing. However, if your machine has a specific wool or delicate program, with a maximum temperature of 20°C and a very gentle spin cycle (400 rpm), it may be suitable for the most robust pieces.

At Studio Cashmere8, we recommend:

• By hand: in a basin of lukewarm water (20-25°C), with a special wool or baby shampoo. Do not rub or wring, but gently squeeze the garment to allow the soapy water to penetrate.
• By machine: in a laundry bag, with a special wool detergent and no fabric softener. Select a "wool" or "cold wash" program with a very reduced spin cycle.

Absolutely avoid: hot water washing, classic detergents, tumble drying, and traditional dry cleaning containing perchlorethylene.

3. How to properly dry a cashmere sweater?

Drying is a key step to preserve the shape and softness of cashmere. Here's how to proceed:

• Gently wring by hand by gently pressing, without twisting it.
• Then lay the sweater flat, on a clean, dry towel, folding it slightly to absorb residual water.
• Lay it flat on a flat surface, away from direct light, and reshape it to its original cut.

Never hang a wet cashmere garment: the weight of the water could deform it permanently.

4. How often should a cashmere sweater be washed?

Unlike cotton or synthetics, cashmere does not need to be washed after every use. Thanks to its breathable and antibacterial properties, it stays clean longer.

We recommend washing it every 5 to 7 uses or as soon as an odor or stain appears. Too frequent washing could damage the fibers in the long term.

5. How to avoid pilling on cashmere?

Pilling is natural during the first few uses, especially in areas of friction (sleeves, underarms, handbag). To prevent it:

• Regularly wash your sweater after the first few wears to remove superfluous fibers.
• Use a cashmere comb or a soft brush, only on dry garments, making delicate movements.
• Avoid friction with bags, jewelry, or abrasive belts.

A well-maintained piece will naturally pill less over time.

6. How to store cashmere off-season?

When the warm season arrives, it is essential to properly store your pieces to avoid moths or deformation.

Here are our recommendations:

• Wash the garment before storing it.
• Fold it carefully and avoid hangers, which can stretch the knit.
• Place it in a cotton bag or an airtight box, with a few sachets of natural cedar or lavender to repel insects.
• Never store your cashmere in a humid place.

7. Express care: good daily habits

Beyond washing, a few simple gestures can extend the life of your cashmere sweaters:

• Air out your sweater after each wear instead of systematically washing it.
• Let it rest for 24 hours between uses to allow the fibers to "reform."
• Avoid direct perfume on the knit, and never iron wet cashmere or without protection.

8. Cashmere according to Studio Cashmere8

Our pieces are made from high-end Mongolian cashmere, precisely woven and washed in our workshop to guarantee softness and durability. Each one deserves special attention to continue accompanying you year after year.

By following the recommended care instructions, you not only extend the life of your garment but also its brilliance and comfort. Cashmere is not a fragile material—it is demanding, but generous when cared for.

Conclusion

Caring for a cashmere sweater may seem intimidating, but it only takes a little rigor and gentleness to preserve all the qualities of this exceptional fiber. Cold wash, flat drying, careful storage: small simple gestures that make all the difference.

At Studio Cashmere8, we believe that a well-maintained cashmere is a loyal companion, capable of lasting for years with elegance. Give it the attention it deserves, and it will return it a hundredfold.

→ Discover all our cashmere sweaters