How to Care for Single-Origin Cashmere: Sweater and Cardigan Tips

Quick answer

Hand wash single-origin cashmere in cool water with a gentle detergent, press out water without wringing, dry flat, and store folded with cedar. Treat pilling gently with a comb rather than a razor.

Your step-by-step cashmere care routine

1. 1. Prep and spot-clean: Turn the sweater or cardigan inside out, close any buttons, and spot-clean small marks with a damp cloth and a drop of gentle detergent. Check pockets and remove lint before washing. Mistake to avoid: scrubbing a stain. Dab instead, or the fibers will fuzz.
2. 2. Hand wash in cool water: Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge the knit and gently press it down; let it soak for about five minutes, then squeeze the suds through the fabric without twisting or rubbing. Checkpoint: water should be cool to the touch, never warm.
3. 3. Rinse and remove water: Rinse in clean cool water until no suds remain. Press the water out against the side of the basin, then roll the knit in a clean towel and press to absorb more. Never wring or twist. Mistake to avoid: lifting a soaked long cardigan by the shoulders; support the whole piece with both hands.
4. 4. Dry flat and reshape: Lay the knit on a mesh drying rack or a clean towel, away from direct sun and heat. Gently reshape the shoulders, hem, and neckline with your hands. Turn it once after a few hours so both sides dry evenly. Checkpoint: never hang wet cashmere; the weight stretches it permanently.
5. 5. De-pill gently: Once dry, lay the knit flat and run a cashmere comb or fabric shaver lightly over pilled areas in one direction. Work in small sections and stop before the surface looks thin. Mistake to avoid: pressing hard or using a razor; both can cut the fibers.
6. 6. Fold and store: Fold sweaters and cardigans and stack them in a drawer or on a shelf. Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths, and keep knits away from damp walls. For the season, store clean and fully dry in a breathable cotton bag. Checkpoint: never store cashmere on a hanger for months; the shoulders will stretch.

Cuyana cashmere pieces in this routine

• Single-Origin Cashmere Long Cardigan: Single-Origin Cashmere Long Cardigan is a long layering piece available in Beige, Black, Jade, and Light grey. Its length means more fabric to support when wet, so dry it flat on a mesh rack rather than hanging it.

  

• Cashmere Deep V-Neck Sweater: Cashmere Deep V-Neck Sweater has a cropped length, high-low hem with side slits, and a deep V-neckline at front and back. The open neckline and slits make it easy to stretch out of shape, so reshape those edges by hand before drying flat.