Looks like you don't have Javascript enabled in your browser. Please turn it on so you can enjoy all the functions of our site.

CASHMERE CARE IN FOUR SIMPLE STEPS

Quality cashmere is a long-lasting investment. Look after it (as you would your stocks and shares) and it'll serve you well for years to come. On the plus side, the naturally breathable and odour resistant yarns used in our cashmere, means that washing after every wear isn’t necessary. And it’s a long-standing myth that all cashmere needs to be cared for by laundry professionals or washed by hand. Actually, it's simpler than that. To keep yours in tip-top shape, follow our step-by-step guide to cleaning Tyrwhitt cashmere or merino-cashmere knitwear at home – with zero trips to the dry cleaner required.

SHOP CASHMERE COLLECTION

STEP 1: WASH

Here at Charles Tyrwhitt, we understand that you don't want to spend your Sunday mornings carefully washing cashmere by hand. So, all of our cashmere knitwear is machine washable at 30°C on a wool cycle. We recommend turning your jumper inside out to protect the surface. Mild detergent is all you need – stay away from fabric conditioner, which leaves a coating on the fibres and reduces softness. Turn down the spin speed, too. Easy does it to prevent stretching.

STEP 2: DRY

The yarns used to craft your favourite cashmere jumpers require a little more TLC than cotton or jersey, so throwing your knitwear into the tumble drier is a big no-no. Our top tip to make drying cashmere that bit quicker: roll it gently in a clean towel to absorb as much moisture as possible, before laying it to dry on a flat surface. You can do some reshaping once the water weight has been taken out of the garment. Straighten the sleeves and remove any visible creases.

STEP 3: MAINTAIN

How to prevent cashmere from pilling is a question we're often asked. First, it's important to understand why it happens. Pilling (or bobbling) is caused by friction, so anything you can do to avoid this is a step in the right direction. Although light pilling is completely normal for cashmere, there are a few tricks you can use to stop a build-up. The first one is something we've already mentioned – washing inside out. The second? Get yourself a handy pilling comb or a debobbler to remove any uneven patches as and when they appear.

STEP 4: STORE

One of the best ways to keep your cashmere looking as good as new and feeling supersoft is to make sure you store it properly. As a general rule, it's better to fold cashmere garments than hang them – lumps, bumps, and misshapen shoulders aren't a flattering look on anybody. Create a space on your shelf or in a drawer for your finest knitwear and add in a few mothballs or a lavender sachet for good measure to avoid unsightly holes appearing.