Undyed Cashmere Cape - Artisan, Women's

Cashmere is a fine animal hair, not a hard-wearing wool. It responds to cool water and gentle handling, and almost all damage comes from heat and agitation rather than from wearing it. Treated properly, a piece lasts years rather than seasons.

• Machine Wash
• Dry Clean
• Do Not Bleach
• Lay Flat to Dry

How do I wash cashmere?

By hand is best. Fill a basin with cool water — no warmer than about 30°C / 86°F — and add a capful of a mild wool or cashmere detergent. Submerge the piece and press it gently under the water for two or three minutes. Do not rub, wring or twist. Rinse in cool water of the same temperature until the water runs clear.

By machine, only if the cycle is genuinely gentle. A wool or delicate cycle works if it stays cool and spins slowly. Turn the piece inside out, put it in a mesh laundry bag, and use a low or no spin setting.

The one thing to avoid is thermal shock. Hot water, a sudden change in temperature, or vigorous agitation causes the fibres to lock together permanently. That is felting, and it cannot be reversed. For the same reason, skip bleach, fabric softener and the tumble dryer.

How do I dry cashmere?

Press the water out between two towels rather than wringing. Reshape the piece while it is damp, then lay it flat on a dry towel away from radiators, direct heat and strong sunlight. Never hang a wet knit — the weight of the water pulls the shoulders and body out of shape as it dries.

Why is my cashmere pilling, and how do I fix it?

Pilling is friction, not a fault or a sign of poor quality. It appears wherever the garment rubs against something — under the arms, along a seatbelt, where a bag strap sits. It is most noticeable in the first few wears and settles down after that.

Lay the piece flat and remove pills with a cashmere comb, working lightly in one direction and letting the comb do the work. Do not pull them off by hand, which drags the surrounding fibres.

Avoid battery fabric shavers. They cut into the surface and thin the knit over time. A comb lifts the pills off; a shaver removes fibre you cannot put back.

How should I store cashmere?

Never hang it — hanging stretches the shoulders over time. Whether you fold or roll depends on how the piece is made.

• Knitwear — fold. Sweaters, cardigans, hoodies, joggers and polos. Fold along the existing seams and stack loosely.
• Woven pieces — roll. Shawls, wraps, ponchos and capes. A fold leaves a permanent crease along the fold line, so roll them loosely instead, with acid-free tissue if you have it.
• Beanies, headbands, socks and gloves — store flat. They keep their shape far better flat than stuffed into a pocket or a drawer corner.

Always store it clean. Moths are drawn to skin oils, perspiration and food traces rather than to the fibre itself, so a piece put away unwashed is far more vulnerable than a clean one. Use a breathable cotton bag with cedar or lavender, and avoid airtight plastic, which traps moisture.

Do I need to wash it after every wear?

No, and you shouldn't. Cashmere benefits from resting between wears — give it a day to recover its shape. Airing it usually does more than washing, and a small mark is better spot-cleaned than put through a full wash.

Is dry cleaning safe?

Yes, and it is a good option for structured pieces or stubborn marks. Choose a cleaner who handles cashmere regularly. Most pieces do not need it often; hand washing at home is gentler and perfectly adequate for routine care.

Care for shawls and wraps

Handwoven shawls are finer than knitwear and prefer hand washing. Do not iron directly on the fabric — if a piece needs pressing, use a cool iron under a cloth, or hang it in a steamy bathroom and let the creases drop out. Fringes can be combed straight with your fingers while damp.

For a longer walkthrough, including stain removal and seasonal storage, read our complete guide to caring for cashmere. If you are unsure about a particular piece, contact us and we will advise.