Our Best Tips For Keeping Your Cashmere Items In Peak Condition

Cashmere is one of the most luxurious materials. Just as warm as traditional sheep's wool, but far softer because it comes from pashmina goats, it's the perfect fabric for winter months. Especially for those who like to skip wearing something under their sweaters, because it feels delicious against the skin. "The highest quality cashmere will feel airy and noticeably soft," product specialist Madeline Miller told Martha Stewart. "If the cashmere has a rough, scratchy quality to it when you touch it or glide it over a sensitive area of your skin like the inner arm, it is likely it is not high-quality cashmere."

But something so luxurious (and that usually has a hefty price tag to boot), needs upkeep. You can't toss your cashmere pieces in the washing machine or leave them hanging in your closet without being properly stored and expect them to last. You need to make a bit more effort than that. But the effort is 100% worth it. Not just because cashmere is a timeless winter fashion trend, but because you're worth it. Everyone should have at least one cashmere item in their wardrobe.

Unless you have a washing machine that has a "hand wash" cycle, you're better off washing your cashmere pieces by hand. But before you do even that, read the label to make sure that's an okay route to take, because cashmere is a very finicky fabric. "The instructions on the labels are specifically tailored to the product and material, so it is important to follow them — not all kinds of cashmere require the same care," designer Olivia von Halle told Byrdie. Most labels will tell you to dry your cashmere by laying it flat on a towel. But again, confirm this before doing so.

Because cashmere is such a unique fabric, it also needs to be shaved. But not in the way you might be thinking. "Cashmere is generally more prone to pilling not because of its quality — it's just a natural process that happens when the fibers in the yarns rub against each other, and this usually occurs when you wear it a lot," said Halle. "The best way to reinvigorate them if any pilling happens over time is to use an electric fabric shaver." If you don't have an electric shaver, you can use a razor or cashmere comb. It doesn't matter how you remove the pills (make sure you do it carefully), as long as you do so for the integrity of the cashmere. A thorough de-pilling can make cashmere look brand new again. 

When it's not cashmere season, it's important to store it correctly so that when it's ready to be worn again, it's still in great condition. But before choosing where you'll store it, make sure the pieces are clean. "Never put cashmere away dirty," cashmere expert Anna Singh told WhoWhatWear. "Sweat, hair, and stains attract moths and make it more likely for female moths to find the perfect place for their eggs to hatch."

Because moths love to settle into cashmere, when choosing a storage place, you'll want to make sure cedar is involved. Whether it's a drawer filled with cedar balls and/or oil or a box that's made out of cedar wood, that's where your cashmere should be when it's not being worn. Also, make sure you don't leave your items hanging in the closet. "Always fold," says Singh. "Cashmere will stretch and lose its shape if it's hung. Over time, a hanging sweater's sleeves will grow longer and longer, where the shoulder seam will move down towards your elbows." Although the big and baggy look is in right now, it doesn't mean you necessarily want your fitted cashmere sweater to morph into that.

Having a few (or a lot of) cashmere pieces in your wardrobe is great for people who live in chilly to cold climates. Although upkeep involves more time and energy, considering how it feels and how it makes you feel when you wear it, it's time and energy well spent.