How to Care for Cashmere: The Guide Your Loro Piana Sweater Deserves

Why Cashmere Care Men Actually Need to Master

A £600 Johnstons of Elgin crewneck isn't an impulse purchase. It's an investment that should last fifteen years, not three. Yet most men treat their cashmere like merino, tossing it in the wash with gym kit and wondering why it pills, stretches, or develops that sad, felted texture by winter's end. Cashmere care men often overlook isn't complicated, but it is specific. The fibre structure of cashmere—those fine, delicate fibres from the undercoat of Mongolian goats—demands a different approach than your standard wool jumper.

The good news? Once you understand the basics, maintaining cashmere becomes second nature. Here's how to protect what you've invested in.

Washing: Less Is Genuinely More

Wash cashmere every five to seven wears, not after each outing. The fibres are naturally resistant to odour, and overwashing causes unnecessary wear. When it's time, skip the dry cleaner unless you're dealing with a structured blazer or heavy staining. The chemicals used in traditional dry cleaning can strip cashmere of its natural oils, leaving it brittle over time.

Instead, hand wash in cool water (never hot) with a dedicated cashmere shampoo. The Laundress Cashmere & Wool Shampoo and Kookaï's cashmere wash both work well, though any pH-neutral detergent will do. Submerge the garment, gently agitate for three to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly in cool water until no suds remain.

Never wring. Press the water out gently, then roll the garment in a clean towel to absorb excess moisture. Lay flat on a dry towel to air dry, reshaping the shoulders and cuffs to their original dimensions. This is where most damage occurs: hanging a wet cashmere sweater stretches the shoulders irreparably.

For machine washing (yes, it's possible), use a mesh bag, cold water, and the delicate cycle. Brunello Cucinelli's care team actually recommends this method for their lighter-gauge pieces, though they suggest limiting it to once per season.

Storage: Folded, Dark, and Protected

Cashmere should always be folded, never hung. Gravity and the weight of the garment will distort the shoulders and create permanent hanger bumps. Store in a cool, dark place—sunlight degrades natural fibres and causes fading.

Moth prevention is non-negotiable. Cedar blocks and lavender sachets provide some deterrent, but for serious protection, especially during off-season storage:

• Wash before storing (moths are attracted to body oils and food residue)
• Use breathable cotton storage bags, not plastic (which traps moisture)
• Add cedar rings or lavender sachets to drawers
• Consider airtight containers for long-term storage
• Inspect regularly during storage months

If you discover moth damage, isolate the garment immediately and check everything else in the drawer. One moth hole means larvae are likely present elsewhere.

Pilling, Repairs, and When to Seek Help

Pilling is inevitable, especially in high-friction areas like underarms and where bags rest against your torso. It's not a quality defect; it's physics. The solution is a cashmere comb (not a battery-operated shaver, which can catch and tear fibres). Gently work in one direction, letting the comb lift pills without pulling the underlying fabric.

For small holes or loose threads, address them immediately. A tiny moth hole will expand with wear. If you're not confident with needle and thread, find a reweaver or invisible mending specialist. These artisans can reconstruct damaged areas by pulling fibres from seam allowances, making repairs virtually undetectable. It's not cheap—expect £40-80 per hole—but it's considerably less than replacing a £500 sweater.

Cashmere care men who've built serious collections swear by annual maintenance routines: a proper wash at season's end, professional repairs for any damage, and meticulous storage. It's the difference between cashmere that looks tired after two years and pieces that become softer, more characterful versions of themselves over decades.

The Long Game

Quality cashmere from Loro Piana, Johnstons, or even Uniqlo's better ranges will reward proper care with remarkable longevity. The fibres actually improve with gentle wear and washing, developing a softer hand and subtle patina. But only if you treat them correctly from the start.

Think of cashmere care as you would leather conditioning or watch servicing: routine maintenance that preserves value and extends life. Your future self, pulling on that perfectly aged crewneck a decade from now, will thank you.