Your guide to cashmere care

Cashmere is one of the world’s finest natural fibres: warm, remarkably soft and surprisingly light. At Afar, we select cashmere for pieces intended to be worn often and kept for years. While luxurious by nature, cashmere responds best to gentle, regular care. With the right approach to washing, drying, de-pilling and storage, your garments will retain their softness and shape season after season.

Understanding cashmere

Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of goats raised in cold climates. Compared with sheep’s wool, the fibres are finer and shorter, which gives cashmere its signature hand-feel, and also explains why it can pill with friction, particularly in the early wears. None of this indicates poor quality; it’s simply the nature of the fibre. Thoughtful care reduces pilling over time and keeps knitwear resilient and comfortable.

Characteristics of cashmere:

Warmth without weight - exceptional insulation in a light knit.
Natural elasticity - holds its shape when dried flat and rested between wears.
Sensitive to heat and agitation - prefers cool water, low spin, and air drying.
Prone to initial pilling - easily managed with a cashmere comb.

Washing cashmere

Cashmere doesn’t need washing after every wear. In most cases, every 3-4 wears is sufficient. Airing between wears helps refresh fibres and reduces unnecessary laundering. Always wash before long-term storage to discourage moths.

Hand wash (preferred)
Fill a clean basin with cool to lukewarm water (~30°C).
Add a small amount of pH-neutral, wool/cashmere-safe detergent. Dissolve fully.|
Turn inside out and submerge. Gently agitate; do not rub, wring or twist.
Soak up to 20-30 minutes.
Rinse in water of a similar temperature until clear, pressing water through the knit (no wringing).

Delicate machine wash (optional, with care)

Place the garment inside a mesh bag, turned inside out.
Select wool/delicate cycle, cold (≤30°C), low spin.
Use a small dose of wool/cashmere-safe detergent.
Wash separately or with like colours to avoid dye transfer and minimise friction.

For step-by-step machine prep and settings, see our forthcoming guide on washing knits in the machine.

Detergent notes

Avoid enzymatic detergents, bleach, softeners and optical brighteners, they can degrade natural fibres.

A mild wool/cashmere formulation helps preserve the fibre’s natural oils, keeping it soft.

Drying cashmere

Cashmere should never be tumble dried.

Press out excess water: lay the garment flat on a towel, roll it up, and gently press to absorb moisture.
Dry flat: reshape to its original measurements on a dry towel or mesh rack.
Avoid heat: keep away from radiators and direct sun; high heat causes shrinkage and fibre dehydration.
Do not hang wet: water weight can stretch and distort the knit.

Tip: Rotate pieces in your wardrobe and let cashmere rest a day or two between wears. This allows the knit to recover its shape.

De-pilling & day-to-day care

Pilling is a normal part of cashmere’s early life as loose surface fibres work free.

After the first 10-20 wears, gently remove pills with a cashmere comb on a flat surface, brushing in one direction.
Focus on high-friction areas (underarms, sides, where bags rub).
A soft garment brush between wears helps lift lint and dust and keeps the surface tidy.
Minimise abrasion by avoiding rough bags, sharp jewellery or coarse layers against your knit.

With regular light maintenance, pilling reduces significantly over time.

Refer to our more detailed guide on how to remove piling from garments.

Ironing & steaming

Steam to refresh: Steaming relaxes creases without flattening the knit’s natural loft.
If ironing is required, turn inside out and use low heat with a pressing cloth.
Avoid pressing the same area repeatedly; excessive pressure can crush the pile.

Stain treatment for cashmere

Act promptly: Blot (don’t rub) with a clean, damp cloth.
Spot-treat with a wool-safe stain solution, testing on an inconspicuous area first.
For oil-based marks, sprinkle a little cornflour/bicarb to draw out residue before washing.
For complex stains or dry-clean-only constructions, eco dry cleaning is appropriate.
Always wash the whole garment after spot treatment to avoid tidemarks.

Storing cashmere

Everyday storage

Fold, don’t hang: Hanging can stretch shoulders and length.
Store on a clean shelf or in a breathable cotton/linen bag. Avoid plastic, which traps moisture.

Between seasons

Launder before storage to remove body oils and traces that attract moths.
Store folded, in a breathable zip bag or box with natural repellents (cedar, untreated lavender).
Keep in a cool, dry, dark space with airflow.
Give shelves/drawers a quick clean before packing away to reduce dust.
If you encounter pests, isolate affected items and seek professional cleaning advice.

Care & repair with Afar

We stand behind the pieces we make. Through Afar’s Care & Repair Guarantee, we offer a complimentary first minor repair within 12 months of purchase, from reattaching buttons to mending small seams or hems. If a favourite cashmere piece needs attention beyond this scope, we’re always happy to advise on next steps to help keep it in rotation.

Cashmere over time

With careful care, cashmere softens further, pills less, and settles into a familiar drape. Minor changes, a gentle bloom to the knit, a relaxed ease at the cuffs, are part of its character. By washing sparingly, drying flat, de-pilling, and storing well, you support the fibre’s longevity and reduce the need for replacement.

From our studio to your wardrobe, with love, John and Jana