Cashmere Care Guide
Cashmere is prized for its rare combination of softness, warmth and lightness. These qualities begin with an exceptionally fine natural fibre and depend on specialist knowledge at every stage, from selecting the raw cashmere and spinning the yarn to knitting and finishing the garment.
Understanding cashmere makes it easier to recognise its quality and care for it well.
Understanding cashmere
A rare natural fibre
Cashmere comes from the exceptionally soft undercoat of cashmere goats, which protects them from extreme changes in temperature. As the goats naturally shed their winter coat in spring, the fine fibres are collected and separated from the coarser outer hairs.
Only a limited amount of usable cashmere can be obtained from each goat every year. This natural scarcity, together with the care required to collect, sort and process the fibres, is part of what makes cashmere so highly valued.
What defines high-quality cashmere?
Not all cashmere is the same. Its quality depends on several factors, particularly the fineness and length of the fibres.
Fine fibres create cashmere’s characteristic softness, while longer fibres produce a smoother, stronger yarn that retains its shape and is less prone to excessive pilling.
Quality also depends on the purity of the raw material and the care with which it is sorted, cleaned, dyed and spun. Exceptional cashmere balances softness with strength, lightness and lasting performance.
From fibre to yarn
Before cashmere can be knitted, the fibres are cleaned, separated from any remaining coarse hairs, sorted and spun into yarn. The knowledge and precision of the spinner are essential to achieving the right balance between softness and strength.
Our cashmere knitwear is made using yarns spun in Piedmont, Italy by a specialist mill with more than sixty years of experience in fine natural fibres.
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Caring for your cashmere
Cashmere requires gentle care, but it is made to be worn and enjoyed. A few simple habits will help preserve its softness, shape and appearance over time.
Between wears
Cashmere does not need to be washed after every wear. Allow your garment to rest and air naturally between uses, away from direct sunlight.
Avoid applying perfume, deodorant or hairspray directly to the garment. Jewellery, bags and rough surfaces may also create friction or catch on the knit.
Washing
Hand wash your ESTABEL cashmere in cold water only, using a small amount of cashmere or wool detergent. Do not use conventional detergent, bleach or fabric softener.
Gently move the garment through the water without rubbing, scrubbing or stretching it. Do not soak it for an extended period. Rinse carefully in clean, cold water, supporting the garment and taking particular care around the lace.
Treating stains
Blot stains gently with a clean, absorbent cloth as soon as possible. Do not rub, as this may push the stain further into the fibres or disturb the surface of the knit. Avoid applying strong stain removers directly to cashmere or lace.
Drying and reshaping
Never wring or twist wet cashmere. Gently press out excess water, then lay the garment flat on a clean towel. Roll the towel loosely and press carefully to absorb the remaining moisture.
Reshape the garment while it is still damp and leave it to dry flat, away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not hang wet cashmere or tumble dry it.
Steaming and pressing
Light steaming can help release creases and restore the garment’s shape. Keep the steamer at a safe distance and avoid concentrating heat on one area. Do not place an iron directly on cashmere. If ironing is necessary, use the lowest heat setting with a clean cloth between the iron and the garment.
Understanding pilling
Pilling is a natural characteristic of cashmere and occurs when loose fibres rise to the surface through friction. It is most common beneath the arms, along the sides or where a bag rests against the garment.
Initial pilling does not indicate poor quality and often decreases once the first loose fibres have been removed. Lay the garment flat and use a cashmere comb or suitable fabric shaver with very light pressure. Keep these tools away from lace, seams and other delicate details, and never pull pills away by hand.
Storing your cashmere
Store cashmere clean and completely dry. Fold each garment rather than hanging it, as hangers can stretch the shoulders and alter its shape.
Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For longer periods of storage, place the garment inside a clean, breathable cotton bag without compressing it beneath heavier clothing.
With thoughtful care, your cashmere will retain its softness, shape and character for years to come, wherever life takes you.