How to Care for Cashmere + My Favorite High-Quality Sources

Nothing is as cozy as cashmere this time of year! Dontcha think? What used to be considered a true luxe item is now more widely available in a wider variety of styles and colors, and it’s available at a wider range of price points. Even if you do love it and own a lot 🙋‍♀️, how well do you know how to care for cashmere?

If you spurned this soft specialty wool in the past because you weren’t sure how to care for cashmere, I have good news for you! If you rejected this yummy yarn in the past because it made you too hot, you should also know that now there are short sleeve styles that will have you sitting pretty! If you didn’t like the colors cashmere came in, know that now there are cashmere sweaters in all kinds of saturated hues, including the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year, Viva Magenta!

If you always thought cashmere was out of your price range, rest assured, this is the time of year to buy, and you can afford it. Today we’re taking a fresh look at cashmere, and I’m telling you why this luxury item is a closet must-have for me!

As always, click the pink text links or any image for more information.
Also, everything fits TTS, unless I tell you otherwise! 😀

$50 Gold Crewneck Cashmere Sweater ($50 V-Neck HERE) | So-Slimming, No-
Stain Girlfriend Jeans (These are my FAVE jeans for summer!) | Floral Suede Sneakers Click through HERE for colors.) | Kendra Scott Adjustable Crystal Accent Necklace | Kendra Scott Open Frame Crystal Necklace | Baublebar Gold Hoop & Pearl Drop Earrings | cabi | Similar Sunglasses

What Exactly is Cashmere?

Cashmere is a type of wool produced exclusively by Kashmir goats. It’s softer and finer than sheep’s wool because it comes from the undercoat of the goat. (Suzy made a rhyme! 😂) These goats, native to Mongolia, Tibet, Northern India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Southwest China, produce only four ounces of this wool each year. That means that it takes two goats to produce a single two-ply sweater!

Why is Cashmere so Expensive?

In a nutshell, it’s the quality and rarity of the fiber. Despite a lighter weight, clothes made from cashmere are up to eight times warmer than clothes made from sheep’s wool. Also, cashmere is significantly softer to the touch, making it more comfortable to wear.

How Can You Discern the Quality of Cashmere?

While there are different degrees of quality in the yarns, you should know that more expensive cashmere does not necessarily mean better quality. The reason? Recently, the demand for cashmere has grown, but supply has increased along with it. With more retailers purchasing more product, bulk savings are passed along to the consumer.

When it comes to cashmere, always look for 2-ply or higher. Be aware that all cashmere “pills,” (that’s those little balls that pop up on your sweaters — especially at friction points like under the arms). To combat the pilling, you can either use a sweater comb or (my fave!) a battery-operated fabric shaver (At Amazon HERE. At Target HERE.)

How to Care for Cashmere

Experts say that the first thing you should know about caring for cashmere is this: because of its breathable nature, cashmere can be aired out and reworn six or more times between washes.

$50 Green Crewneck Cashmere Sweater ($50 V-Neck HERE) | NYDJ Faux Leather Jeans | Faux Suede Booties | Kendra Scott Adjustable Crystal Accent Necklace | Kendra Scott Open Frame Crystal Necklace | Kendra Scott Black & Gold Lee Drop Earrings

How to Care for Cashmere: Refreshing

If needed, you can use sweater spray to keep your cashmere fresh.)

How to Care for Cashmere: Washing

Cashmere is fragile when wet, so be careful! It may also shrink a little, so you may have to gently stretch it when it’s wet. There are two methods for washing cashmere.

Hand Wash

Wash by hand with cold water, with a mild detergent. (At Amazon HERE. At Target HERE.)

Machine Wash

While it can be dry cleaned, cashmere can easily be washed in the machine. Here’s how to do it.

• Place in a sweater bag.
• Use a mild detergent.
• Wash on the gentle cycle.
• Stretch gently if needed.
• Hang on an inflatable hanger (I love these and own about 10!) or lay flat to dry.

I always wash my cashmere in the machine, and honestly,  I think it comes out even softer after it’s washed!

How to Store Cashmere

When you’re not wearing cashmere (or any kind of wool), it’s important to store it correctly! Moths are attracted to the oils and dirt that can accumulate on the fabric, so be sure to clean your cashmere before storing it for the summer. They’re also attracted to moisture, so you’ll want to avoid storing your cashmere in damp areas or areas with high humidity.

Here are a few other ways to keep moths at bay:

1. Store your cashmere in a plastic bag designed for moth protection.
2. Use cedar balls or sachets to repel moths. (Cedar contains natural oils that repel moths and other insects.)
3. If you do find moths in your cashmere, place the item in a sealed plastic bag and freeze it for a few days. This will kill any eggs or larvae that may be present.

Lands’ End Cashmere Crewneck Sweater | Talbots Faux Fur Collar Quilted Jacket | Burberry Scarf | Spanx Perfect Pants | Handbag | Booties | Tory Burch Pavé Stud Earrings

The Best Time to Buy Cashmere

Now is honestly the best time! Once the holiday gifting season is over, the prices for cashmere tend to drop. This is convenient, since now is the time we especially want to wear it! Right? 🙂

You can find cashmere in virtually any type of clothing! From affordable crewneck sweaters ($50!), cardigans, and dusters to straight-leg pants, joggers, and hoodies! You can also find cashmere tees, dresses, ponchos, and more.

My Favorite Sources for Quality Cashmere

I absolutely adore cashmere and wear a lot of it! In fact, I just bought THIS $50 crewneck sweater in green and one in gold to wear to Baylor Basketball games! They’re both from Quince, which is one of my favorite brands for affordable, quality Mongolian cashmere. Click through below to check out some of my other favorite cashmere shops!

• Quince – Known for their $50 Mongolian cashmere crewneck and $50 V-necks. (But all of their cashmere is affordable and great.)
• J.Crew – They carry a lot of cashmere, and it rarely goes on sale until right about NOW! They have some good deals right now. I especially like their cashmere tees. They’re perfect for early spring or if you’re the gal who gets too warm in long sleeve cashmere sweaters! How pretty is this jade green cashmere tee (on sale)?
• Lands’ End – Their quality is fabulous, and they carry everything in both regular and plus sizes. They always have some kind of sale going on! If you’re looking for a cashmere sweater that’s not a solid color, this is the spot I recommend. (Case in point, THIS Valentine’s sweater and THIS Buffalo Check sweater. Also, if you like the preppy look, check out their cashmere polos! Love your leggings? Check out THESE cashmere tunic sweaters to layer on top.
• L.L. Bean – I love their cashmere, and especially the Fair Isle sweaters they’re known for! They carry everything in petite, regular, and plus sizes. They offer everyday discounts for medical professionals, military members, teachers, and college students. Also, you can buy with confidence because of the amazing L.L. Bean 100% satisfaction one-year guarantee.

Do you like cashmere as much as I do? Do you have any care tips for your cashmere? If so, please share them with our little community in the comments!

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