Cashmere & Wool

Cashmere, merino, mohair: the tactile pleasure of pure wool is one of life’s luxuries. With the right attention, a good-quality knit will be one of the most steadfast style investments you’ll ever make. But how do you look after it? We asked industry experts for their top tips on caring for luxury knitwear.

How to Wash Cashmere & Wool

Washing woollen items by hand is always preferable. Brunello Cucinelli’s product specialists advise doing so with pieces turned inside-out at a cool temperature of no more than 30 degrees, using a gentle soap. Why? Clive Brown, commercial and development director at Barrie – the Scottish label whose knitwear factory is also responsible for the Harrods cashmere collection – has the answer. “When you think about washing cashmere, think about a baby – check the temperature with your elbow, like you would for a baby’s bath. You want the water to be not too hot, and not too cold” he says. “Likewise, you can go and buy a specialist cashmere shampoo, but the best thing is some really good, gentle baby shampoo.” To effectively hand-wash your knitted items, follow Arch4’s directions to submerge and soak for up to 10 minutes, before rinsing thoroughly in clean water using the same method. If you’re trying to remove a stubborn stain, the experts at Brunello Cucinelli advise to gently rub the concerning part with a dry soap bar before hand-washing as normal.

How to Care for Cashmere & Wool

The first rule after washing? Steer clear of the tumble drier, as over-agitation can cause the fibres to wrap and become misshapen. Barrie’s Clive Brown also advises to never wring your garment out. “Just squeeze it gently, and then lay it flat to dry” he suggests. Ironing is permitted, provided you’re using the wool programme and “a fair amount of steam”, say the Brunello Cucinelli team. Make sure your knits are clean and preferably individually covered before you stow them away during warmer months to prevent moth damage. When it comes to storage, it is recommended to keep your knitwear folded and flat rather than hung – if you must hang it, it should be on thick, padded hangers. Store cashmere and fine wools with scented sachets as an extra defence against moths.