Cashmere is one of the most luxurious materials out there. It's soft, warm, and oh-so luxurious. It is the perfect material for sweaters and blankets. However, cashmere is delicate. That's why it needs special care when storing and cleaning it so that it stays in great condition for years to come. Here are some tips on how to store your favorite cashmere clothes.
Why Does Cashmere Need Special Care?
Keeping your cashmere pieces in good shape is important for many reasons. Not only do you want to keep them looking like new for as long as possible, but it also prevents damage from occurring in the first place. When you take good care of your cashmere, it will last longer and look better longer than if you treat it like any other piece in your wardrobe.
Because of its delicate nature, moisture, pests (like moths), and even gravity can cause damage to your cashmere pieces. Cashmere is especially prone to shrinking or losing its shape while being washed, dried or even hung up in the closet. The good news is, if you follow these tips, you'll be enjoying your cashmere for years to come.
Store Cashmere in Drawers if Possible
The best way to store cashmere is in a drawer or a shelf. This ensures gravity doesn't stretch the garment while it hangs on a coat rack or in a closet. When storing a cashmere garment, be sure to fold the arms back and under the center of the piece. This will prevent any unwanted creases down the middle of the garment.
Separate Your Cashmere from Other Fabrics, Including Wool
Cashmere and wool are both made of the same protein, keratin, but the wool is prepared in a different way. Because of this, they should not be mixed together in a drawer or laundry bin.
Cashmere should also not be mixed with silk for similar reasons. The danger of mixing cashmere and silk comes from the fact that they are both protein fibers. When you mix them together, the cashmere may start to absorb moisture from the silk. This will cause both fabrics to deteriorate faster than if they were stored separately.
Keep Cashmere in a Dry, Dark Place
If you're not planning on wearing your cashmere immediately, store it in a dark place away from direct sunlight. You don't want to expose your sweaters to bright light, because this can cause the garment's color to fade or become discolored over time.
Additionally, be sure that the cashmere is kept in a cool and dry environment—one with low humidity if possible. High temperatures and high humidity are both detrimental to the longevity of any fabric; so keep your wardrobe where it's safe from these elements.
Avoid putting cashmere sweaters in plastic bags
Plastic can be another danger to cashmere, so be sure to avoid putting cashmere sweaters in plastic bags. The danger of using plastic bags is that they can trap in moisture and cause damage to your garment. If you must put your cashmere piece in a bag, it’s best to use an airtight container or zip-top bag made out of breathable material like cotton or linen. If you have purchased your piece of 27 Miles Malibu, it was sent with a complimentary lavender bag that can help keep your sweater or garment extra fresh while being stored. Simply place the bag on top of your piece for extra freshness and protection from pests.
How to Hang Cashmere
While it is best to store your pieces in a drawer or shelf, sometimes you have to hang your pieces for various reasons. To make the most of your cashmere pieces, be sure to store them in a well-ventilated area. It's also important to use the right hangers for your clothes. Wooden hangers are preferred over plastic because they won't leave marks or creases on the fabric. Another preferred option is a plastic hanger covered in velvet. In a pinch, you may also want to place them on top of tissue paper or cloth as a buffer between the plastic hanger and the item itself; this will help keep both clean while preventing any stretching or misshaping during storage.
We hope these tips will help you keep your cashmere in great shape for years to come. If you have any questions about how to care for your cashmere, please reach out. We are happy to help!
