October 11, 2025, 3:34 am | Read time: 5 minutes
No wool is as soft and warming as cashmere. If you own a garment made from the fleece of the Mongolian goat, you should follow specific care tips and ideally inform yourself about this special fabric before purchasing. There are indeed several things to consider.
Cashmere is considered a luxury wool due to the fineness of its fibers. The hairs in the undercoat of cashmere goats are significantly finer than the thinnest sheep’s wool and rank among the finest animal hairs worldwide. However, caution is advised with this wool, whether in care or purchase.
1. More Expensive is Usually Better With Cashmere
Cashmere is now available for smaller budgets. There’s nothing wrong with scarves, hats, and gloves for under a hundred euros. There are also sweaters in this price range, but they are knitted from less dense cashmere wool and are correspondingly less durable and don’t hold their shape as well. If you want a cashmere sweater of excellent quality, you need to invest around 200 euros. Tip: Wait for the winter sale and invest in a reduced, formerly more expensive piece.
2. Quality Check
Original cashmere wool is obtained from the underbelly hairs of the Mongolian goat, where the finest fleece grows. The longer, curlier, lighter, and finer the hairs, the higher the quality. In short, the raw material is rare and therefore expensive. In Germany, a fabric must consist of at least 85 percent cashmere wool to be labeled as cashmere. Always check the composition on the label! Good quality is recognized by the wool feeling soft and firm at the same time, and springing back elastically when lightly tugged. However, the less desirable part of the cashmere goats, such as the coarse back hair, is also used. In that case, the product must be labeled as “cashmere blend” and consist of at least 14.5 percent cashmere, with the rest usually being merino wool, silk, cotton, or synthetic fiber.
3. The Right Choice
If you can afford it, it’s better to invest in a high-quality classic, like a cream-white, dark blue, or black sweater made from good cashmere quality. It is versatile and, with proper care, can last almost a lifetime!
4. Hold Back on Washing & Instead Air Out
Cashmere items should be aired out after wearing and only washed when absolutely necessary. If using a washing machine, select the wool cycle and the lowest spin setting. For hand washing, be careful not to rub the cashmere piece too much, as this encourages the formation of pills.
5. Use the Right Detergent
For hand washing, you can use hair shampoo. Special cashmere shampoos are not a must. Wash wool or blends by hand with lukewarm water, gentle movement, and wool or liquid color detergent. After washing, gently press out the moisture, roll it in a towel, press again, and always dry flat. Then iron with steam and a cloth.
6. Not Only We Love Cashmere – Moths Do Too!
Moths love cashmere. Therefore, it’s worth placing moth repellents in the closet. Suitable options that are free from chemicals include Grandma’s home remedies, like lavender sachets or cloves. Moths also dislike the cold: If it’s cold enough, simply hang the sweater outside, and it will also get a good airing.
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7. Go to the Cleaners for Stains
If you get a stain from gravy, wine, or something similar, don’t try to rub it out. This will mat the fibers. It’s better to take the piece to a professional, meaning the dry cleaner.
8. Beware of Pilling
Cashmere, regardless of quality, will form pills where the fabric is rubbed, such as around the arms and hips, where a handbag might rub. While you can’t prevent pills, you can manage them with a suitable tool.
9. Don’t Fear Losing Softness
If your cashmere sweater isn’t as soft as it used to be, you can place the damp garment in the freezer for an hour. This will help restore its softness.
10. Summer Storage for Cashmere Treasures
When it’s time to store your cashmere pieces for the winter, pack them clean and vacuum-sealed in suitable plastic bags. This will help the wool maintain its quality.
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11. Be Careful When Drying After Washing
When drying, cashmere is delicate and should not be hung. After washing, always dry cashmere sweaters and scarves flat. Simply lay the garment flat on a towel to dry.
Tip: By placing a second towel underneath, you can absorb more excess moisture. This way, the sweater stays in shape and the fibers retain their softness!
Beware of Cashmere Fakes
Cashmere sweaters are now available even at discount stores. The demand for this luxurious yarn has skyrocketed in recent years. However, even experts often find it difficult to recognize fakes. With the latest technology, researchers at the Institute of Textile Technology and Process Engineering are working hard on new methods to distinguish the ultra-thin natural fiber from unwanted blends or fakes.