The Complete Guide to Cashmere
What is Cashmere?
Known for its irresistibly soft feel, cashmere is an incredibly fine, light wool derived from the coats of cashmere goats. Softer and finer than regular wool, cashmere offers a lightweight and breathable feel, combined with a luxury look. Cashmere’s weightless, plush feel makes it ideal for layering under jackets, coats and tailoring for an always on-trend finish.
What to Look For in a Cashmere Jumper
High quality cashmere is usually made from finer yarn and is typically made from longer fibres. The finer yarn offers the distinct, lightweight feel of cashmere whilst the longer fibres ensure less pilling and breakage, and therefore a longer lasting fabric.
Lower quality cashmere is generally a lower ply and will be more prone to stretching, bobbling and general wear-and-tear. It can also feel a little more scratchy and less soft on the skin. Always check the label for details, as lower quality cashmere is often blended with synthetic fibres such as acrylic or nylon.
It’s always worth investing in great quality cashmere, it will last you for years if cared for correctly.
Best Luxury Cashmere Brands at Trilogy
Our favourite cashmere-specific brands at Trilogy include Jumper 1234, Allude and CRUSH. From bright, colourful roll necks from CRUSH to fun printed crew necks from Jumper 1234 and neutral classic cardigans from Allude, our selection of women’s cashmere knitwear brands have something for everyone.
Another favourite at Trilogy is Madeleine Thompson, who design chic knits that are perfect for elevating your everyday outfits. From smart V-neck jumpers with subtle puff sleeves, to the cosiest relaxed cardigans, Madeleine Thompson’s cashmere knitwear adds a refined feel to your outfits.
Each season, we work with our most-loved knitwear brands to bring a range of exclusive styles you can’t buy anywhere else. Discover our favourite cashmere knitwear styles here.
How to Style Cashmere: Outfit Ideas and Inspiration
Casual Elegance
Style a simple cashmere roll neck with blue denim, a contemporary puffer coat and boots for a luxury casual look through the winter months. Add a chunky black boot for a cosy but cool cold-weather look.
During the transitional months, cashmere jumpers are a great option thanks to their light feel and breathability. Go for a light, boxy jacket and a light wash jean with trainers.
Office Chic
For a smarter, office-ready look, wear a cashmere knit top with a tailored trouser or clean, dark wash jean, and add a blazer for an extra layer. Top off the look with smart black loafers, an elegant ballet flats, or even low heels.
Evening Glamour
A knit with detail such as a puff sleeve, exaggerated shoulder or scalloped edge adds an elevated touch to a classic silhouette. Style with dark denim in a streamlined wide leg silhouette, or a sleek, silky skirt. Opt for a heeled boot in an animal print or a fun, metallic stiletto heel for that final glam touch.
What Colours Go With Cashmere?
You can choose whatever colour cashmere you prefer, from striking bright shades to neutral wardrobe staples. This makes it versatile for styling with lots of different colours, whether its denim, trousers or skirts. For example, style a soft pink cashmere knit with dark wash denim, or a navy cashmere cardigan with a crisp off-white or cream jean for an elevated contrast.
How to Care for Cashmere: Guidelines and Advice
How to Wash a Cashmere Jumper
Most cashmere requires hand washing or professional dry cleaning for best results. However, some brands, for example CRUSH, suggest a gentle, cool machine wash will do the trick. Always refer to the care label and product description for individual cashmere care instructions.
How to Wash Cashmere by Hand
For small marks, gently spot wash your cashmere with lukewarm water to avoid over-washing where not necessary.
Hand Washing
In a clean sink or bowl, soak your cashmere knitwear in lukewarm water and wool wash or baby shampoo, before gently moving it around to start to release any dirt. Let your cashmere sit in the water for 15 minutes or so, moving it around occasionally, then empty out the sink or bowl and refill with clean water. Don't place the cashmere under the running water as this can be damaging, just submerge it before moving it around a little more and then removing, squeezing any excess water out. You can do this by gently compressing it into a ball; or you can lay it flat on a towel, roll the towel up, and squeeze. Do not wring your cashmere out, as this will be harmful to the fibres and cause the garment to lose its shape.
How to Keep Cashmere From Pilling
The best way to keep your cashmere from pilling is to stick to hand washing. Only machine wash your cashmere if the care label suggests you can – if you do, always do so on a gentle cycle inside a mesh bag or pillowcase to prevent pilling. You can also invest in an electric de-bobbler or cashmere comb, which can be used carefully on cashmere to remove any bobbles or pilling.
How to Protect Cashmere from Moths
Invest in cedar wood balls to keep moths at bay. You can also keep your cashmere folded in a sealed garment bag to keep it protected, particularly when storing pieces away for the season.
How to Get Stains Out of Cashmere
Try to treat stains as quickly as possible, as this makes them much easier to remove. Put a blob of your chosen detergent or baby shampoo on the stain and dab it in, leaving it there for at least 30 minutes. Then, use lukewarm water to rinse out the stain. Always check if your detergent is suitable for use on cashmere and avoid anything too harsh or that contains bleach.
Cashmere FAQs
How Long Does Cashmere Last?
As a high quality, natural fabric, cashmere is incredibly durable. If cared for correctly, premium cashmere should last you for years as a staple in your wardrobe.
What is Cashmere Made From?
Cashmere is made from the coats of Cashmere Goats, which usually come from Mongolia, China or India.
Does Cashmere Shrink?
If cared for incorrectly, cashmere is prone to shrinkage. To avoid this, don't wash or dry cashmere using any heat at all, and always follow the instructions on the care label.
Is Cashmere Itchy?
High quality cashmere should feel incredibly soft and comfortable on the skin and shouldn't itch due to the delicate fineness of the fibres.
Is Cashmere Warm?
A natural fabric, cashmere is incredibly warm and cosy. The weave also makes it a breathable, temperature regulating fabric which is perfect for the transitional months.
Can You Iron Cashmere?
Ironing cashmere can be very damaging and is not recommended. To remove any creases, you can use a steamer on your cashmere, though do so very gently to avoid stretching it out.
What is Cashmere Pilling?
Pilling happens when fibres on your cashmere rub together, forming little balls or bobbles on the fabric. These can be gently removed with a cashmere comb or de-bobbler and are best avoided by hand-washing your pieces in lukewarm water, inside out, with a gentle detergent.
Why is Cashmere So Expensive?
Cashmere is a finite fabric, due to the small amount of hair produced by cashmere goats. This makes cashmere rare and therefore expensive. It's also an incredibly high-quality fabric that is warmer and lighter than knitwear alternatives like wool.
Shop our collection of designer women’s cashmere knitwear now.
