Cashmere is often described as one of the world’s most luxurious fabrics - and for good reason. Soft, lightweight, and incredibly warm, it feels like a gentle hug against your skin. At Dear Gaia, we love cashmere not only for its comfort but also for its sustainability and longevity. Unlike fast-fashion materials that wear out after a season, cashmere can last for many years when cared for properly.
That’s the beauty of slow fashion: choosing pieces that are both timeless and durable. To help you enjoy your cashmere balaclavas, headbands, and accessories for seasons to come, we’ve put together this simple guide on how to care for cashmere the right way.
Why cashmere needs special care
Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats, which naturally produces fine, soft fibers. These fibers are more delicate than sheep’s wool and require a little extra love to stay in their best condition. While cashmere is durable, treating it with care will ensure it stays soft, warm, and beautiful year after year.
The good news? Taking care of cashmere is much easier than most people think. You don’t need expensive dry cleaning - just a few mindful practices at home.
Washing cashmere: Hand wash or gentle machine wash
The number one question people ask is: Can I wash cashmere at home? The answer is yes! In fact, hand washing is often the best way to keep cashmere in great shape.
Hand Washing Cashmere
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water.
- Add a mild detergent, ideally one designed for wool or delicate fabrics. A baby shampoo can also work in a pinch.
- Submerge your cashmere and gently swirl it around. Avoid rubbing or wringing, as this can stretch the fibers.
- Rinse thoroughly in cool water until the detergent is gone.
- Press gently to remove excess water -never twist.
Machine Washing Cashmere
If hand washing feels daunting, most modern washing machines have a wool or delicate cycle.
- Place your cashmere piece in a mesh laundry bag.
- Use cold water and a wool-safe detergent.
- Keep the spin cycle gentle to prevent stretching.
The key is to treat cashmere gently, whether by hand or machine.
Drying cashmere the right way
Drying is where many people make mistakes. Avoid the temptation to hang your cashmere item - this will cause it to stretch and lose shape. Instead:
- Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel.
- Roll up the towel to gently press out extra water.
- Unroll and lay flat to air dry, reshaping as needed.
Keep your cashmere away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators, as they can weaken fibers.
Storing cashmere between seasons
Cashmere is lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for cold weather but often put away in warmer months. Storing it correctly prevents damage and ensures it’s ready for the next winter.
- Always wash before storing: Dirt or body oils can attract moths.
- Fold instead of hanging: Hanging can stretch the fabric, especially for heavier items.
- Use breathable storage bags or cotton pillowcases to protect against dust.
- Add natural moth repellents: Cedar blocks or lavender sachets are eco-friendly ways to keep pests away.
By storing cashmere properly, you’ll avoid the dreaded moth holes and keep your accessories fresh.
Preventing and treating pilling
One common question about cashmere is: Why does it pill? Pilling (small balls of fluff on the fabric surface) happens naturally when shorter fibers work their way to the surface. This is especially common in high-friction areas, such as under the arms or around the neck.
The good news is that pilling doesn’t mean your cashmere is low quality — it’s simply part of the fabric’s life cycle. With proper care, pilling becomes less frequent over time.
How to treat pilling
- Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to gently remove pills.
- Avoid pulling pills off by hand, which can damage the fabric.
- Regularly de-pill your items to keep them looking fresh and new.
Cashmere for kids: extra care tips
At Dear Gaia, we love creating cashmere accessories for children, like our playful bunny-ear balaclavas. Because kids wear their accessories during play, they may need a little more frequent care.
- Wash kids’ cashmere more often, but always gently.
- Teach children to remove accessories carefully instead of tugging.
- Store their pieces separately to prevent snags from toys or zippers.
Even with daily wear, cashmere can hold up beautifully with the right attention.
Busting cashmere myths
There are a lot of misconceptions about cashmere. Let’s clear up a few:
-
Myth 1: Cashmere is too delicate for everyday wear.
Truth: With proper care, cashmere becomes softer and more durable the more you wear it. -
Myth 2: Cashmere must be dry-cleaned.
Truth: Hand washing or gentle machine washing works perfectly. In fact, it’s better for the fibers than harsh dry-cleaning chemicals. -
Myth 3: Cashmere is impractical for children.
Truth: Cashmere’s softness and warmth make it ideal for sensitive skin. Our kids’ balaclavas and headbands prove that luxury and practicality can go hand in hand.
Why caring for cashmere matters
Learning to care for cashmere is about more than preserving clothing — it’s about embracing sustainability and mindfulness. In a world where fast fashion encourages constant replacement, taking care of high-quality pieces is an act of resistance.
By treating your cashmere well, you:
- Extend its lifespan, reducing waste.
- Save money by avoiding constant repurchases.
- Model sustainable habits for your children.
Caring for cashmere reflects a lifestyle that values quality, responsibility, and respect for the planet.
Enjoy the longevity of cashmere
Cashmere isn’t just a fabric — it’s an investment in comfort, warmth, and timeless style. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your balaclavas, headbands, and accessories stay soft and beautiful for many winters to come.
Remember: wash gently, dry flat, store carefully, and remove pills with care. With these practices, your cashmere pieces will become beloved staples in your family’s wardrobe.
Shop and care with love
At Dear Gaia, we design cashmere accessories that bring warmth and joy to everyday life. From playful bunny-ear balaclavas for kids to elegant headbands for women, our collection is made to last.
Explore the Cashmere Collection and experience the softness of sustainable luxury. With a little care, these pieces will stay with you season after season, wrapping you and your loved ones in warmth, comfort, and timeless style.