We’ve put together this expert guide to washing cashmere so that you can cherish each piece you own for a lifetime.

In a world where we already have so much, we need to treasure every thing we own. Our luxury cashmere knitwear is made to the highest standards by artisans from the best quality yarns. Caring for these unique pieces is part of the joy of having them.

Can you wash cashmere knitwear?

Caring for cashmere knitwear isn’t as difficult as many people think. Cashmere is a natural fibre and can be cared for in various ways.

If you need to wash your cashmere consider that instructions will vary across brands and manufacturers so always read the washing label and take the time to understand what the washing symbols mean.

For our Kopila pieces we would recommend the following. 

Always try spot cleaning cashmere first, meaning the garment needs washing less often and also saves precious water. Keeping cashmere knitwear clean in this way also helps avoid moth damage too. 

To prolong the life of your Kopila garment and for the lowest environmental impact, we recommend steam cleaning at home. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for steam cleaning cashmere before you start.

It may also be possible to find an eco friendly and chemical free dry cleaner in your area - eco friendly dry cleaners use natural products with safe non toxic ingredients that don't negatively impact the environment.

We also recommend hand washing our lighter weight pieces in cool water.

Please see our care guide on our product pages or your garments care label for instructions.

Can you put cashmere in the washing machine?

We would not recommend machine washing our Kopila pieces.  

It is however possible to wash some cashmere when needed in a washing machine. Select the wool or delicate cycle and use a detergent suitable for delicate garments like silk and wool.

We would recommend a fragrance free environmentally friendly detergent.

Do not use a fabric softener as this will coat the fibres and can cause pilling.

Turn your cashmere clothing inside out before machine washing to preserve softness and wash your pieces either individually to avoid any colours mixing or group cashmere jumpers and other items into similar colours.

Then follow our advice for drying cashmere sweaters, cardigans, jumpers and other cashmere accessories like wraps, socks and scarfs below.

How to handwash cashmere knitwear

If you chose to hand wash your Kopila cashmere please do so in cool water and only ever with a non-toxic detergent made for delicate garments.

To handwash, turn your cashmere garment inside out and gently wash your pieces individually, avoiding rubbing fibres as this encourages shrinkage.

Never leave your cashmere to soak. Rinse in cool, clean water to ensure there is no leftover detergent in the fibres. When you’re happy it’s clean and thoroughly rinsed, gently press out any excess water using a towel to absorb excess moisture. Please do not wring out as this again will encourage shrinkage.

How to dry cashmere knitwear

The best way to dry your cashmere piece is to lay your garment flat on an airier immediately after the excess water has been removed. Place in a warm room with ventilation.

Never place wet cashmere in the tumble dryer or near a heat source. Do not hang on a clothes line as this will stretch the fibres and pull your garment out of shape. This applies to cashmere blankets, socks and other accessories too.

Please do see our garment labels and the product. pages on our site for full care guidance for our Kopila pieces.