Quick answer
Hand wash your cashmere jumper in cool water with a gentle wool detergent, rinse without wringing, and dry it flat away from heat. Store it folded with cedar protection rather than on a hanger.
Why hand washing beats the machine for cashmere
Cashmere fibres are fine and delicate. Machine agitation and hot water can cause them to mat together, which shows up as a shrunken, stiff jumper. Hand washing gives you control over water temperature and movement, so the fibres stay smooth and the shape holds.
If your machine has a dedicated wool or hand-wash cycle and you use a mesh laundry bag, a cold, low-spin cycle is a reasonable shortcut. But check the care label first: some cashmere blends still specify hand wash only, and a jumper with a loose knit or embellishment is safer washed by hand.
The olive shade advantage and one colour caution
A rich olive cashmere jumper is versatile, but deep or saturated dyes can release a little colour in the first wash. Wash it separately from light colours the first few times, and don't leave it soaking longer than the directions allow.
Turn the jumper inside out before washing to protect the outer surface from friction, and keep the shape in mind when you lift it wet: support the whole garment with both hands rather than grabbing it by one shoulder.
Drying and storing without stretching or moths
Never hang a wet cashmere jumper. The weight of the water pulls the shoulders and hem out of shape. Lay it flat on a clean towel, reshape it gently, and let it air dry away from direct sun or radiators.
For storage, fold the jumper and keep it in a drawer or on a shelf. Hanging it on a padded hanger for a day is fine, but long-term hanging stretches the shoulders. Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths, and give the jumper a day to air between wears so it stays fresh longer.
Step-by-step cashmere jumper care
- Check the care label and test for colour bleed: Read the label for any fibre blend or washing restrictions. Before the first full wash, press a damp white cloth against an inside seam for a few seconds; if colour transfers, wash the jumper separately in cool water and skip any soaking. A quick colour test on an inside seam saves you from a ruined load.
- Fill a basin with cool water and gentle detergent: Use water that feels cool to the touch and a detergent made for wool or cashmere. Stir the detergent in before adding the jumper. Never pour detergent directly onto the dry fabric, as it can leave a patchy residue. Detergent goes into the water first, not onto the jumper.
- Soak and gently squeeze, never rub or wring: Submerge the jumper and let it soak for about five minutes. Gently press the suds through the fabric with your palms. Avoid rubbing, twisting or stretching. Lift the jumper out with both hands supporting its weight. If you feel tempted to wring it out, stop: squeezing is enough.
- Rinse in cool water until the water runs clear: Refill the basin with clean cool water and press the jumper gently to release detergent. Repeat until no suds remain. Do not run water directly onto the jumper, as the force can distort the knit. Leftover detergent makes cashmere feel stiff, so rinse one extra time if unsure.
- Remove excess water without wringing: Lift the jumper and press it between your palms over the basin. Then lay it on a clean, dry towel, roll the towel up loosely and press down to absorb more water. Do not twist the towel. Rolling in a towel removes water without stressing the fibres.
- Dry flat and reshape while damp: Place the jumper on a fresh dry towel or a mesh drying rack, smoothing it into its natural shape. Keep it away from direct heat and sunlight. Turn it over once after a few hours so the underside dries evenly. Hanging or tumble drying is the fastest way to shrink a cashmere jumper.
- Fold for storage and protect from moths: Once completely dry, fold the jumper and store it flat in a drawer or on a shelf. Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets nearby. Avoid hanging for long periods, and never store it in a plastic bag, which traps moisture. A breathable cotton bag plus cedar is better than plastic.
Product care note
- POA WOMEN'S CASHMERE JUMPER - OLIVE: Crafted in a soft cashmere with a round neck and rich olive shade. The round neck and solid colour make it easy to pair, but the soft cashmere still needs gentle hand washing to keep its shape and texture.
POA WOMEN'S CASHMERE JUMPER - OLIVE
