Caring for credit crunch cashmere

Cashmere is one of the most luxurious of fibers. It feels fabulous to wear and drapes the body beautifully. It’s also four times warmer than wool, so in the depths of winter it’s a perfect time to invest, plus with shops dramatically cutting prices; a cashmere cardigan or jumper might be picked up for a bargain.

Cashmere often has a bad reputation for bobbling and losing shape quickly. Michael Hall, designer from MH Cashmere, who only works with cashmere, has some important advice and tips for people who already own cashmere or who are thinking about picking up a bargain this winter. “Well cared for cashmere should last a long time and it does get better with age. Cashmere is a special material and people need to understand the nature of the fabric, for example the bobbling effect that occurs is a natural by-product of the material, which many don’t realise. So don’t despair, just get to know how to get the best out of your garment,” says Michael.

Michael’s advice includes:

- Don’t wear cashmere for more than three times before washing it otherwise it will start to lose its shape. Never wear two days in a row.
- Contrary to myth, cashmere can be washed at a low temperature, no more than 30 degrees. It’s best washed with a gentle fabric cleaner like Woolite which has no harsh ingredients. It should be laid flat to dry.
- Pills and fuzz are natural features of cashmere and they will decrease over time. In the meantime, pick off these little bobbles, but be careful not to pull too hard. Invest in a fuzz comb if in doubt and brush quickly and lightly, holding the fabric taught.
- One of the best home gadgets for anyone who loves fashion is a steamer. Steam is great for all fabric as it breathes life into the material, plus combines a powerful decreasing action (so you don’t need to iron which is damaging to cashmere and many other fabrics) along with a cleansing action, which dispels odor for example. Propress steamers, a leading brand used by fashion companies from Ted Baker to Gucci, and also in the home, can also provide a cashmere brush for added care.

For more information on steamers, log on to Propress.co.uk. MH Cashmere can be found in boutiques across the UK and in online stores. Visit mhcashmere.co.uk.