Cashmere Sweater
Treat Yourself: The Luxury of a Cashmere Sweater
A cashmere sweater is still one of the most luxurious purchases you can make for yourself. It takes about four years of growing for a goat to have enough of that soft, lush wool for a cashmere piece so there is a cost for that kind of quality. Most cashmere articles are still produced in the country of Scotland.
There are differing percentages of cashmere. When purchasing a cashmere sweater, you want to make sure you take your time and purchase a high quality piece that is worth the money you are paying for it. It is best (if it fits your budget) to go for 100% pure cashmere.
When picking your new sweater, make sure to feel the fabric. A high quality piece will not feel coarse - with cashmere the softer the better. A good quality cashmere sweater should also retain its shape.
Though more expensive than most articles of clothing, your cashmere sweater should last a lifetime if you care for it properly.
Though most people think cashmere needs to go to the dry cleaner, there's no reason you can't wash it at home if you have the time to do so. Most cashmere sweaters can be washed safely at home by hand. A gentle detergent should be fine and baby shampoo is another option for cleaning your cashmere. Sending your cashmere to the dry cleaners if an option if you're in a rush, but the chemicals that cleaners use may actually damage your sweater in the long run.
To wash your cashmere sweater by hand, you should use a small sink or basin. Follow the instructions on the back of your detergent or shampoo in terms of amount and water temperature. Then you should place your sweater in the soapy water and allow it to sit for approximately 20 minutes. After that rinse your sweater, until the water runs clear.
Be sure not to wring out your sweater because this can affect its shape. Instead of wringing the sweater, you should gently pat it dry with a towel. Too much sun and heat can also have a negative effect on your sweater so be sure to dry it in a place that is away from direct sunlight and heating vents.
Your cashmere sweater might develop small fuzz balls over time. You can remove these with a lint roller. A disposable razor can also be used to remove large fuzzies without damaging the sweater.