Caring for your cashmere

What is Cashmere ?

Cashmere is a natural fiber obtained from the shearing of a particular species of goat, the Capra Hircus.

It is a luxurious material with specific properties, and its efficiency should be preserved by following certain practices. 

Cashmere is particularly insulating and thermoregulating.
Its unique microscopic structure gives it characteristics that set it apart from other types of wool. 

Indeed, its hollow fiber traps warm air, creating an effective barrier against the cold. This unique nature also makes it a lighter fiber than traditional wools. Thus, a cashmere scarf will be lighter and more insulating than a wool scarf. 

This makes it a warm material for winter and autumn, and cool for spring and summer!

Cashmere is also renowned for being an extraordinarily soft material.

This softness is primarily due to the fineness of cashmere fibers. The diameter of a woll thread varies between 24 to 34 microns. Cashmere threads range between 14 to 20 microns. 

At Douce Gloire, we pay particular attention to the microscopic quality of our cashmere. The same goes for the quality of the wool we use. We ensure that only extremely fine Merino wool is woven, guaranteeing superior comfort and softness.

Woven cashmere is durable, does not wear out easily, and even softens over time. With proper care, a cashmere piece should last a lifetime.

Following these guidelines will help your piece retain its brilliance, softness, and lightness, and significantly extend its lifespan! They will also help you avoid unfortunate felting accidents.

How to Clean your Cashmere ?

First and foremost, we recommend dry cleaning, especially if you are particularly concerned about damaging your piece. However, cashmere is a fiber that appreciates water, so hand washing or even machine washing is also possible.

Cashmere, like wool, is sensitive to high temperatures and intense friction or wringing. These conditions can cause the material to felt.

If you wish to machine wash your cashmere, we strongly recommend following these rules:

Some of our models absolutely prohibit machine washing, including:

This list is not exhaustive. If you have any doubts, do not machine wash your piece and write to us at contact@doucegloire.com !

How to dry your cashmere?

Additionally, wool and cashmere are prone to deforming if they are hung on a drying rack or a radiator (especially if it is warm). Indeed, the weight of the fabric combined with the water retained by the fibers during washing will stretch your stole. 

We recommend laying your scarf on a clean towel (you can gently pat it with another towel to absorb excess water). 

Then let it dry horizontally, completely flat. 

You can iron your cashmere; however, use a special wool setting (low temperature) and minimal steam.

Properly Storing Your Cashmere

Just like with drying, we recommend not hanging your scarf but rather folding it and storing it flat to avoid any deformation.

You can also fold your scarf and place it in a fabric pouch for optimal protection.

Let Your Cashmere Rest

We advise you not to wear your favorite cashmere scarf every day! Cashmere fibers also need to rest.

By spacing out the wears, you will preserve the fiber’s suppleness, reduce friction, and be able to keep it for a long time.

Cashmere wool is a natural fiber, and it needs proper care!

The No. 1 enemy of cashmere... moths!

Cashmere garments and scarves are unfortunately highly sought after by moths as they feed on the fiber.

We recommend lightly treating your cashmere items with a natural repellent (lavender, cedar wood, etc.) before storing them in airtight bags. You can apply the same rule for your sweaters and other cashmere clothing.

You can now enjoy your cashmere scarves.