The Derek Rose Cashmere Care Guide

Step 1. Washing

Begin by filling a clean sink or basin with cool water. Add the recommended dose of a specialist wool or cashmere detergent. Ordinary detergents can be too harsh and strip the natural oils that make cashmere soft and supple.

Turn your garment inside out before submerging it gently in the water. Let it soak for around 20 minutes, allowing the detergent to lift away impurities. Avoid rubbing or wringing, as friction can cause felting or stretching.

Once soaked, drain the sink and rinse your knit thoroughly in cool, clean water until all detergent is removed. Then, press the garment gently against the side of the sink to release excess water — never twist or wring your cashmere.

Expert tip: Wash your cashmere only when necessary. Often, a gentle airing or spot cleaning will refresh it beautifully.

Step 2. Drying

Lay your knit flat on a clean, dry towel, then roll it up carefully, pressing as you go to absorb more moisture. Avoid wringing or twisting.

Unroll the towel and reshape the garment gently, smoothing it back to its original shape. Lay it flat on another dry towel or a mesh drying rack, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause shrinkage.

Expert tip: Never hang wet cashmere as it will stretch out of shape under its own weight. 

Step 3. De-Pilling

Pilling is a natural characteristic of cashmere and occurs where fibres rub against each other — it’s not a sign of poor quality. To restore your knit to a smooth finish, use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver.

Lay the garment flat and taut on a clean surface, and gently comb in one direction to lift away the pills. Take care not to use the comb on ribbed or cable-knit areas, where the texture should remain untouched.

Good to know: Regular de-pilling actually helps strengthen the fabric and keeps your cashmere looking new.

Step 4. Storing  

When it comes to storing your cashmere, always fold it rather than hanging to avoid stretching. Keep your knitwear in a drawer or breathable cotton storage bag to protect it from dust.

To guard against moths and pests, add a few cedarwood balls or lavender sachets — natural repellents that also leave your cashmere smelling heavenly.

Expert tip: Before storing for the warmer months, ensure your cashmere is freshly washed and completely dry. Moths are attracted to natural fibres with traces of body oils or perfume

Does cashmere shrink?

Cashmere can shrink if it isn't washed with care. Because it’s a delicate natural fibre, excessive heat or rough handling when wet can cause the fibres to contract, leading to a smaller, misshapen garment.

To prevent this, always hand wash your cashmere in cold water using a specialist detergent designed for wool or cashmere. Avoid hot water and vigorous handling as these are the main causes of unwanted shrinkage. 

Will cashmere shrink if I dry clean it?

Most premium cashmere pieces are labelled “Dry Clean Only,” and professional dry cleaning is considered a safe alternative to hand washing. When done properly, cashmere will not shrink during dry cleaning.

That said, we recommend hand washing with care whenever possible, as it’s gentler on the fibres and helps maintain the fabric’s softness and longevity over time. Dry cleaning should be reserved for structured or embellished garments that aren’t suitable for immersion in water.

Can I unshrink cashmere?

Happily, the answer is yes — at least, most of the time. Whether you can restore your cashmere to its original size depends on how severely it has been shrunk. If the change isn’t too dramatic, there’s a good chance you can gently bring it back to shape by following these steps.

Start by washing your cashmere as outlined above using cool water and a specialist detergent. Once it’s been rinsed and gently pressed to remove excess water, lay it flat on a clean towel.

Next, carefully stretch the fabric. Using both hands, gently pull in opposite directions, working with larger sections rather than small areas to keep the stretch even and consistent. Your goal is to coax the fibres to relax, not force them.

Work slowly and patiently, stretching the fabric in all directions one section at a time. Avoid tugging too hard or too quickly as this could weaken the yarn or even cause small holes. Take your time to achieve a smooth, uniform shape.

Once you’re happy with the size and shape, lay the garment flat to dry naturally. When dry, your cashmere should feel softer and look closer to its original fit.

Expert tip: While this method often works for mild shrinkage, severe felting or heat damage may be irreversible. Always treat cashmere gently to prevent shrinking in the first place.

Shop Men's Cashmere

Shop Women's Cashmere