Cashmere guide courtesy of Whistles

Last weekend I discovered two things. Whistles, one of the best high street (if I dare to put it in this category at all) brands opened a new shop just a few minute drive from where I live, so no longer it will require a long journey to go and see all the beautiful things they have on their website.

Seeing the shop being prepared for opening made me want to check the newest additions on-line and this is when I saw the cashmere line made of cosy-shaped sweaters and jumpers that you would never want to take off.

In addition to that, Whistles published a cashmere care guide, which I found very useful and beautifully presented, so I took liberty to add it to the blog.

* Clean out the sink to ensure there are no other products that can damage your cashmere.

* Fill your sink or basin with cool water and add the recommended amount of fine-garment detergent to the basin.

* Briskly run your hand through the water to distribute the detergent and generate suds.

* Turn your garment inside out, submerge it and gently squeeze the suds through it.

* You can spot clean any dirty areas with a squirt of neat detergent and massage gently with fingertips. Rinse and repeat where necessary.

* Let it soak for 10 minutes.

* Drain the sink and rinse your sweater with cool water until the water rinses clear.

* Gently press water out of the sweater and place it lengthwise on a clean, dry bath towel.

* Roll up the towel, press with your palms to squeeze out excess water. Do not wring or twist.

* Remove the sweater from the towel and smooth it out so it is back to its original shape.

* Lay the sweater flat on a dry towel and let it air-dry, or use a drying rack if you have one. Button up cardigans, pull pockets straight and ensure that sleeves and hems are laid flat to avoid unsightly wrinkles.

Extra tips:

* Buy a detergent specifically intended for fine garments.  The Laundress cashmere shampoo is a good choice, although baby shampoo works quite well.

* Pilling on cashmere is not a sign of poor quality or a fault. The pilling is a natural characteristic of the long fibers. Pills can be easily removed using a cashmere comb, electric depiller or  a sweater stone. Cashmere should not be depilled very often as this will result in holes.

* For the storage fold your cashmere with tissue paper to absorb any moisture. Do not hang cashmere as it will de-shape your garment.

* As a precaution hang cedar balls, keep clothes clean and store garments in cotton bags. You can also use the Moss box from the Total Wardrobe Care. (Additional note from me: you can buy large plastic sealable freezer bags and use them for your cashmere sweaters)

Photo source: Io Donna Italy September 2012