5 Tips to make your Cashmere Scarf last a lifetime

There are a hundred reasons why Cashmere is a staple in the winter seasons. Apart from being the warmest wrap that one might wear, Cashmere scarves are lightweight immensely. Hence these are so easy to carry, and even store when not needed. Cashmere scarves fold into a small size and can fit in a handbag. The warmth it provides versus the weight it carries is such a mismatch! 

History of Cashmere scarves

Cashmere scarves have been popular not just now, but ever since Cashmere wool was discovered. It was the 15th century when a Persian saint travelled to Kashmir, and in Ladakh found a rare goat. The saint noticed that the goat grew Cashmere as an undercoat and it was soft and extraordinarily warm. Hence he ordered a pair of socks to be made from it and gifted it to the then king of Kashmir. The king ordered processing units to be set up to transform this fine wool into the fabric. This Cashmere scarf came into existence, as the most luxurious accessory of those times. 

Soon the news of Cashmere getting transformed to luxury scarves spread all over the world, and Europe showed a particular interest. Women and men from Europe visited Kashmir in groups and saw for themselves how magically soft and beautiful Cashmere was. Hence, they too purchased a few pieces, to start with, and later exported scarves in hundreds. And since it was expensive, only queens, kings, or those from the royal court or the affluent ones could afford it. The most famous fashioning episode was when Emperor Napoleon gifted his wife Empress Josephine a Cashmere scarf (Kani weave), and she was totally obsessed with it. She later ordered a few hundred pieces for herself and her friends and family.

Since the Empress was a style icon of her time, this episode made Cashmere more cherished, and women from every section of the society wanted to have one. 

Where does Cashmere come from?

To know how to keep your Cashmere fresh and new forever, we need to know its origin and types. This is because the purest of Cashmere needs extra care and attention, as compared to some low-quality ones. 

Cashmere grows as an undercoat on the body of a rare goat species found around the Himalayas. The goat is the Capra Hircus and is popularly called the Cashmere goat. Countries around the Himalayas are hence rich in the production of Cashmere. China and Mongolia are the top producers of Cashmere, while Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India follow. However, the best quality Cashmere comes from Ladakh, North India. In the Ladakh region, Cashmere goats are called Changthangi goats, which grow Cashmere as an undercoat on their underbelly, neck, ears, and in fewer quantities on other body parts.

This fine wool is manually combed off their bodies in the summer season and processed to make Cashmere scarves. Ladakhi Cashmere is the warmest, fine, soft, and luxury variety of all the Cashmere varieties. Hence it needs special care and handling. Here are some expert tips to keep your Cashmere scarf fresh, and make it last for a lifetime.

Tips to make your Cashmere scarf last a lifetime

The first and the foremost tip to keep your Cashmere fresh and new forever is investing in a pure cashmere scarf. Some sellers mix Cashmere threads with silk or nylon, and these scarves do not last for more than a year. Hence the first thing to do is buy a pure one. Here are the tips to make a Cashmere scarf last for a lifetime.

1. Hand washing it with a gentle shampoo

Cashmere scarves should always be washed by hand. It should be soaked in a mixture of lukewarm water and Cashmere shampoo (which is easily available in the market). After soaking it for around 30 minutes, it should be rinsed with cold water, and gently squeezed between hands to take the excess water off.

Cashmere should be washed once or twice a year. The scarf is a gentle one, and frequent washing will lead to the destruction of the fibre. 

2. Air drying Cashmere 

Cashmere should never be tumble-dried. Air drying is the best option if you want your scarf to live long. Simply place your scarf in between two clean and dry towels and roll all layers together. This gets rid of excess water. Now place your scarf on the floor and let it air dry. Do not hang a wet Cashmere, lest it lose its shape. 

3. Storing Cashmere scarf in a safe place

Cashmere demands proper storage. Hence it should be stored in a cool, dry, clean, and moisture-free place. Cashmere scarf should be wrapped in a muslin cloth before storing it, to prevent any moisture formation. Plastic should be avoided at all costs. If you own a number of Cashmere scarves, they should not be piled over each other without any separation layer. This keeps your scarf from bobbling and as a result looking old and withered. 

Also read: How to care for cashmere?

4. You don't need to add softeners to Cashmere

A number of women ask us if they can add fabric softeners to their Cashmere scarves to make them ‘even softer’. The Answer is NO! Cashmere is already extraordinarily soft. It will become even softer as it ages. However, if you find your Cashmere scarf to be itchy and allergy-causing, there is a chance your scarf is not made of Pure Cashmere. Get it checked immediately. 

5. Special Cashmere scarves for special days

The more you wear a cashmere scarf, the more you will need to wash it, and the more withered it can look. Cashmere should be worn on special occasions so that it gets less friction. Everyday wear will cause more friction and might lead to its bobbling. Less use of the same keeps it from everyday wear and tear, and hence safe from damage.

These are some specialist tips from our fabric experts which keep your Cashmere scarves new and fresh forever. This way, your scarf will acquire a vintage look with time, and look even more graceful than a new one.

Also read: Do vegans wear Cashmere Scarf?