In Focus | How to Wash and Care for a Wool or Cashmere Jumper
At Jam, we’ve always believed the best things in your wardrobe come from the ground, not a laboratory. Organic cotton, merino, and cashmere are natural fibres that breathe, soften with wear and, with a little care, last for years rather than seasons. Cashmere and pure wool is where that really counts and as our winter knits start to drop, including the chunky wool Dutton Cardigan and favourite cashmere hoodie for him or her.
Done properly, wool and cashmere are a luxury worth keeping: sourced with care for the animals and the land they graze, and made to be reached for on every cold coastal morning. Buy fewer pieces, choose them well, and look after them- that’s what we’re about, and it starts with knowing how to wash well.
To wash a wool or cashmere jumper, hand wash it in cold water with a gentle wool detergent, press out the water without wringing, and dry it flat. Get those basics right and a good knit will last for years!
How to Wash a Wool or Cashmere Jumper by Hand
- Check the care label. It overrules everything below.
- Turn the jumper inside out to protect the surface from pilling.
- Fill a basin with cool water (30°C maximum) and add a small amount of wool or delicates detergent.
- Submerge and squeeze gently for a few minutes. Soak for no more than 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse in water of the same temperature until it runs clear. Sudden temperature changes can cause shrinkage.
- Press out the water, don’t wring it. Lay the jumper on a clean towel, roll it up and press.
- Reshape and dry flat, away from radiators and direct sunlight.
Can You Put Cashmere in the Washing Machine?
Sometimes. If the care label allows machine washing, use the wool or delicates programme at 30°C or below, with a low spin speed. Put the jumper inside out in a mesh wash bag and wash it on its own. If the label says hand wash only, or you’re unsure, hand washing is always the safer choice.
Do’s and Don’ts of Wool and Cashmere Care
Do:
- Use a detergent made for wool or delicates
- Fold your knitwear to store it, rather than hanging it, which stretches the shoulders
- Air it between wears
- Remove pills gently with a knitwear comb or fabric shaver
- Store it clean, folded and somewhere dry
Don’t:
- Tumble dry it
- Use biological detergent or bleach, which can damage natural fibres
- Wring, twist or hang a wet jumper
- Put it directly on a radiator
- Iron it flat, as heat can flatten the knit. Steam from a distance instead.
How Often Should You Wash Wool?
Less often than you think. Wool is naturally odour-resistant, so airing a jumper overnight often does the job. Wash after several wears, or when it’s visibly marked. Over-washing wears fibres down faster than wearing ever will.
The Problem of Pilling
Bobbling (pilling) is normal in cashmere, especially when it’s new, but lower quality cashmere made of shorter fibres will pill more than higher quality. The more useful test is what happens over time: high-quality cashmere pills early and then stabilises after a few de-pilling sessions.
Looking After Your Knitwear
This is quite luxury in practice: buying fewer things, choosing them well, and looking after them properly. Our knitwear collection is built to be lived in, from cotton crews and Guernsey-style knits to merino-cotton blend quarter-zips (these are well known for being machine-washable, but that's for another blog!). Whatever you’re washing, follow the care label on the garment and the steps above, and it will keep its shape season after season. You can read more about how we think about lasting, responsible clothing on our sustainability page.
Browse our men’s and women’s knitwear, made to be worn, washed and loved for years.
