How to store cashmere sweaters properly

There’s nothing quite like a luxury cashmere sweater. The softness against your skin, the warmth without being heavy, the timeless elegance that never goes out of fashion, cashmere is built to last a lifetime.

But, even the finest cashmere, needs a little extra care to help it last that lifetime. Whether it’s Brodie Cashmere or another brand, we understand the investment put into purchasing cashmere and the importance of protecting it.

Knowing how to store cashmere sweaters properly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your cashmere looking its best. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from how to fold and protect your knits, to the best way to store cashmere sweaters long-term.

Why is it important to store cashmere properly?

Cashmere is one of the world’s most luxurious natural fibres (https://brodiecashmere.com/blogs/news/what-is-meant-by-sustainable-cashmere), known for its exceptional softness, lightweight warmth, and durability. But it is also a delicate material that requires a little more attention than your average knitwear.

The most common enemies of cashmere in storage are moths, moisture, and misshaping. Moth larvae feed on natural protein fibres like cashmere and wool, and a single season of poor storage can leave your favourite sweater riddled with holes. Damp conditions can cause fibres to lose their softness, while incorrect storage methods, such as hanging, can stretch and distort the shape of your garment over time.

At Brodie Cashmere (https://brodiecashmere.com/), we believe that truly caring for your knitwear begins long before you reach for it on a cold morning. A few simple habits can make all the difference between a sweater that lasts a lifetime and one that loses its magic after just a couple of seasons.

How to store cashmere sweaters properly

Storing cashmere properly comes down to three key principles: keeping it clean, keeping it protected, and giving it space to breathe. Follow these steps and your cashmere will stay soft for many seasons to come:

Always clean before storing. Never put a cashmere sweater away dirty. Even if it looks clean, body oils, perfume residue, and invisible food traces are a feast for moths. Most cashmere needs hand washing before storing, unless it’s from Brodie, in which case our products are machine washable (https://brodiecashmere.com/blogs/news/yes-cashmere-is-machine-washable-the-brodie-30-c-care-guide) on a cold wash cycle! Always allow to dry fully before folding - storing damp cashmere is a recipe for mildew and damage to the fibres.

Fold, don’t hang. We’ll go into more detail on this below, but the golden rule is always to fold your cashmere sweaters rather than hang them.

Store in a cool, dry place. Cashmere prefers a stable, cool environment away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading and fibre degradation over time. A wardrobe, chest of drawers, or blanket box works well, as long as it’s dry and well-ventilated.

Don’t overcrowd. Give your cashmere room to breathe. Overstuffing a drawer or shelf can cause creasing and put unnecessary pressure on the fibres.

Is it better to hang or fold cashmere sweaters?

When it comes to cashmere, folding wins every time. While hanging might seem like the most convenient option, especially in a wardrobe where space is at a premium, it can cause real damage to your knitwear.

Why don’t you hang cashmere?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions we hear, and the answer lies in the nature of the fibre itself. Cashmere is incredibly fine and lightweight, and unlike woven fabrics, knitted garments have a natural elasticity. When you hang a cashmere sweater, gravity works against you.

The weight of the garment pulls downwards, stretching the knit at the shoulders and causing the body of the sweater to elongate. Over time, you’ll notice unsightly shoulder bumps where the hanger has pressed into the fabric, and the sweater itself may lose its original shape entirely. Once cashmere has been stretched in this way, it’s very difficult to restore it to its original form.

The best way to store cashmere sweaters is to fold them neatly and lay them flat. If you’re stacking multiple pieces, place the heavier items at the bottom and the lighter, more delicate ones on top.

How to protect cashmere from moths?

Moths are the single biggest threat to stored cashmere, and protection should be part of every storage routine. Here’s how to keep them at bay:

Use cedar. Cedar balls, blocks, or hangers are a natural moth deterrent. Place them in your drawers or storage boxes alongside your cashmere. Cedar releases aromatic oils that moths dislike, but it’s worth noting these oils evaporate over time, so you will need to lightly sand the cedar block surface every few months.

Try lavender. Lavender sachets are another natural option that smells wonderful and helps to deter moths. Tuck them in among your folded sweaters for gentle, fragrant protection.

Avoid mothballs. Traditional mothballs are effective but have a strong chemical odour that can be difficult to remove from cashmere. If you do use them, ensure your sweaters are in sealed bags away from direct contact.

Check regularly. Even with precautions in place, it’s worth checking your stored cashmere periodically throughout the season. Early detection of any moth damage gives you the best chance of protecting your remaining pieces.

Can cashmere sweaters be stored in plastic bags?

Opinions on this differ slightly. On one hand, a sealed plastic bag can offer excellent protection against moths, as they simply can’t get in. On the other hand, cashmere is a natural fibre that benefits from a degree of airflow and storing it in plastic for extended periods can trap moisture, leading to a musty smell or even mildew.

If you do choose to use plastic bags for seasonal storage, make sure your cashmere is completely dry and clean before sealing it away, and consider adding a cedar block or lavender sachet inside the bag. Avoid using thin dry-cleaning bags, as these offer very little protection and can cause yellowing over time.

However, in general, we wouldn’t recommend plastic as a long-term storage solution for cashmere.

What should you store cashmere sweaters in?

The best way to store cashmere sweaters is in a breathable yet protective environment. Here are our top recommendations:

Breathable cotton or canvas storage bags. These allow air to circulate while protecting your sweaters from dust, light, and opportunistic moths. Many come with zip or drawstring closures, making them easy to store on shelves or in a wardrobe.

Acid-free tissue paper. Wrapping your cashmere in acid-free tissue before placing it in a bag or box adds an extra layer of protection and helps to maintain the shape of the garment.

Wooden drawers or boxes with cedar. Cedar-lined drawers or boxes are a classic and beautiful storage solution for fine knitwear. The natural properties of cedar help to deter moths while allowing your cashmere to breathe.

Caring for your cashmere is a form of respect, for the craft that went into making it, for the natural fibre itself, and for the piece you’ve chosen to bring into your wardrobe.

At Brodie Cashmere, every sweater is made to be cherished and worn for decades, not just a season or two. With the right storage habits in place, that’s exactly what you can expect.

If you have any questions about caring for your Brodie pieces, our team is always happy to help. And if you’re looking to add a new sweater to your collection, explore our latest knitwear collection (https://brodiecashmere.com/collections/new-in).