CHINTI MEETS HELLO KITTY - SHOP OUR NEW COLLABORATION
ORDER BY THE 18TH OF DECEMBER TO GET ORDERS IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS - LEARN MORE HERE
SAVE THE CHILDREN COLLABORATION IS BACK - DISCOVER NOW
THE HOLIDAY SHOP IS BACK - DISCOVER NOW
PERSONALISATION SERVICE IS NOW AVAILABLE - MAKE YOUR NEXT PURCHASE TRULY UNIQUE
WELCOME TO CHINTI & PARKER
Updating Please Wait . . .
We believe that cashmere jumpers – as well as cashmere cardigans, cashmere track pants and even cashmere accessories – are an essential component of every well-edited wardrobe. One of the world’s finest and most delicate natural fibres, your pieces will last for decades with the proper cashmere care.
The experts here at Chinti & Parker show you how to care for your cashmere below…
When it comes to washing your cashmere, you have two options: by hand or in the machine. Machine washing is our co-founder Rachael’s favourite method. She says, “I swear by machine washing my knits. It’s an environmentally friendly alternative to dry cleaning and great if you’re too time-poor – or too lazy – for hand washing.” Machine washing of cashmere is most suitable for lighter gauges, rather than your chunky knits. If you are opting to wash cashmere in the machine, we suggest using the delicate or woollens cycle, selecting the lowest-speed spin setting and a cold temperature. We also recommend using a gentle detergent developed especially for knitwear. If in doubt, then washing your knits by hand is a failsafe option. See our step-by-step to hand washing, below.
Hand washing your cashmere will always produce the best results if you have the time to do so. Ensure you wash your knits every three to four wears, even if they aren't visibly stained, as moths will flock to pieces that have any remnant of debris.
Start by filling your clean sink or washbasin with cool water, adding the recommended amount of professional cashmere detergent - you can find our favourite products to use below - although baby shampoo works well as an alternative. Be careful not to use anything harsh that may damage the delicate cashmere fibres.
Turn your cashmere inside out and submerge it in the soapy water, gently swishing it around and leaving to soak for five minutes. Wash lighter colours first, followed by dark colours, to prevent running. Spot treat any stains with a small amount of neat detergent and gently massage to loosen the debris from the fibres.
Thoroughly rinse your item of cashmere in clean water - the same temperature as it was washed in - until the water is clear and free of soap.
Unroll the towel and place your sweater in its natural shape on a flat surface or mesh drying rack until it is completely dry. Cool iron on reverse if necessary.
Press out the excess water, but do not wring or twist. Place your cashmere lengthways on a clean, dry bath towel then roll it up evenly. Gently press down onto the roll to help the towel absorb the excess water.
Gently unroll the towel and reshape your piece to its original shape and size. Lie it on a flat surface or mesh drying rack until completely dry, away from direct heat and sunlight. Avoid radiators, too.
We don’t recommend hanging cashmere pieces to dry - or ever, as a matter of fact - as the weight of the water can stretch the fibres and cause permanent damage.
Never tumble dry your cashmere; this is the fastest way to shrink and damage your garments.
If you find that you need to iron your cashmere, do so on a cool setting and on the reverse of your piece.
Using a steam iron to steam your cashmere is by far the best and safest way to finish off your pieces. Ironing runs the risk of crushing or flattening the natural pile of the delicate fibres and pulling them out of shape.
Carefully hover the steam iron over the cashmere piece without pressing down, and any creases will fade away.
If you don’t have a steam iron, a normal iron can be used, but on the coolest setting with the garment inside out.
Though knowing how to wash cashmere jumpers and accessories properly is maybe the most important cashmere care skill to master, here are some other good habits that will help you make sure they stay in tip-top condition for longer.
Although you probably want to be enveloped in your favourite cashmere sweater all through the winter, wearing your pieces too often will wear them out faster. Cashmere - like many delicate knits - is prone to piling. If you’ve worn it for a day, we recommend letting it rest for two to three days before wearing it again.
Your cashmere pieces should only be washed when absolutely necessary - when you notice debris or marks. It is possible to wash cashmere too often; even following the careful guidance above, as too frequent washing will increase wear and tear. You can protect cashmere from sweat by wearing a T-shirt underneath.
Always fold your cashmere, rather than hang, keeping it in a drawer, storage box, or our specialist cloth bags. If you are storing your cashmere pieces over a longer seasonal period, first make sure that it is freshly laundered, as dirt, hair and sweat can all attract moths. We recommend storing your cashmere with cedarwood stars to keep moths at bay, or placing them in plastic zip-lock bags.
Our in-depth guide has more information on how to store your cashmere.
We're thrilled to announce our collaboration with Cashmere Repair, offering the Chinti and Parker Community in the UK a repair solution for their beloved Chinti and Parker x items. Cashmere Repair is a group of experts with the expertise to breathe fresh life into your cherished cashmere wardrobe.
Use cedar balls or lavender sachets as your best defence against moths. Remember to replace these products each season as their smell – and therefore their efficacy – fades. Don’t place cedar or lavender in direct contact with your cashmere as the oils can transfer and stain.
If you see a moth flying around and suspect that it has been near your cashmere, it’s not too late to take preventative measures. We recommend sealing the affected items in a plastic bag and placing them into the freezer. Leave for 48 hours, then let the pieces return to room temperature before washing and laying them flat to dry, following the instructions above.
For more information on getting rid of clothes moths, please visit our previous guide.
The fuzzy little balls that may initially form on your cashmere are a natural occurrence and not indicative of poor quality. Referred to as “pilling”, this process is an inevitable consequence of the delicate nature of fine cashmere. To gently de-pill your sweaters, use a cashmere comb or electric de-bobbler. Be careful not to overdo de-pilling for risk of damaging the fibres. Regular and careful washing will also help to minimise the appearance of pilling.
When cashmere care is done properly - and with the correct products - your pieces will last for years to come. Below are Chinti & Parker’s favourites when it comes to keeping your cashmere in top condition:
Gently cleanse and maintain the fibres of your cashmere sweaters. Fragranced with notes of sweet lavender - a natural moth repellent - and free from chlorine and bleach.
Gently refresh your cashmere garments in between washes. Our Garment Refresher is designed to neutralise odours when misted over clothing.
Keep moths away from your delicate cashmere with these gorgeously smelling cedar stars.
Make your cashmere last forever. Our wooden comb will help you look after your cashmere, by de-pilling any pieces to leave them looking new and refreshed.
