As the air gets colder, it makes sense to start shopping for winter clothes. They’re key to surviving weather changes as well as fitting the mood. And one of the most coveted outfit fabrics during this change in season is cashmere.
This material is very effective in keeping cold air from penetrating your skin, making it a must-have for chilly conditions. However, cashmere shopping can get overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. Plus, it’s on the pricier side. So, it’s all the more important to find the best picks.
For winter fashion enthusiasts like you, here are some tips for shopping for cashmere:
- Always Choose Reputable Brands
A multitude of clothing brands exist today, so how can you choose which ones to trust? It’s possible to get ripped off when you’re buying cashmere from just any seller.
That’s why you should always stick with reputable brands. These companies put in the work to source the best fabrics for their items and keep them well-maintained until they’re available in retail outlets. They also provide a wider selection of items than ordinary sellers, so you always get the most quality out of even basic items, like the one you can find here.
For a luxuriously soft alternative to a scarf, choose a cashmere wrap. For the highest quality possible, opt for one made from 100% cashmere, such as the wraps sold at Italy In Cashmere.
Cashmere Wrap from Italyincashmere.com
- Prioritize Cashmere Quality
Some brands disclose their cashmere grade, but not all. When going cashmere shopping, you should be checking the quality yourself.
There are ways for you to do this. A cashmere item’s quality can be determined by touching it, stretching it, and checking for fibers. Here’s a breakdown for how to go about it:
It’s common sense to go for soft cashmere. However, if the cashmere is too soft, it may have been overwashed on purpose. This may be bad for the material since it has undergone heavy treatment, affecting its overall quality and longevity.
Next, you need to inspect the item’s pilling. Try rubbing your hand along the cashmere’s fibers. The resulting friction may create bobbles or shedding on loose fibers. If you observe this, you should find a different product. Longer fibers are always better.
Test whether the cashmere retains its shape by stretching it. As you do so, observe the threads carefully. A tighter knit indicates a sturdier product, meaning the item consists of high-quality fabric. A see-through one tells you that it’s more prone to tears and holes.
Cashmere sweaters can last a very long time if properly cared for, giving you more value for your purchase. Therefore, you should shop with the thought of going for pieces that are timeless and can fit well with different trends. Stick to neutral and basic tones and colors, as they’re safer to mix and match them with different kinds of bottoms. Check out some of the best winter fashion trends to figure out which cashmere colors work best.
- Don’t Overlook The Label
Another piece of shopping advice is to check the label. As mentioned, you can’t trust all brands to be honest with their products. But you can at least be guided by what’s indicated in these tiny tags. The term 100% cashmere can only be applied to pure cashmere sweaters.
It’s actually illegal to mislabel cashmere if it’s not legitimate. So, this should be of great help for you when spotting real cashmere from fake.
You can also find out how to take care of the item on the label. There are guide instructions on how to wash cashmere properly. For example, some products only require hand-washing or dry cleaning. Follow the specific instructions for each one if you want to keep them in their best condition.
Finally, after learning the right way to wash your cashmere, it’s time to store them properly.
Keep your cashmere sweaters folded in a drawer or on an airy shelf to prevent them from getting squashed. Never hang your sweaters to dry just as you would when washing them.
Also, avoid storing them in airtight bags or zip locks. This may suffocate the fibers in the cashmere and crimp them.
Conclusion
Cashmere can be enjoyed through all seasons, except summer, of course. Since they make for great outfit pieces, they’re definitely a great addition to your closet. Let this guide help you find the best cashmere items for your collection.