Is there anything that can be done about cashmere sweaters that have shrunk in the wash? That’s the most frustrating question ever. Nobody wants to spend money on an item of clothing only to have it shrink and turn into an unflattering failure they have to return or donate. If you invest in high-quality clothing, it is because you want it to serve you for many years. It’s difficult not to feel like you’ve wasted your money when an item you rely on to get you through the day suddenly becomes too small.
When cleaning out my great-attic, grandmother’s I came across a treasure trove of cashmere sweaters. Even though they were in fine shape, they had (gasp) shrunk in size over the years. I looked up solutions online and taught my friends and family how to do it themselves. It was more difficult to get this data from an online source. Because of this, I decided to write a blog post detailing my research and offering advice to anyone who may have experienced the same difficulties I did while attempting to mend their own clothing.
The fact that cashmere comes from goats makes it incredibly luxurious, but few people know that failing to follow the care instructions can render cashmere useless. Any sweater, even a $300 Vince one, would be rendered unwearable if its threads were severed. It might be funny to see what happens if you throw your cashmere sweater into the washing machine, but is it really worth the risk?
How to Shrink Cashmere Sweaters
Cashmere is a fine, luxurious fiber that is only found in the undercoat of Cashmere goats. It lasts a very long time and keeps you warm. Blending it with materials like wool or silk makes it stronger and more durable. Cashmere provides excellent thermal insulation, even when wet, making it a great choice for winter wear. Machine washing shouldn’t be a problem as long as you know how much your cashmere sweater shrinks before you buy it.
Does Cashmere Shrink?
Due to its low elasticity, cashmere rarely shrinks more than a couple of percent. However, a cashmere sweater may shrink if dry cleaned frequently or washed in hot water. Taking care of your cashmere sweater as directed will keep it from shrinking in the wash. Always check with the manufacturer on the care label before deciding to dry clean your sweater.
Cashmere can be damaged by the harsh chemicals in detergents and the high temperatures of home washing machines. Preventing your cashmere sweater from shrinking can be as simple as following a few simple steps.
Check the Care Instructions
Before you start washing your cashmere sweater, check the care instructions on the label. Different types of cashmere require different methods for washing and drying. Washing machines can damage cashmere sweaters more than dryers, so it’s best to dry them in a dryer rather than a washer. If your sweater doesn’t have any care instructions, check with someone who has more experience with cashmere sweaters than you do.
Use Cold Water
Always wash your cashmere sweaters in cool or cold water. Hot water can cause shrinkage because it will increase the temperature of your washing machine and make it easier for other materials to shrink as well. Warm water may also cause shrinkage if you use too much soap or shampoo, which are both designed to work best at high temperatures. Hot water might also cause premature shedding of cashmere fibers over time if they are washed too often in hot water or allowed to soak too long before rinsing them out thoroughly with cold water
Does Cashmere Shrink in Cold Water
Washing cashmere sweaters in cold water is safe. Cashmere should be washed in a mesh bag or pillowcase with other delicates.
It is recommended that you soak your cashmere in cold water before beginning to hand wash it. This will ensure that the fibers are clean before being agitated in the washing machine and potentially damaged.
It is recommended that you hang dry your cashmere after each wash if it is not pre-shrunk. Wrinkles can be removed from a pre-shrunk sweater by drying it in the dryer for about 10 minutes on low heat.
shrink cashmere sweater one size
Cashmere is a luxury fabric, and it’s not uncommon for people to wonder how to shrink cashmere. Cashmere sweaters are often worn in the winter and can be expensive, so you don’t want to accidentally ruin yours. Fortunately, it’s possible to shrink your cashmere sweater by washing it in hot or warm water.
Cashmere Shrinkage
Let’s discuss the causes of cashmere’s shrinkage before getting into specifics about how much it shrinks. Cashmere is a luxurious fiber that is traditionally derived from goats or sheep. The undercoat of the animals is where the fibers are extracted from, which is why they are so fine and light. Fabrics such as cashmere sweaters and scarves are woven from yarns spun from the downy fibers.
Cashmere is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable materials available. Additionally, it is rumored to shrink in hot water or a hot dryer. Cashmere, like many natural fibers, undergoes a shrinking process when subjected to high temperatures for extended periods of time, especially when combined with water.
How Much Does Cashmere Shrink?
You should never wash any garment made from natural fibers — including cashmere — without reading the tag first (if there is one).
How to Shrink Cashmere
It’s possible that washing your cashmere sweater caused it to shrink. Yes, of course. There’s a pressing need to shrink the cashmere sweater.
Cashmere clothing can be shrunk easily, but there are some considerations to keep in mind beforehand. Cashmere, for instance, can be shrunk in cold water, though this will hasten the pace at which the fabric pills. Wearables can be irreparably harmed by being washed in hot water or dried in a hot dryer. Here’s how to reduce the size of your cashmere sweater without worrying about damaging it.
First, fill a sink with cold water and soak the item for about five minutes, or until the wrinkles disappear with gentle agitation. Following this, you should rinse off the soap with cold water and pat dry with a towel (about 20 minutes).
Finally, put two tennis balls and your sweater in the dryer (do not use fabric softener). Dry it on a low heat setting for 15 minutes at a time until the sweater is back to its original size (which could take several cycles).
