Caring for Fine Fabrics: Cashmere, Silk and Merino

Fine fabrics reward a little attention. Cashmere, silk and merino are not delicate so much as particular — treat them the way they ask to be treated and they will look beautiful for years. Here is how to care for each without fuss.

Cashmere

Wash cashmere by hand in cool water with a gentle, pH-neutral detergent, or use a wool cycle. Never wring it; press the water out and dry flat, reshaping gently, away from direct heat and sun. Store folded, never hung, so the weight of the garment does not stretch the shoulders. A soft de-pilling comb keeps it looking new.

Silk

Silk prefers cool hand-washing with a mild detergent, or professional cleaning for structured pieces. Avoid soaking and avoid the dryer — hang or lay flat in the shade. Iron on the reverse, on a low setting, while the fabric is still slightly damp. Keep silk away from perfume and deodorant, which can mark it over time.

Merino

Merino is the most forgiving of the three. It resists odour naturally, so it needs washing far less often — airing a piece overnight is frequently enough. When you do wash, use a wool cycle or hand-wash cool, and dry flat. Less washing means a longer life.

The simple rules

Cool water, gentle detergent, no wringing, dry flat away from heat, and store folded. Follow those five and your finest pieces will outlast almost everything else you own.

Every LussoVogue piece is made to be kept — cared for well, it only gets better with time.