Q&A:

Do I have to hand-wash my cashmere sweaters?

The qualities that make cashmere so precious also make it very delicate, so gentle handling is required. Cashmere needs to be aired out after a long day on your body. Between each wearing, lay the garment flat before folding it carefully and replacing it on the shelf. (Never hang cashmere or it will stretch.) Chemicals used in even the best cleaning agents will erode the fibers over time, so treat spots with a damp sponge and avoid allover cleaning more than a few times a year. During the off-season, store cashmere in well-sealed plastic bags or moth-repelling cedar.