How to Store Cashmere in Summer

Why Cashmere Demands Special Care

If you’ve ever folded a cashmere sweater and worried over it the way someone might with a family photo, you’ll understand: cashmere can feel almost alive, delicate yet undeniably resilient. When summer’s heat rolls in, we want to store our cashmere pieces, not just hide them away but protect all that softness so it’s just as welcoming next autumn. This isn’t just about moths or dust, though those are real concerns. It’s about the secret life of fibers, about calm preservation. Cashmere asks for a kind of gentle attention in summer, which, if we’re honest, is part of the pleasure of owning it. After all, isn’t there something quietly rewarding about rituals done right? The same goes for storing our favorite Italian knitwear until cooler days return.

Cleaning Prep Before You Store

Before you pack away cashmere for the season, it matters, truly—to start with a clean foundation. We always recommend either a gentle hand wash using cool water and a mild soap, or, if you're not feeling adventurous, a trusted dry cleaner who knows their way around natural fibers. Even the cleanest sweater somehow holds onto a trace of perfume or that late spring breeze from the last wear, and those little traces are exactly what attracts moths. So take time here and don’t rush the process. When the fabric emerges, dry it flat on a cotton towel, coaxing it back to shape—not stretching, just smoothing it out. It’s the same way old tailors in Florence would do it, and their sweaters seemed to last half a lifetime—sometimes more. If you’re looking to invest in a modern classic, our Oprah Daily Cashmere Zip Cardigan has a weight and texture that only gets better when cared for properly.

How to Store Cashmere in Summer: Step by Step

The best place to store cashmere in summer is somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. We tend to favor cotton storage bags over synthetic bins, which let the fibers breathe. If you’re feeling a bit old school, even a clean pillowcase works. This approach is lighter, feels less like hiding something away, and keeps moisture out, something plastic can’t guarantee. It’s important to fold each sweater or wrap rather than hang it. Hanging will pull the delicate fabric, and you’ll be left with shoulder knobs no grandmother would tolerate. Consider lightly layering silky tissue between pieces for added softness. If you like a quiet but effective approach to deterring moths, a handful of cedar balls or a lavender sachet tucked nearby does wonders—without leaving any strange after-scent. When everything’s set, place your items on a closet shelf or a drawer where the air isn’t too stuffy. If you’re a fan of cashmere wraps or ponchos, they store just as easily with a bit of thoughtful folding. Take a look at the Monticelli collection for ideas on pieces worth preserving season after season.

A Note on Breathability and Space

One of the most ignored secrets of keeping cashmere happy through hot months is simply allowing it to breathe. Cramped drawers or bins are a recipe for mustiness, so we always give our favorites a bit of personal space. Picture the rows of neatly folded sweaters at your favorite Italian shop, not packed tight but spaced so air can move. It’s a small act, but it makes a difference, especially for made-to-order pieces like our Pure Cashmere Hoodie, where every fiber craves a little room. What you want is a sense of quiet order: enough space that each piece keeps its shape, not pressed flat but gently rested. Your future self, come October, will thank you for it.

Signs of a Well-Stored Cashmere Garment

Open a drawer at summer’s end and a properly stored cashmere piece should look almost as inviting as it did on the shop floor. The knit will feel springy, not limp, and there won’t be odd creases or a single moth hole in sight. The color holds its quiet richness, whether it’s creamy beige, deep navy, or sky blue. Even the scent should be neutral and clean, maybe with a faint trace of lavender if you’ve tucked a sachet nearby. When you slide your arm into the sleeve again, it should feel, somehow, like coming home. That’s the mark of knowing how to store cashmere in summer—not forced, not fussy, just quietly well done.

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