How to Store Cashmere in Summer

Why Cashmere Needs Special Care in Summer

Let’s be honest for a second. If you’re anything like us, tucking away your favorite cashmere pieces for summer never feels routine, it’s a little ritual, part nostalgia, part longing for crisp autumn mornings. But cashmere is strange—it’s not as needy as silk but far fussier than your everyday cotton tee. When summer’s heat rolls in, those extra warm fibers just don’t make sense on your shoulders. Yet, cashmere can pick up trouble in the off-season—little moths, humidity, even an odd whiff of last winter. Understanding how to store cashmere is less about rules and more about treating these pieces like the old friends they are. If you’ve ever pulled a sweater from storage only to find it looking sad or, worse, chewed on, you get it. We want to share everything we’ve learned so every sweater, robe, or polo feels fresh when the leaves start to fall again.

Prepping Your Cashmere Before Storage

Washing cashmere can stir up a bit of nervous energy, nobody wants to shrink their beloved knitwear. But for summer storage, clean is paramount. Even a hint of perfume or a crumb from breakfast can attract unwanted guests. We recommend gentle hand washing with a soft soap, or if you’re feeling extra protective, professional cleaning is worth the trip. Air dry your pieces on a towel, shaping them gently. Once dry, brush lightly to fluff the fibers. Think of this as tucking in a child before bed—it’s quiet and careful and calls for an extra minute of patience. With each sweater cleaned, folded, and ready, you’re halfway to peace of mind. If you’re curious about styles that feel timeless year after year, take a closer look at our Women's Fine Pure Cashmere Polo in Night Blue—the kind of knit you want to keep in top form.

Finding the Best Place to Store Cashmere

Figuring out where to tuck away your cashmere for the summer takes a bit of old-fashioned thinking. You want cool, dry, and, above all else, clean, a shelf in a closet works better than the attic or garage. And don’t hang your sweaters. They’ll lose their shape faster than you can say ‘nonna’s advice.’ Instead, fold them with care, maybe in a stack that feels like a pile of soft bread loaves. Storage containers matter too. We skip airtight plastic; cotton bags, canvas boxes, or archival paper are more forgiving. They let your pieces breathe—like leaving a window cracked in an empty country house. If in doubt, look for storage that blocks dust and pests, but doesn’t lock in humidity. The goal? Cashmere that comes out of hibernation still smelling faintly of soap, not mothballs.

Protecting Cashmere from Moths and Moisture

Anyone who’s ever pulled out a favorite sweater only to discover tiny holes knows the heartbreak. Moths can’t resist a bit of hidden natural fiber. We like to use cedar sachets or a handful of bay leaves, both are classic and quiet, and they remind us of our grandparents’ wardrobes. Lavenders work as well, but stick to the real thing, not artificial fragrances. It’s easy to toss sachets or little packets in with your folds—low effort, high payoff. If you’re storing in a humid climate, consider a small pouch of silica or a packet meant to catch stray moisture. A tip: avoid storing with newspapers. The ink sometimes rubs off, and the paper isn’t as soft as it looks. For something that feels like a summer cloud, our Women's Pure Cashmere Knit Robe in Pastel Blue is a piece that calls for this kind of careful attention.

Reawakening Your Cashmere in Autumn

The first cool day comes, and like clockwork, we’re drawn to our cashmere, pulling out favorite items that still hold the memory of the last season. When you unpack your knits, give them a gentle shake and let them breathe away from the storage box for a day or two. A soft brush or lint roller helps bring back their plush texture. Don’t be alarmed by a few creases; cashmere relaxes on its own, just like we do after a good rest. This part of the cycle is satisfying, like reuniting with an old friend who has been waiting patiently. If you’re restocking your closet for the coming season, the Monticelli Cashmere collection of wraps and ponchos gives a bit of inspiration for what’s possible when you care well for each piece. Everything we’ve learned about how to store cashmere comes full circle in moments like these.

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