How to store cashmere
The most common causes of cashmere damage — moth holes and stretched-out shapes — are both preventable with the right storage habits. The approach is straightforward: wash before storing, fold rather than hang, use cedar not mothballs, and keep the storage environment cool and dry.
Always wash before storing
Wash cashmere before putting it away for the season. Body oils, perspiration, and food residue that are invisible to the eye are highly attractive to clothes moths, which lay eggs in natural protein fibers. Moths are not attracted to the fiber itself so much as to the organic matter left in it. Storing a worn, unwashed cashmere sweater is one of the most reliable ways to find it damaged when you take it out again. Even if the garment seems clean and odor-free, wash it before seasonal storage.
Fold, never hang
Cashmere should always be folded and stored flat — never hung on a hanger. Cashmere is a soft, knitted fabric with natural weight. When hung, gravity pulls the fabric downward from the shoulder points, stretching the knit structure and permanently distorting the garment's shape. The shoulders will develop points, the body will lengthen unevenly, and the garment will not recover its original form. Fold cashmere in thirds or in half and stack it in a drawer or on a shelf.
Cedar vs mothballs
Cedar blocks, cedar balls, and cedar sachets are the right choice for moth protection. Cedar contains natural oils that repel moths and their larvae without posing any health risk. The scent is pleasant and mild. Refresh cedar protection every season by lightly sanding the surface to reactivate the oils. Mothballs, by contrast, contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene — both are toxic chemicals with a strong, persistent chemical smell. They are absorbed by fabrics and can be harmful if inhaled. Avoid them entirely.
Breathable storage
Store cashmere in a breathable container: a cotton garment bag, a cotton pillowcase, or an open-weave fabric storage box. Cashmere needs to breathe during storage. Sealed plastic bags trap humidity, which creates the warm, moist conditions that encourage mildew and can cause fibers to deteriorate. If you use a plastic storage bin, line it with cotton and leave the lid slightly ajar or choose a version with ventilation.
Cool, dark, dry location
Heat and humidity accelerate the breakdown of cashmere fibers and create conditions that favor moths and mildew. Store cashmere in the coolest, driest part of your home — typically a bedroom closet rather than an attic or basement. Keep it out of direct sunlight, which fades dye over time and weakens protein fibers with prolonged exposure. A drawer or closed shelf in a climate-controlled room is ideal.
Seasonal rotation
Before bringing cashmere out for a new season, air each piece for several hours in a clean, dry space away from direct sunlight. This allows any residual storage odors to dissipate and gives you a chance to check each garment for moth damage before wearing it. If you find small holes — the signature sign of moth larvae — isolate that garment, check everything else it was stored with, and treat the storage area. Inspect cedar blocks and replace or refresh them at the start of each season.
Frequently asked questions
Should you hang or fold cashmere?
Always fold. Hanging cashmere causes it to stretch irreversibly under its own weight. The shoulder area distorts first, followed by the body length. Fold cashmere and store it flat in a drawer or on a shelf.
How do you protect cashmere from moths?
Wash cashmere before storing it — moths are attracted to organic residue in the fibers, not the fiber itself. Store with cedar blocks or cedar balls, which repel moths naturally. Keep stored cashmere in a cool, dry place and check it periodically for damage.
Can you store cashmere in plastic bags?
No. Plastic bags seal in humidity, which can cause mildew and deteriorate cashmere fibers over a storage season. Use breathable cotton garment bags, cotton pillowcases, or fabric storage boxes that allow air circulation.
How do you store cashmere long term?
Wash it first, fold it flat, place cedar blocks in the storage area, and keep it in a breathable cotton bag in a cool, dark, dry location. Check and refresh cedar protection annually. Inspect stored garments before putting them away and when taking them out.
What is the best way to fold a cashmere sweater?
Lay the sweater face down flat. Fold one sleeve across the back, then the other. Fold the sides in so the sweater is roughly one third of its original width. Fold the bottom half up to meet the neck. This method minimizes sharp crease lines and keeps the garment compact for stacking.
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