Cashmere regularly features at the top of every luxury lover's Christmas wish list. However, its ultra-soft fibres demand careful handling – which is why John Lewis is launching a Christmas Cashmere Clinic on caring for this luxurious yarn.
Jo Hooper, head of buying womenswear at John Lewis, says, "Cashmere is often perceived as a high maintenance material, but John Lewis' machine washable styles mean there is no reason why it shouldn't be an everyday luxury. As always, we are expecting cashmere to fly off the shelves this Christmas – with the first two weeks of December usually proving the most popular cashmere purchasing period of the year."
In the run up to Christmas, customers can drop into John Lewis stores and speak to one of John Lewis' Fashion Advisers, who will offer top tips on how best to look after cashmere. From understanding how to safely banish bobbles and maintain the shape of a favourite sweater, to translating tricky cashmere language - the Cashmere Clinic will ensure customers know their two-ply from their four-ply.
John Lewis' top tips on caring for cashmere this Christmas:
If hand washing cashmere, do so in lukewarm water using shampoo; be sure to dissolve and dilute the shampoo thoroughly before immersing the knit. You can machine wash most cashmere from John Lewis, although you must adjust your water temperature to cold and your cycle to low. It is also a good idea, if you are machine washing, to turn cashmere inside out and put in a mesh bag. This helps protect it in the drum. Avoid long misshapen arms by drying your cashmere flat on a towel. Don't hang to dry as your beloved sweater will stretch beyond all recognition. Also be sure to dry away from direct heat and sunlight as this can potentially damage the fibres. Banish unwanted bobbles using a cashmere comb. Don't make the mistake of using a razor as the blade, if repeatedly used, will damage the luxurious yarn over time. Always ensure that cashmere is carefully washed before putting away for winter - dirt attracts moths! Store out-of-season cashmere in a cotton breathable garment bag. Do not store cashmere sweaters by hanging them on coat hangers as this can cause sagging and distort the shape of the shoulders of cashmere jumpers and cardigans. It's always best to neatly fold and store in a sealed box. John Lewis' Total Wardrobe Cashmere Knit Storage Bag,£18, is invaluable when looking after cashmere. The bag is perfect for storing three cashmere knits or one big cosy one. Made from 100% washable cotton, it has an embroidered organdie window so you can see what's inside.
John Lewis, 'Britain's favorite electrical retailer 2012' and 'Best Multi-channel Retailer 2012' typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores. The website stocks over 200,000 products focused on the best of fashion, beauty, home and giftware and electrical items including online exclusives.
