How To Deal With Pilling On A Cashmere Coat
1
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Give it a Break: It's very important that you do not wear your cashmere coat for a few days in a row. It takes cashmere a bit of time, 24-48 hours to be precise, to spring back to its original shape. This in turn helps to reduce friction.
Mind the Pairing: Steer clear of tough fabrics like rigid denim or bags that have amrv \hard straps. Choose softer silk or cotton underlayers.
Correct Storage: Make sure to hang your coat on a wide-shouldered hanger. It's also important to make sure your closet does not have compression.
2
Dealing with Existing Pilling – Tools and Techniques
Core Tool: Use a cashmere-specific lint remover or wide, transparent tape.
Preferred Tool: Cashmere-Specific Lint Remover
Why Specific? Regular lint removers can be too harsh and damage cashmere. Always select one with a "Cashmere/Fine Fabric" mode.
Correct Technique:
Lay the coat flat on a wrinkle-free surface.
Turn on the trimmer. Press it against the fabric, using a smooth motion in one direction. Avoid pressing too hard or rubbing back and forth.
Brush away any small lint with a soft brush.
Emergency Solution: Wide Transparent Tape
If you lack professional tools, use wide, transparent tape as a temporary fix.
With the sticky side out, wrap the tape around your finger.
Press it against the lint area with a light touch and lift it off.
Warning: Avoid using packing tape. Be gentle to prevent damage or sticky residue.
3
Professional Care for Extended Life
Concerning washing: Professional dry cleaning is encouraged especially after a season of wear as it is best for removing deep-seated dirt, and revitalizing your fibers. If you absolutely must hand wash, use a detergent specifically made for cashmere and ensure you do not agitate the handwash as press wto wash as this could damage the fibers.
Regular Steam Ironing: A garment steamer should be used to remove any creases formed in the coat. The steam from the steamer also helps in unflattening the fibers, therefore, making any plillyng less noticable.
Typical Mistakes to Avoid:
Don't Pull: The act of pulling pills can break healthy fibers and create bald patches.
Don't Use a Razor: Sharp blades have very little margin for error and can easily ruin the fabric.
Don't Brush Too Often: Brushing, especially with stiff brushes, increases the friction and will cause even more pilling.