After sorting and washing, it’s spun into threads. The threads can be twisted to create thicker threads (ply), meaning that a 1-ply is a single thread, where’s a 2-ply is two threads twisted together in the spinning process. The higher the Ply (amounts of threads twisted together) the thicker and more durable the threads become. It also decreases pilling. 

Most of the time, just hanging it out in the fresh air for a while will do the trick, but for whenever you need to clean your cashmere product properly, use delicate/wool&cashmere detergents, your washing machines wool program, 30 degrees max, short washing and no centrifuge or tumble drying. Then lay it out on a bath towel on a flat surface and let it dry, letting the towel absorb all of the water. Make sure to not stretch it.

You can also wash cashmere by hand, just make sure to use the delicate/wool&cashmere detergent and maximum 30 degrees, then gently let it swirl for a while, and make sure to avoid wringing or stretching.

When you buy cashmere, make sure you get the real deal, and that it’s made from a manufacturer that you trust. Look out for the origin (Mongolia/China is where the best and most durable cashmere is made), the gauge count, ply, fiber length and micron thickness.