Cashmere Sweaters for Men
Whether you’re looking for a gift for that special man in your life or a special treat for yourself, mens cashmere sweaters will always be a solid choice. Comfortable, luxurious and sensuous, quality men’s cashmere sweaters can last a lifetime. Not to mention how much warmth they provide without the unnecessary bulk.
While at the time of purchase it may seem like anything cashmere is extremely expensive, it will always be more cost effective in the long run and is well worth the initial investment.
Mens cashmere sweaters come in many styles. Choose from cardigan sweaters, turtleneck sweaters, cable knit and v-neck sweaters. Base you choice on the individual style of the person who will wear the piece.
Cashmere is a classic fabric that never goes out of style. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, a cashmere garment will work perfectly as a one-of-a-kind addition to your wardrobe.
How to Choose Cashmere Sweaters for Men
1. Decide on a price range that you will be acceptable to your budget. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1000 for a quality sweater. You can usually stay in the $200-$300 price range if you are willing to forego some of the designer labels and just look for a quality cashmere article.
2. Conduct the “pull” test. A well-made cashmere sweater will retain its shape over time. Hold the sweater on each side, pull gently, and then release. If it does not snap back into shape, put it back on the shelf.
3. Conduct the “feel” test. Does it feel soft? If feels the least bit coarse or fuzzy, then you’re likely holding a lower quality garment. However, keep in mind that a colored cashmere garment will feel less soft than a natural cashmere garment. Dyes reduce the quality of the fabric so the darker the color the less soft it will feel even if it is 100% cashmere.
4. Decide if you prefer 100% cashmere or a cashmere blend. Check the label to make sure it is 100% cashmere vs. a cashmere blend. Many manufacturers use a blend to cut down on costs. Choosing a blend such as silk, merino wool or cotton can also cut down on the price you will have to pay. These can still be good quality, good-looking sweaters that you will appreciate having in your closet for a long time.
5. Choose a 2-ply garment over a 1-ply garment. A two-ply knit cashmere sweater will hold up better than a one-ply cashmere sweater. On the other hand, a 1-ply will cost less.
6. Choose a sweater with a longer fiber length. Fabrics with a longer fiber length resist fuzzing and pilling better.
Washing Mens Cashmere Sweaters
Keep in mind that most knitted fabrics can be hand washed while woven fabrics usually must be dry-cleaned. Check the manufacturer’s label for directions. Some garments include trim that may require dry-cleaning even if the sweater itself can be safely washed. If your sweater can be hand washed, either ask your dry cleaners to hand wash it for you or you can follow the instructions below. Washing actually makes cashmere softer, allowing the yarns to bloom.
1. Use a clean sink and a mild detergent made for delicate fabric.
2. Add cool to lukewarm water and a small amount of the detergent to the sink. Mix evenly with your hands before adding your sweater.
3. Put your garment in the sink, swish it around and squish it lightly so that the suds go throughout the fabric. Let it soak in the mild detergent for about 15 minutes. Rub gently only if necessary as rubbing can damage the fibers.
4. Drain the sudsy water out of the sink. Fill it with clean cool to lukewarm water. Gently squeeze the clean water through the fabric to remove the detergent suds and residue. Repeat as necessary until you have removed all of the soap from the garment.
5. When detergent-free, lift the sweater out of the water, lightly squeeze (no wringing) out the excess water and place the sweater on a dry towel. Roll it up in the towel and push down on the rolled up towel to squeeze out more water. Use a second towel if necessary.
6. Unroll the sweater. Reshape it to its proper size.
7. Place it on a dry towel and leave it to air dry. If possible, put the towel and sweater on a drying rack. If not, you may need to turn it to help it dry faster. Do not expose the sweater to direct sunlight.
8. When it is dry, use a lint brush to remove pills, which should be minimal on a good-quality garment.
Storing Your Cashmere Sweater
1. Wash or dry clean your sweater to make sure it is free from body oils, perspiration, food and other substances that attract moths. Moths are your cashmere clothing’s worst enemy.
2. Place each sweater in a cloth bag. You are not looking for an airtight bag as cashmere fabrics need to breathe during storage.
3. Place a cedar block or mothball inside each sweater bag. This helps keep moths and other vermin away from your sweaters.
4. As an additional precaution, wrap herbal-scented sachets in a handkerchief and place it in the bag with the sweater. The best scents to use are orange, cedar, rosemary, cloves and lavender. The sachets should be lying next to your sweater, not on top of it.
5. Placed the bagged sweater in a dry closet away from sunlight. It bears repeating that you should not store your cashmere clothing in sunlight or a damp place.
Follow these simple guidelines when purchasing and caring for mens cashmere sweaters and you or your special someone will enjoy a classic cashmere treasure for many years to come.
How to Buy Bargain Cashmere
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