I've worn my RLPL sweaters too much... Can I fix?

[scot]

I have a pair of cashmere RLPL sweaters that are awesome, but stretching out a bit. These are thin shirt type, not thick cable type sweaters. First year they were nice and form fitting, last year a bit less. This year they look positively frumpy. They don't need a huge shrinking, just a "freshening up" if you know what I mean.


Can anyone think of anything to get my sweaters to get their springy state back from the sprung state they are in?

 

[FormalFashion08]

RALPH LAUREN PURPLE LABEL?

Arent those thing retailed for $600-800?


Did you use EBAY or ....?

Could have been fake

Just sayin...

 

[speedster.8]

Pure cashmere handles water REALLY well, I wash all my cashmere knitwear in garment bags @ wool program and gentle cycle no heat. Don't hang or tumble, lay flat on a thick towel. On cheaper garments seams could be a problem. But if it is Purple label they should stay true. I have had some items "twist" from brands like Loro Piana among others, but these items are exceptions.

 

[scot]

They are RLPL, and real. Though I didnt pay 600 for them, I think the retail was 795. Mine was more in the 200 range on sale. I was wrong on the age, they are three winters old now, not two. I have worn them quite a bit, honestly more than I probably should. They don't look bad, but they just aren't quite as slim as they used to be. Just a hair stretched out. Who knows, maybe its just the weight I lost.

None of the edges look frayed, there is no pilling etc.

 

[AlanC]

I would wash, as stated above, then--and I accept no responsibility if you try this--consider tossing them in the dryer (on low) for a bit. If you do a forum search on cashmere you may turn up a thread where our own venerable host J did this to good results. He even found that it softened the hand. I, myself, have put some cashmere in a dryer for a bit to no ill effects.

Again, do this at your own risk, but it's worth considering.

 

[philosophe]

I would try a gentle wash and hand-blocking the sweater. A truly high-end drycleaner can also do this for you.

 

[FormalFashion08]

Originally Posted by AlanC

I would wash, as stated above, then--and I accept no responsibility if you try this--consider tossing them in the dryer (on low) for a bit. If you do a forum search on cashmere you may turn up a thread where our own venerable host J did this to good results. He even found that it softened the hand. I, myself, have put some cashmere in a dryer for a bit to no ill effects.

Again, do this at your own risk, but it's worth considering.
whatis he going to do? Sue you?

 

[citoyen]

Originally Posted by AlanC

the dryer (on low) for a bit

+1 to AlanC
i may add that some dryers (if not all) have the "cold air programme" where the "drying" air comes in by 20° Celsius or so (but never over 30°). if that was meant by the above quote, then you got the advice - twice!

 

[HermesGuy]

I agree 100% with the washing of cashmere. I've got dozens of PRL cashmere sweaters and wash them in the washing machine on gentle using mild hair shampoo (not laundry detergent, which i find to be too harsh) or woolite. I do not agree though, at all, with the idea of putting a sweater in the dryer. You are asking for trouble, IMO. I suggest blocking the sweater on a towel and allowing to air-dry. The evaporation of the water will create a natural shrinking process of its own. The dryer will turn the sweater into a sweater suitable for a GI Joe doll.