How do I care for a delicate shawl?

Care depends on the fibre, but the same principles apply to silk, cashmere and fine wool shawls: keep the wash gentle, keep the heat low and never hang a wet shawl.

Washing - hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, or use a machine delicate cycle in a mesh bag. Avoid bleach, enzyme detergents and fabric softener, which dull silk lustre and mat cashmere.

Drying - press the water out in a towel and dry flat, reshaping to size. Hanging a wet shawl pulls the weave out of shape, and a large 100x200 cm piece distorts most at the corners.

Pressing - iron on a low setting on the reverse, or use a pressing cloth on the face. Steam rather than direct heat on cashmere.

Storage - fold flat, keep out of direct light and store with cedar or a moth deterrent for animal fibres. Retailers can pass this on as a printed care card.

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