down is the light fluffy coating, clustered beneath the feathers of waterfowl, which protect them from the elements. most down can be found on the belly of geese and ducks. the belly is the part exposed to water, so the down keeps the bird warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer. the more mature the bird, the better the down. as nature's most efficient insulator, down is warm, yet light and lofty, allowing unrestricted movement. unlike synthetics, natural fill absorbs moisture during sleep, and the layers of air pockets help air circulate, lifting away perspiration for all night comfort. we use quality mature white goose down in all our ploh products.

feathers are the rigid plumage found on the outside of waterfowl. smaller feathers are often used in bedding products, and while they do provide some insulation, they are mostly used for support. unlike low quality bedding products that may contain crushed feathers, ploh items are filled with whole small feathers, thereby avoiding dust build-up from broken feathers. a special combination of down and feathers in our pillows creates an invitation to experience that enticing ploh feel and touch.

fill power refers to the lofting ability of down, or its ability to expand and fill space. some individuals need only the thinnest comforters in winter, while others need heavy duvets even in summer. fortunately, unlike synthetic bedding, down is comfortable over a wide range of temperatures. we use a fill power that is suitable for various climates.

only about 1% of the population is truly allergic to down and feathers, so most people who believe they are allergic to dander may be experiencing a reaction to dust, dirt, and other contaminants. our natural fills undergo a rigorous 7-step cleaning and treatment process using the most advanced techniques. therefore, all plohs are hypoallergenic.

the best fabric ticking is soft, absorbent, breathable 100% cotton, and must be tightly woven to prevent down clusters, and feathers from leaking. for all our down and feather products, we use cotton cambric fabric ticking with an inherently tighter weave than other fabrics, with even double the thread count. the strength of the edge seam is also crucial – every ploh item is piped with our signature khaki trim and tightly double–stitched for longer wear and leakage prevention. additionally, our pillows are double–layered for protection against dirt and dust mites.

handwoven or knitted in Nepal, ploh cashmere is made from wool combed from the undercoat of the chyangras goat (capra hircus laniger) reared in the Himalayan regions of Tibet and Mongolia. this fine, soft undercoat is protected from the elements by a long, thick, waterproof outer coat called guard hair. it is very light and soft, but exceptionally warm.

fineness, length of fibers and natural color are the most important factors in the quality. in general cashmere fineness runs from about 12 microns to 19 microns. the lower the number the thinner the fiber and the softer it feels. ploh cashmere has fineness measured at 12 to 14 microns.

garments made with long and thin fibers pill less and maintain their shape better than cheaper lower quality cashmere and will get better with each wash. a quick test is to rub the palm of your hand on the surface of the garment and see if fiber starts rolling into little balls. another quick test is to stretch the garment body side to side and see if it snaps back into shape. pills and loose, limp fabric usually point to low quality fiber.

only eco-friendly, color fast and cancer free dyes are used in ploh cashmere.

many try to differentiate between pashmina and cashmere when these two are really the same. the term cashmere was first used in the 18th century after a piece of pashmina was given to Napoleon while he was in Kashmir, while pashmina is the local term that had existed for centuries earlier.

combing cotton is a process that separates sought-after long cotton fibers from the shorter, weaker ones to produce softer, stronger and more durable yarn with less pilling.

cotton is already an absorbent material. however absorbency is increased with more loops per square inch on a towel.

cleaning down and feather bedding should rarely be needed (more than once every 3 years is excessive) if they are aired and fluffed regularly, and are always covered. if cleaning is necessary, professional launder is recommended as the use of appropriate sized machines and proper drying is necessary. in between cleanings, fluff your plohs daily to reloft and replenish air inside the product. occasional sunning is also highly recommended.

use of down and feather bedding over a period of years may diminish the loft of the natural filling material. using pillow protectors under cases will extend the life of pillows provided they are removed and washed often. protectors offer an extra layer of absorption of body oils and protection against dirt and dust.

store plohs in a linen closet or in a breathable bag in a cool, dry environment. avoid storing in plastic bags, which trap moisture and cause mildew.

cotton sheeting should be machine washed with like colors using warm water. cotton sheets get softer with each wash and release soil easily, so softener and bleach should not be needed. tumble dry and avoid overloading to reduce wrinkling. remove promptly from dryer, smooth out and fold while still warm.

warm iron only if necessary.

cashmere should be aired after each use. unless stained, it is best not to clean your cashmere as it will remove its natural oils.

professional dry clean is recommended to clear stains. however if you prefer to hand-wash it yourself, you can do so in lukewarm water using a special cashmere wash or gentle wool cleaner. use a cashmere comb to remove pills (if any) prior to washing. do not soak overnight and do not wring.

use a towel and gently press to remove excess moisture then lay it flat to dry. re-shape while still damp. do not tumble dry.

if pressing is needed, use cool iron and a damp cloth over cashmere.

always store your cashmere throws folded inside a breathable, natural casing like cotton, linen or silk in a cool place, away from light sources. do not leave on varnished or painted surfaces, and do not use mothballs. hanging cashmere will stretch the fabric.

should a yarn accidentally stray or snag, gently ease it back in the direction of the weave by pulling at the opposite ends of that yarn.

robes and throws should be washed in cold water in the delicate cycle and separate from dark colors. when required, only non-chlorine bleach should be used.

wash chenille microfibre robes and throws separately from cotton fabrics.

tumble dry on low heat

cotton towels should be machine washed with like colors using warm water. when washed properly, softness and absorbency increase, and the weave in terry towels becomes compact, preventing fraying. do not use fabric softener as this reduces absorbency.

tumble dry on low heat and avoid overloading to reduce wrinkling. remove promptly from dryer, smooth out and fold while still warm.