Good knitwear is one of the best investments in a wardrobe — a beautifully made sweater or cardigan can last a decade if you treat it well, or pill and stretch out of shape within a season if you don't. The good news is that knitwear care is simple once you know the rules, and most of them are about doing less.
Wash less, and wash cool
Knits rarely need washing after every wear — unlike a tee, a sweater worn over a layer barely touches your skin. Airing it out overnight is often all it needs. When it does need a wash, use cool water and either a gentle machine cycle in a mesh bag or, better, a hand-wash with a little wool-safe detergent. Hot water and agitation are what cause shrinking and felting.
Never hang a sweater
This is the one that surprises people. Hanging knitwear lets gravity stretch the shoulders into points and drags the whole garment out of shape. Always fold sweaters and store them flat on a shelf or in a drawer. If you're short on space, fold them over a hanger bar rather than hanging them by the shoulders.
Dry it flat
Never tumble-dry knits, and never hang them wet — the weight of the water will stretch them dramatically. Instead, lay the piece flat on a towel, gently reshape it to its original dimensions, and let it air-dry away from direct heat or sun.
Deal with pilling gently
Pilling — those little bobbles — is normal, especially in softer yarns, and it doesn't mean the piece is poorly made. A fabric comb, sweater stone or a dedicated de-pilling tool will lift the bobbles away and restore a fresh, smooth finish. Work gently and the sweater will look new again.
Store it for the season
When summer comes, wash knits before you put them away — moths are drawn to body oils, not the wool itself. Fold them with cedar or lavender in a breathable container, never sealed plastic, which can trap moisture.
Treat your knitwear kindly and it'll outlast almost everything else you own. Discover the latest in Knitwear.