Caring for knitwear so it keeps its shape

Knitted clothes are made of loops, and loops stretch. Most damage to knitwear comes from washing and hanging it like a shirt.

Wash less, air more

Knits do not need washing after every wear. Hang the piece in fresh air for a few hours and it is usually ready again.

Washing

Wash by hand in cool water with a mild detergent, or use the gentlest machine cycle inside a mesh bag. Turn the garment inside out. Do not rub or wring; press the water out.

Drying

Roll the piece in a clean towel to take out the water, then lay it flat on a dry towel in its natural shape. Never hang wet knitwear: the weight of the water pulls it out of shape.

Storing

Fold knits and keep them on a shelf. Hangers leave marks on the shoulders and stretch the length.

Pilling

Small balls of fibre appear where fabric rubs, such as under the arms. Remove them with a fabric comb or a fabric shaver, working lightly. Do not pull them off by hand, which thins the fabric.