Written by The Strategy
I have ruined more Vince knit sweaters than I care to admit. I generally think I take good care of my clothes, but when it comes to knits, I am a lost cause. And now that the weather is getting colder, I am faced with a problem, because all I want to wear is knits!
After discussing this issue with everyone at TS HQ and multiple friends, I learned that I’m not the only one with knitwear care issues. So, I set out to figure out what exactly my knits need to keep them beautiful. A few experiments and internet articles later, here is what I found:
When your knits pill, it is the worst. A pill-y sweater does tend to be a sign of a higher quality wool, but it can totally change the way your knit looks. To get rid of pills, I suggest gently running a pumice stone over the item in light circular motions, running a brand new razor (again, lightly) over the piece or using a wool shaver. I’ve used all and they all work perfectly well.
Hand washing is the best and safest way to wash your knitwear. But be sure to always use would wash. Regular laundry detergent can be too harsh on the wool and will decrease it’s lifespan.
When hand washing your knits, cold water is your friend. As we all may have experienced once in our lives, heat and wool do not mesh. Wool tends to shrink in hot temperatures, whether it be from the dryer or warmer water. So, stick to cold water washes and air drying.
Also when washing, make it quick! The longer your knits are in the water, the more likely they are to bleed and fade. Try to keep your wash time to under a few minutes. You want it in and out.
Never wring or squeeze out your knits when you are ready to dry them! Wringing and squeezing the garment can make it loose it’s shape. Through my experiments, I found it best to place the garment between two dry towels and press excess water out. Then, lay the piece flat to dry on another dry towel.
Unfortunately, even when your knits are washed and dried, they are still not out of danger. Storing your knits carefully is another step to consider. Moths are a fan of the wool fabric, so to prevent pulling out a hole-y Helmut Lang knit, store your knits with lavender. ideally in a dust bag.
But, as with any clothing item you purchase, always be sure to check the care label before you do anything! There are a few knit pieces out there that specifically cannot take any water, so be ware! When in doubt, head to your local dry cleaner.
Good luck!
Written by Natasha Lawrence
