Knitwear, Cared For

Good knitwear rewards a little attention. Treat it well and a jumper becomes the piece you reach for on cold mornings and mild evenings alike — softer and more yours with every wear. Here's how we look after ours.

Wash less, air more

Wool doesn't need washing nearly as often as most men think. After wearing, hang your jumper somewhere breezy overnight and it will freshen on its own. When it does need a clean, turn it inside out and use a cool, gentle cycle or a hand-wash with a little wool-friendly detergent — heat and agitation are what dull a knit, not use.

Dry it flat, never on a hanger

A wet jumper on a hanger stretches under its own weight. Instead, press out the excess water in a towel and lay it flat to dry, gently reshaping it with your hands. Keep it away from radiators and direct sun, which can leave a knit stiff and tired.

Store it folded

Out of season, fold your knitwear rather than hanging it, and give it room to breathe. A cedar block keeps moths at a polite distance without the mothball smell. The odd bobble is simply part of a wool's life — a comb or a gentle pass with a fabric razor, and it looks considered again in seconds.