Make it Last > How to Care for Your Knit
We’re proud to create our pieces from the finest, most responsibly sourced materials so they’ll stay in shape, keep you cosy and remain chic for years to come. But without proper care your treasured cashmere could become a gourmet feast for a family of moths; that wear-with-everything cardigan shrink to fit a ten-year-old. So to prevent tears at the tumble dryer ( and there will be if you put any of our pieces into one ) follow our guide on how to make your knits last. CASHMERE The queen of knitwear and harvested from the Kashmir goat ( only a very limited amount can be taken each year) cashmere is the last word in luxury so needs to be lavished with love. Washing First of all, using a fine comb like this one, carefully remove any of the fine bobbles - known as pills - from your garment. These aren’t a sign of inferior quality but occur naturally as some of the loose fibres tangle and rub together during wear. Hand wash using warm water and a special cashmere or wool detergent, ensuring that all soap suds have dissolved fully before you begin. Submerge your knit, then gently swish the soapy water through it. The key is a light touch, so no scrubbing and yanking. Rinse the soap out with warm water. Do not wring. Instead, carefully press out any excess water. Don't use any fabric conditioner. This was developed to remove smells and static from man-made fibres. Cashmere - and all wool - doesn't produce static and releases odour and moisture naturally. Lay your garment flat on a towel, re-shape and leave to dry, ensuring it’s well away from direct sunlight, a radiator or the dreaded tumble dryer. Don’t be tempted to hang it up, the shape will distort.
Our Cashmere: Lion Turtleneck, Melrose Cashmere, Puima Sweater, Lafayette Stole, Clan Snood
MERINO WOOL This wool comes from the merino sheep, an ancient breed that has to survive in very harsh conditions, making its wool lightweight but very warm to protect against the elements. Merino also naturally repels odours and has superior breathability. Washing Hand wash in warm, soapy water taking care not to twist or wring, then lay flat to dry. Sometimes merino can be machine-washed, but do check the care instructions first. If you’re happy to go ahead, use a mild detergent, put your garment into a mesh bag and use the wool or 30 degree setting. As with any wool, DO NOT TUMBLE DRY. Our Merino: Pepe and Milo ranges, Rhoesdia Wrap
ALPACA Becoming ever-more popular, alpaca ( from the animal of the same name ) is an all-rounder. It’s water-resistant, doesn’t pill, hasn’t any lanolin - making it hypoallergenic - and won’t ‘prickle’ sensitive skin. Washing Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Using hot or even warm water can distress the fibres and cause them to mat together. Soak and swish the garment, rinse the soap out with cold water, gently press out any excess. Shape the garment on a dry towel, roll up the towel, press to remove any further excess water, then repeat. Lay flat on a new, dry towel and air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Our Alpaca : Alpine Cardigan
MOHAIR The long, silky hair from the angora goat, mohair is durable, lightweight and the fibres don’t felt. It’s also one of the toughest wools - comparatively stronger than steel of the same diameter. Washing Hand wash in tepid water using a mild detergent. Gently agitate the garment to dislodge any dirt, then rinse with cool water. Lay flat to dry. Once dry, gently shake or brush with your hands to restore its fluffiness. Don’t iron, as this crushes the fibres, but steam to even out wrinkles. Our Mohair: Olsen range
BOILED WOOL This felted effect wool is not only beautiful but naturally dirt and odour repellent, meaning that you don’t really need to wash it. A good shake and air out will often do the trick, but if you must: Handwash in lukewarm water with mild detergent. Gently swish through the water, rinse thoroughly in water of the same temperature, then lay flat on a towel to air dry. Be very careful not to scrub or pull this type of wool. The formula for wool felting is moisture+heat+soap+friction so with an already felted piece it’s clear what will happen if you repeat the process. Our Boiled Wool : Alice Culottes
STORAGE If your wardrobe is bursting with clothes that haven’t seen daylight since You’re Beautiful topped the charts, chances are it’s anything but. And where there’s darkness, there are moths, who love nothing better than chewing on natural fibres. The best way to combat these audacious creatures is to fold your knit - when it’s completely dry - and store in a cloth bag such as this one. Add some cedar balls or a lavender sachet ( moths hate the smell ) into the bag, and also place around your wardrobe. Don’t store in plastic bags or containers as these can create humidity. Keep out of direct sunlight, as this can cause colours to fade.
DRY CLEANING Whilst you may find it easier to take a few items to the dry cleaners, do be careful about which outlet you choose - a specialist is best. And because of the harsh chemicals it's better not to dry-clean any wool too often, if at all. Remember where it originated - wool is meant to get wet!
If you give your knits a little of your time then, rather like wine, they'll keep getting better.