Short answer: Wool shrinks when it is exposed to heat, agitation or alkaline detergent – so wash it cool, by hand or on a wool cycle, with a pH-neutral wool detergent, and never put it in a tumble dryer. Squeeze the water out rather than wringing, dry it flat and away from radiators, and most knitwear will keep its size and shape for years.
Why does wool shrink?
Short answer: Wool fibres are covered in tiny scales. Heat, moisture and movement make those scales lock into each other – the same process that makes felt – and once they lock, the fabric cannot go back. That is why a sweater that survives one hot wash is never quite the same size again.
Can I machine wash wool?
Short answer: Only if the care label says so. If it does, use a wool or delicate cycle at 30 degrees or lower, with a wool detergent, a low spin speed, and the garment inside a mesh bag. If the label says hand wash, believe it.
| Method | Water | Detergent | Drying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand wash (safest) | Cool, below 30 degrees | pH-neutral wool wash | Squeeze gently, dry flat |
| Machine wool cycle | 30 degrees or lower | Wool detergent | Lowest spin, then dry flat |
| Tumble dryer | Not for wool | Not for wool | Shrinks and felts the fibres |
| Dry cleaning | For structured wool coats | Solvent-based | Best for tailored pieces |
How do I dry a wool sweater?
Short answer: Lay it flat on a towel, reshape it to its original dimensions while it is still damp, and let it air dry away from direct heat. Hanging a wet sweater stretches the shoulders, and a radiator will felt the fibres.
How often does knitwear actually need washing?
Short answer: Less often than most people think. Wool is naturally odour-resistant, so airing a sweater overnight between wears usually buys two or three more wears. Wash when it is visibly soiled, stretched out of shape, or genuinely smells – not on a schedule.
How should I store knitwear for winter?
Short answer: Fold, never hang. Folded knitwear keeps its shape, while a hanger stretches the shoulders and the neckline over a season. Store folded pieces with a cedar block or a lavender sachet, and give them air before putting them away for the summer.
Browse our autumn and winter knitwear.