How to Care for Your Sweaters So They Last Longer

It’s currently that lull in the year where it feels like winter is never going to end, which means my sweaters have been on heavy rotation. This is the perfect season to properly care for your sweaters so they last for years to come no matter how much use they get. Whether I wear Zara or Vince I care for my sweaters just the same.

I typically am one to invest in my sweaters and will go for wool or cashmere.

Why? I think it’s no secret that I am all about quality over quantity. I have cashmere sweaters that look like new and I’ve worn for the last 3 seasons. What I love about wool and cashmere sweaters is that they keep me warm without needing to go for a chunky knit.

If you want to know how to care for your sweaters (even when it comes time to store them away for spring and summer) keep reading. I’m here to help you make sure your investment lasts.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SWEATERS

KNOW WHEN TO WASH YOUR SWEATERS

I know this sounds silly. You wash your sweaters when they’re dirty, right? Well, there is a little more to it than that. Overly washing your sweaters can do more harm than good and wear out the fabric quicker.

If you were sweating and your sweater has an unpleasant odor – of course, wash it. Don’t be that girl! A general rule to follow is that cotton, silk, or cashmere only need to be washed after two or three wears. While wool or polyester can withstand more around four or five wears.

You’d be surprised how long you can make your clothes last by not washing after every single wear.

HAND WASH OR DRY CLEAN

This depends on the fabric of your sweater. For cashmere, wool, or any pricy sweaters always hand wash or dry clean. If you decide to hand wash, use cold water and a gentle detergent. Once it’s done soaking, never wring your sweater as it can change the shape.

Just gently squeeze out the water as best as you can and place it on a garment drying rack. Before washing make sure you check the fabric care tag to find out what’s best for your particular garment. If it says dry clean only, as it does with most wool or cashmere sweaters, then dry clean only. It’s not worth the risk!

REMOVE PILLS THE RIGHT WAY

With natural wear and friction, your sweaters are likely to pill. It’s hard to avoid. Fabric pilling can make any sweater look cheap, but don’t worry this is easy to fix. It’s tempting to just pull at the pill when you see it. However, the best way to get rid of one is either via a razor or my preferred way – a fabric shaver.

These are a life-saving and handy tool to have in your arsenal. I use it to remove pills from sweaters and coats instantly. You can easily find them for $12 or under so no need to splurge.

FOLD, NOT HANG

Never hang your sweaters! I repeat never hang your sweaters. If you take one thing away from this blog post let it be this. Hanging will cause sweaters to stretch out and the shoulders to pinch up. The best way to store your sweaters so they don’t lose their shape is to fold them.

If you’re an organizing nut like me then you’ll want to color-code your clothes too. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it makes finding the exact sweater you want to wear easier.

PROPERLY STORE FOR WINTER

If you pack away your clothes each season (like I do), it’s important after caring for your sweaters in the colder months that you don’t forget to care for them for the rest of the year too. You don’t want all of that effort to go to waste, right?

Before you pack them away for the season be sure you’ve cleaned them – see the tips above. It’s best to put them in clothing storage bags that are breathable or storage boxes made out of cotton or canvas.

For something extra, add a small satchel filled with lavender to prevent any moths and it will also keep them smelling fresh until it’s time to pull them back out. Make sure you don’t store your sweaters in vacuum-sealed storage bag as it can lock in moisture causing yellowing or even mildew. No thank you!

These are just a few of my tips to help you care for your sweaters. I am all about making my clothes last – no matter how much or how little I paid for them. This is why caring for my clothes is so important. If you have any other tips for how to care for your sweaters feel free to leave them in the comment section below!