Sweater Maintenance: How to Keep Your Wool Collection Looking Sharp
Whether you're into the rugged warmth of classic wool, the lightweight strength of alpaca wool, or the smooth, high-performance feel of merino wool, proper sweater maintenance keeps your knits looking their best. Wool is a cold-weather staple, offering the ideal blend of warmth, breathability, and eco-friendly durability. With the right care and tools, you can keep your favorite pieces looking sharp for years to come.
Benefits of wool knits
Wool is about as eco-friendly as it gets - natural, renewable, and biodegradable. You can feel good knowing your knits are doing their part for the planet while keeping you warm and comfortable. It’s the perfect all-season material—breathable, yet insulating. In addition, wool has naturally hypoallergenic and odour-resistant properties, meaning your knits stay fresh for longer, requiring less maintenance and washing.
When it comes to sourcing our knits, we’re all about quality. Our team picks only the best from brands we trust. This season, we’re loving our knitwear from brands such as Howlin, Patagonia, Colorful Standard and Reigning Champ.
Alpaca Wool is hypoallergenic and resists pilling thanks to its longer fibers. The yarn’s hollow core makes it lighter while still packing in serious warmth. Plus, its moisture-wicking properties keep you dry and help repel odours—perfect for staying fresh on the move.
Classic Wool is built for durability. Naturally warm and water-resistant, it holds its shape and structure over time with proper care.
Merino Wool is the lightest of the three. The smooth-knit structure resists pilling, making it a solid, low-maintenance choice for your wardrobe.
How to Care for your wool knits
To keep your knits looking new:
It’s best to fold them when storing. This helps preserve the integrity of the knit and prevents any stretching or misshaping that can occur when pieces are hung. By folding properly, you maintain the garment’s structure and extend its life, keeping it looking fresh season after season.
When it comes to washing your wool items, it's important to follow the instructions specific to each piece. A gentle hand wash with a mild detergent is the best way to ensure that the fibers stay soft and the fabric retains its shape. Machine washing, even on delicate cycles, can be too harsh and might cause shrinkage or damage to the knit. Soaking and gently massaging the fabric by hand will keep the texture intact and prevent any unwanted changes to its appearance.
After washing, properly drying your wool pieces is key to maintaining their quality. Start by pressing out any excess water - avoiding wringing out the piece, as this can distort the knit. Lay the garment flat on a towel and gently roll it to absorb more moisture. Once excess water is removed, allow it to dry naturally by laying it flat in a well-ventilated area. This method helps the wool keep its shape while drying without the risk of stretching or damage from hanging.
Pilling is a natural part of a sweater’s life cycle, regardless of its quality. As the fabric wears, fibers rub together, break off, and form small knots. While all knits are susceptible to pilling, higher-quality fabrics tend to resist it more. This is because the yarn used in premium knits typically consists of longer fibers, which are less likely to loosen and clump together, resulting in fewer pills over time.
To aid with any pilling on knitwear, we are huge fans of ourBARE Knitwear Cedar Sweater Comb to care for our pieces and gently remove any surface pilling. Don't forget to store your Sweater Comb with your garments to help keep moths at bay, as cedar is a natural moth deterrent.
Howlin spotlight
Since 1981, this Antwerp based knitwear brand has been producing quality pieces in Scotland. In 2009, they launched a new label called Howlin’ (Scottish slang for "smelly"). Although the manufacturing process remains traditional, Howlin' embraces more creativity and flexibility in its designs and patterns.
Howlin' strives to create timeless, playful products made with care. From scarves to shaggy waistcoats, each item is individually manufactured and hand-finished by skilled craftsmen in Scotland, Ireland, or Belgium using the highest quality yarns available. Their approach emphasizes that small scale production lends it's hand to beautiful knits beautiful.
Wool isn’t just a cold-weather staple - it’s an investment in comfort, durability, and timeless style. Whether you’re layering up or elevating your wardrobe with high-quality knitwear, the right wool makes all the difference. Care for your pieces, and they’ll keep you warm years to come. At Ray Rickburn, we’re dedicated to helping you find pieces that last. So, find your perfect fit, maintain it with care, and step into the season with confidence.
