It’s that time of year again! Sweater weather. Caring for your sweaters properly during the fall and winter seasons can help them last longer, maintain their shape, and look as good as new. Different sweater fabrics require specific care routines to ensure they stay in great condition.

Here's our guide to help you care for your favorite fall and winter sweaters.

Wool Sweaters

Wool is a natural, durable fabric that's great for keeping warm, but it requires special care to avoid shrinking and pilling.

Washing: Hand wash your wool sweaters in cold water using a mild detergent. Avoid wringing or twisting the sweater, as this can cause the fibers to stretch. If you must use a washing machine, opt for the wool or delicate cycle with cold water.
Drying: Lay the sweater flat on a towel, reshaping it as necessary. Never hang wool sweaters, as the weight of the water can stretch the fabric.
Storage: Store wool sweaters folded in a cool, dry place. Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths.

Cashmere Sweaters

Cashmere is a luxurious, soft fabric that requires gentle handling to maintain its plush feel.

Washing: Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, or use a dry cleaner for best results. Avoid hot water and harsh detergents, as they can damage the delicate fibers.
Drying: Gently press out excess water with a towel and lay flat to dry. Avoid hanging to prevent stretching.
Storage: Fold cashmere sweaters and store them in a breathable cotton bag or in your drawer. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Cotton Sweaters

Cotton is a versatile and durable fabric that is relatively easy to care for.

Washing: Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent to preserve the fabric's integrity.
Drying: Lay the sweater flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Cotton can stretch out if hung while wet.
Storage: Fold and store in a drawer or on a shelf. Cotton sweaters can be hung, but avoid overcrowding the hanger to prevent creasing.

Synthetic Fabrics (Acrylic, Polyester, etc.)

Synthetic sweaters are often more affordable and easier to care for, but they can be prone to pilling.

Washing: Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can cause pilling.
Drying: Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat. Avoid high heat, as it can damage synthetic fibers.
Storage: Fold synthetic sweaters to prevent stretching. Store in a cool, dry place.

Blended Fabrics

Blended sweaters, which combine different fibers like wool and acrylic, require care tailored to the most delicate fiber in the mix.

Washing: Follow the care instructions on the label. When in doubt, hand wash in cold water and use a mild detergent.
Drying: Lay flat to dry, and avoid high heat.
Storage: Fold and store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Alpaca and Angora Sweaters

Alpaca and Angora are luxurious, warm fibers that are less common but highly valued.

Washing: Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid rubbing the fabric to prevent felting.
Drying: Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Do not hang to avoid stretching.
Storage: Store folded, ideally in a breathable bag to protect the delicate fibers from moths.

To keep your sweaters in top condition, it's important to address common issues like pilling, wear, and stains. Use a fabric shaver or sweater comb to gently remove pilling without damaging the fibers. Rotate your sweaters regularly to prevent excessive wear on any one garment.

For stains, prompt spot cleaning with a mild detergent and cold water is key—just be sure to dab rather than rub, which can spread the stain or harm the fabric. With these simple care practices, your sweaters will stay soft, warm, and stylish all season long. If you have any questions or concerns send your sweaters in to us at Juliette! Text us at (315) 284-5689.

Juliette’s Guide to Caring for Your Sweaters This Fall and Winter