How To Care For Your Wool Garment

The Joy of Caring for Wool Garments

Wool has a way of looking after itself, but with a little routine care, your knitwear will serve you well for years. In a world that often encourages disposability, we believe there’s joy in tending to the things we cherish.

Refresh Before You Wash

Wool is naturally odour-resistant and breathable, meaning it rarely needs a full wash. Most of the time, all it takes to refresh your knitwear is a good airing out. Hang it outside on a breezy day or in a sunny window and let nature do the work.

When You Do Wash, Go Gently

When it’s truly time for a clean, handwash your wool garments in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid harsh agitation, simply swish gently, rinse, then roll your knit in a towel to remove excess moisture. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Never tumble dry or bleach. Store folded rather than hung to protect the shape of the garment.

Knits Can Be Molded: How To Reshape Them

Wool is naturally elastic and responds well to a bit of care. If your neckline or armholes have stretched out after wear, don’t worry. Just give the area a light steam or press with a warm iron (use a pressing cloth if needed), gently reshape it by hand, and pin it in place if you'd like. As it cools and dries, your knit will hold its new shape.

Pilling is Natural! Here’s How to Handle It

Pilling isn’t a flaw; it’s a natural part of wool’s wear-in process. Over time, friction causes the shortest fibres to gather on the surface of your garment. To manage pilling, we recommend using sharp scissors to carefully snip away the pills, rather than relying on a fabric shaver. This protects the surrounding fibres and can actually reduce future pilling.

Knitwear experts and traditional wool crafters (thanks Mackenzie Kelly-Frere!) often advise this gentler, more hands-on approach. So grab your scissors, put on a favourite show, and enjoy the satisfaction of maintenance.

Make It a Ritual

Every couple of weeks, I set aside time in my calendar for what I like to call “Tending Time”: a ritual of shining jewelry, oiling boots, caring for knitwear, etc. These small acts remind me to slow down, pay attention, and take pride in what I own. Tending to natural fibres like wool helps them last longer, and brings me closer to the things I’ve chosen to keep in my life.