W
e love our sweaters, even more so in the chilly seasons. They keep us stylish and warm. And they deserve to be taken proper care of. There’s nothing we love more than cozying up in our favorite knitwear as the temperature drops. But as much as we love our sweaters, they can be prone to pilling, stretching, and looking worn out over time, especially our favorite go-to options.
When you have a favorite piece of clothing, it isn’t farfetched to want to take care of it in order to improve its durability. Simply put, learning how to take care of your items gives you more time to rock them. Considering that we’re well into the winter season, how do you care for your sweater to keep it looking great? Well, that’s what we cover today.
Check out easy ways to keep your sweaters looking good all year round…
#1. Invest in high-quality sweaters
It may seem like a no-brainer, but investing in sweaters made from high-quality materials like wool, cashmere, and merino will not only feel softer and more luxurious, but they’ll also hold up better over time. The low-budget sweater you saw on sale might have a tempting price, but endeavor to choose quality over quantity.
#2. Hand wash or dry clean your sweaters
To keep your sweaters looking new, try to avoid machine washing as much as possible. Instead, opt for hand washing or dry cleaning to preserve the shape and quality of the knit.
#3. Use a fabric shaver to remove the pills
Pilling is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. A fabric shaver is a small, handheld tool that gently removes pills from your sweater without damaging the fabric. Cop one and save a sweater today.
#4. Store your sweaters properly
Sweaters should be folded, not hung. This is to prevent stretching and misshapen shoulders. Fold them and store them in a cool and dry place. Keep them away from sunlight and heat, which can cause fading and shrinkage.
#5. Avoid over-wearing your sweaters
We all have a favorite sweater stuck on repeat but try to mix things up to give your sweaters a break. To take care of sweaters, you should rotate your wardrobe. This will help your sweaters last longer and keep them looking fresh.
#6. Use a laundry bag for machine washing
If you must machine wash your sweaters, be sure to use a laundry bag to protect them from getting stretched or snagged.
#7. Repair any holes or snags promptly
Don’t wait until it’s too late to fix those small holes or snags. A little mending now can save you from having to replace your sweater later. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine.
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FAQs
How can I prevent my sweaters from pilling?
Pilling is a common issue with sweaters, but there are a few things you can do to prevent it. First, try washing your sweaters inside out in cold water with mild detergent. Also, avoid drying your sweaters in the dryer, as the heat and tumbling can cause pilling. Instead, lay your sweaters flat to dry. You can also use a fabric comb or shaver to gently remove any pills that do appear.
How should I store my sweaters when they’re not in use?
To keep your sweaters looking their best, it’s important to store them properly. Avoid hanging your sweaters, as this can cause them to stretch out of shape. Instead, fold your sweaters and store them in a drawer or on a shelf. If you have a lot of sweaters and limited space, you can also consider using a sweater bag or box to keep them organized and protected.
How do I style a sweater for work?
To dress up a sweater for the office, try pairing it with tailored pants or a skirt suit. You can also layer a sweater over a collared shirt or blouse for a polished look. If you’re wearing a sweater with a more casual vibe, add a blazer or cardigan to give it a professional touch.
How do I care for a wool sweater?
The rules to take care of sweaters might vary slightly based on textures. Wool sweaters can be prone to shrinking and losing their shape if they’re not cared for properly. To keep your wool sweaters looking their best, hand wash them in cold water with a mild detergent and lay them flat to dry. Avoid drying your wool sweaters in the dryer, as the heat can cause shrinkage. You can also store your wool sweaters in a sweater bag or box to protect them from moths and other pests.
Can I wear a sweater with a formal dress?
Yes, it is possible to wear a sweater with a formal dress, but it’s important to choose the right sweater and style it properly. A sleek, fitted sweater in a neutral color such as black, white, or gray can look chic and sophisticated when paired with a formal dress. Avoid pairing a sweater with a formal dress if the sweater is too bulky or casual-looking.
How do I fix a stretched-out sweater?
If your sweater has become stretched out of shape, there are a few things you can try to fix it. First, try hand-washing the sweater in cold water with a mild detergent and then laying it flat to dry. This can help the fibers of the sweater regain their shape. You can also try steaming the sweater with a clothes steamer or hanging it in a steamy bathroom to help it regain its shape. If the sweater is still stretched out, you may need to take it to a professional cleaner or tailor for more advanced reshaping techniques.
With these simple tips, you can effectively take care of sweaters with little hassle all season long. Go ahead and snuggle up in your favorite knit, it’s still sweater weather.
Featured image: @karenbritchick/Instagram
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