Knitwear made from natural fibres, whether it’s lambs wool, alpaca, or cotton, is built to last. But longevity doesn’t happen by accident. Treat your knits right, and they’ll look just as good in ten winters’ time as the day you bought them. (Treat them wrong, and you’re looking at accidental crop tops, felted disasters, or moth buffets.)
Here’s your go-to guide for caring for natural fibre knitwear the sustainable way.
1. Wash Less, Air More
Natural fibres are self-cleaning by design, they repel odours and don’t trap dirt like synthetics. You don’t need to wash your jumper every time you wear it.
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Hang it up somewhere airy (avoid direct sunlight).
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Spot clean small marks instead of throwing the whole thing in the wash.
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Give wool pieces a gentle steam to refresh.
Eco benefits: Less washing = lower energy use and longer knit life.
2. When You Do Wash, Go Gently
If it’s really time for a wash, here’s how:
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Check the label (some wools are fine in the machine, most prefer hand washing).
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Use cool water and a specialist wool or delicate detergent.
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Be gentle, no wringing, no scrubbing. Think of it like washing your hair: massage, don’t wrestle.
3. Dry Flat (No Hangers Allowed)
Water + gravity = disaster. A wet knit hung on a hanger will stretch into a shape you definitely didn’t order.
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Roll the knit in a towel to blot excess water.
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Reshape it flat on a dry towel.
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Let it air dry naturally (no radiators, no tumble dryers).
4. Store Like a Pro
Moths love natural fibres as much as you do. To avoid turning your favourite jumper into Swiss cheese:
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Store knits folded, not hung.
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Add cedar balls, lavender sachets, or specialist moth protectors to drawers.
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At the end of the season, wash or air garments before storing — moths are attracted to body oils.
5. Repair, Don’t Despair
A snag, hole or loose thread isn’t the end. Darning, patching, or taking it to a local repair service can add years (and character) to your knitwear. Slow fashion isn’t about perfection, it’s about making things last.
The Bottom Line
Looking after natural fibre knitwear isn’t complicated, it’s mostly about slowing down and resisting the urge to over-wash. A little extra care means your knitwear lasts longer, feels better, and keeps you warm for seasons to come.
(And if you’re building a sustainable wardrobe, start here, invest in pieces that deserve this kind of love.)