Knit pieces are wardrobe workhorses: cozy on cool days, layered for warmth, and unexpectedly chic when styled with intention. But knitwear also shows wear more quickly than woven garments if mistreated—pilling, stretched stitches, and limp shapes are common problems. This guide walks through four essential care areas with concrete, easy-to-follow habits and outfit suggestions so your sweaters and cardigans look their best season after season.
Gentle cleaning: sort, treat, and choose the right wash
Start by sorting knits by color and fiber type. Group darks, lights, and delicate fibers separately. For spot stains, gently dab with a mild soap solution rather than scrubbing; work from the edges toward the center to avoid widening the stain. If a garment has embellishments, buttons, or a delicate pointelle pattern, turn it inside out before cleaning to protect the surface.
When machine washing, use a gentle or hand-wash cycle and place knits in a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction. Cold water helps preserve color and limit shrinkage. For very delicate items or structured pieces like the a favorite piece from the current collection-inspired knits (avoid machine washing blazer fabrics), hand-washing with a small amount of mild detergent is often safest. Always follow the garment label for final instructions.
Drying smartly to preserve shape and fibers
Never hang heavy wet knits—gravity will stretch them. After washing, press out excess water by rolling the garment in a clean towel rather than wringing. Lay the piece flat on a drying rack or another towel, reshaping the shoulders and hems to their original proportions while damp. Use a fan or indirect airflow; avoid direct heat sources and tumble drying unless the label explicitly allows it.
For long cardigans or bell-sleeve styles like the a favorite piece from the current collection, redistribute sleeves and body evenly when laying flat so the bell shapes don’t become distorted. If you must hang knits for short periods, use wide, padded hangers and support the shoulder seams with fabric strips to prevent stretching.
Storage that prevents stretching and pest damage
Fold knitwear for long-term storage rather than hanging. Stack sweaters with acid-free tissue between delicate pieces to avoid snagging, and keep heavier items at the bottom of the pile to prevent crushing. Store in breathable cotton bins or fabric garment bags; avoid airtight plastic for extended periods since fibers need ventilation.
To minimize moth and insect risk, clean garments before storing because oils and perspiration attract pests. Natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets placed near but not touching fabrics can help; refresh them periodically. For seasonal rotation, plan outfits so you use stored knits regularly—wearing them now and then keeps fibers flexed and less prone to permanent creasing.
Everyday upkeep and styling to extend wear
Reduce pilling and surface fuzz by removing pills gently with a fabric comb or pill shaver, working in one direction with light pressure. For loose stitches, use a small crochet hook or a blunt needle to ease the loop back through to the wrong side; don’t cut the yarn. Regularly airing knits after wearing—left flat on a chair for a few hours—dissipates odors and moisture and lowers the frequency of washes.
When styling, pair lightweight knits with structured pieces to balance texture and silhouette. Layer the a favorite piece from the current collection over a camisole and high-waisted jeans for a casual fall look, or drape it over a midi dress for soft contrast. Use a blazer like the a favorite piece from the current collection as a tailored topper over a fine-gauge sweater and the Motionless Mini Skirt for a polished, modern outfit—keep jewelry minimal to let knit textures shine.
Knitwear stays beautiful when you treat it deliberately: clean gently, dry flat, store folded, and handle small repairs promptly. With these habits and a few outfit pairings, your favorite knits will keep looking fresh and wearable for seasons to come.
A few pieces to make it yours.
Related catalog pieces, not the exact items in our editorial photographs.
