How To · Fashion · Care
The Art of Preserving Your Knitwear
A sweater’s lifespan is determined more by how it spends the summer than how it spends the winter. Follow these steps to ensure your knitwear returns to the rotation without moth holes or distorted shoulders.
5 min read · IrisThe most common mistake in men’s wardrobe care is the humble hanger. Gravity is the enemy of natural fibers; hang a heavy wool sweater for six months, and you’ll find the shoulders permanently misshapen by the time the first frost arrives.
Storage is an act of preservation. By preparing your knits correctly, you prevent the two primary threats to natural fibers: moisture-loving insects and structural fatigue. Here is how to put your collection to bed properly.
If it hangs, it sags. If it folds, it stays true.
Cleanse · 2 minutes
Wash before you store
Never store a sweater that has been worn, even once. Body oils and microscopic food particles act as a dinner bell for moths and carpet beetles. Ensure every item is freshly laundered or dry-cleaned and completely bone-dry before proceeding to storage.
If you hand-wash, lay them flat on a towel until they are 100% moisture-free.
De-pill · 3 minutes
Restore the surface
Use a sweater stone or a fabric shaver to remove pilling before packing. Storing a sweater with pills can lead to friction damage when stacked against other garments. A clean surface ensures the fibers remain supple and less prone to snagging.
Work in one direction to avoid thinning the fabric.
Fold · 2 minutes
The professional fold
Lay the sweater face down and fold the sleeves toward the center, then fold the body in half. Avoid over-creasing; if you have the space, roll the sweaters loosely instead of folding them to prevent a sharp, permanent line across the midsection.
Place a sheet of acid-free tissue paper between each fold to prevent fiber transfer.
Contain · 2 minutes
Select the right vessel
Avoid plastic bins, which trap moisture and encourage mildew. Use breathable cotton garment bags or acid-free cardboard boxes. If you must use a container, ensure it has small ventilation holes to allow the fibers to 'breathe' during the off-season.
Avoid cedar blocks if they are old; they lose their scent and can stain fabric if they touch it directly.
Protect · 1 minute
Deter the pests
Place a natural moth repellent, such as dried lavender or high-quality cedar, inside the container. Keep these items in a small muslin bag so they do not touch the knitwear directly, as the oils in cedar can sometimes mark delicate cashmere.
Refresh your cedar blocks with a light sanding once a year.
How to know it works.
Your knits should emerge in the autumn feeling soft, smelling neutral, and holding their original silhouette without any visible stretching or pest damage.
Questions at the mirror.
What if I don't have space for boxes?
Use breathable garment bags and hang them on specialized knit-wear hangers that feature padded arms to distribute weight.
Are mothballs necessary?
No. They are toxic and leave a lingering, unpleasant odor. Modern cedar and lavender are more than sufficient for home storage.