How To · Fashion · Finish
The Essential Wool Guide
Wool is a self-cleaning, resilient fiber that thrives on neglect rather than constant agitation. Master the art of preservation to keep your favorite knits from pilling, shrinking, or losing their structure.
5 min read · IrisMost wool garments are ruined not by wear, but by the laundry cycle. Because wool is a protein fiber, it possesses natural antibacterial properties that neutralize odors on their own. If you treat your cashmere, merino, or lambswool like cotton, you are effectively dismantling the garment's integrity.
The secret to a long-lasting wardrobe is simple: wash less, brush more, and never, ever hang a wet sweater. Follow this protocol to maintain the drape and softness of your wool pieces for years to come.
If it doesn't smell and isn't stained, it doesn't need to be washed.
Air and Refresh · 1 minute
The 24-Hour Rule
After wearing a wool piece, lay it flat on a clean surface or drape it over a chair for at least 24 hours. This allows the fibers to breathe and moisture from your skin to evaporate. Never store a sweater immediately after wearing, as trapped humidity invites moths and odors.
If the garment smells slightly stale, hang it in a steamy bathroom for ten minutes; the humidity will release wrinkles and refresh the fibers.
Spot Cleaning · 2 minutes
Address Stains Instantly
If you spill, blot the area with a cold, damp white cloth immediately. Do not rub, as friction will felt the wool fibers and create a permanent bald patch. Use a tiny drop of wool-specific detergent only if absolutely necessary, dabbing from the outside of the stain inward.
Always test a hidden seam first to ensure the detergent doesn't alter the dye.
The Wash · 5 minutes
The Gentle Submersion
If a full wash is required, fill a basin with cool water and a teaspoon of wool wash. Submerge the garment, gently pushing it down to saturate the fibers. Let it soak for 15 minutes, then rinse by gently pressing the water out—never wring or twist the fabric.
Avoid standard laundry detergents, which contain enzymes that eat through protein-based fibers like wool.
Drying · 1 minute
The Towel Roll
Lay a dry, clean towel flat on the floor and place your wet sweater on top. Roll the towel up like a sleeping bag to absorb the excess moisture from the wool. Unroll and lay the sweater flat on a drying rack, ensuring it is shaped correctly to avoid stretching.
Keep the sweater away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can make fibers brittle.
Maintenance · 1 minute
De-pilling and Storage
Pilling is a natural occurrence caused by friction. Use a sweater stone or a specialized fabric comb to gently remove pills in one direction. When storing, fold your sweaters neatly; hanging wool will cause the shoulders to stretch and the garment to lose its intended shape.
Store folded knits in breathable cotton bags during the off-season to prevent moth damage.
How to know it works.
A well-cared-for wool garment should feel soft, retain its shape when laid flat, and show no signs of thinning or matting.
Questions at the mirror.
My sweater has shrunk. Can I fix it?
Soak it in lukewarm water with a generous amount of hair conditioner for 30 minutes. Gently stretch it back to its original dimensions while wet, then lay it flat to dry.
How often should I wash my wool?
Typically, once or twice a season is sufficient, unless the garment is visibly soiled or holds a strong odor.