It’s far too easy to get the wrong idea that in order to keep clothes in pristine condition, they must be of the highest end fabrics from the most expensive brands. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the case. The most important thing about sweaters is not necessarily what material it is– but how you take care of the material. 

What’s sustainable? 

Granted, most higher-end, natural-fiber sweaters are the most sustainable route, but so are thrifted and secondhand materials. Many of these secondhand materials are likely to be polyester, nylon, or another synthetic weave. 

By nature, materials like polyester aren’t sustainable, and shouldn’t be purchased new if  avoidable. However, considering the rise of thrift and consignment stores, many polyester-like items are found dangling off the never-ending clothing racks. Even if you do choose to newly purchase a polymer weave garment, there are ways to promote the longevity of the piece. 

All-natural fibers will always be the winners in our book, and the most sustainable option long-term, but if you take the time and energy to give your synthetic fibers the proper care, they just might last you nearly as long. 

What is proper care?

First and foremost, you should always treat your garments with care! It doesn’t matter what material the piece is composed of; you should treat each clothing item as if it were of the highest-end material and design. Sweaters are the most difficult pieces to take care of, generally, because of the delicacy of the materials and the side effects of improper care. Sweaters are prone to shrinkage, pilling, and other natural sweater disasters if not cared for properly (and even sometimes when cared for properly!). 

Proper care consists of the most beneficial washing and drying cycle, coupled with responsible storage methods. 

Washing and Drying

The most effective way to promote healthy sweater care, even amongst synthetic fibers, is to use the right washing and drying methods. 

First, use the right washing cycle! We recommend ALWAYS machine-washing on cold, since warm temperatures induce risk of material shrinkage or color bleeding. A cold cycle also reduces the risk of color fading and keeps your garment in pristine condition. 

Second, you should never, and I mean NEVER, machine-dry your sweaters. This will only damage the fibers, leading to either shrinkage, shedding, or extreme pilling. The more you machine-dry a garment, the more worn-down it becomes over time. As a rule of thumb, the only garments you should consistently machine-dry are socks, undergarments, t-shirts or any underclothing that isn’t worn as an outer layer. Hang-drying is the best option for any clothing item not aforementioned, such as pants, sweaters, blouses, and the like. 

If you’re unsure exactly which cycle to choose for your sweater washing, sometimes the delicate cycle is the best way to go, since the cycle is preset on cold wash and will give your garments a gentler wash than a regular cycle. 

Storage

Whether you’re freshening up your sweaters from storage, storing them away, or simply holding them in your closet, proper sweater storage is just as important for sweater care as your washing and drying methods. When simply storing your sweaters for immediate use, the best method is to fold your sweaters into drawers or some place where they can lay flat. Never hang your sweaters if you want to avoid shoulder bulges from hangers! For more storage tips, read our all-encompassing post here.

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post It’s All in the Sweater Care appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Now that we’re well into November, your favorite sweaters are sure to be in your weekly outfit rotation. After properly storing your knitwear through the summer, and unboxing it for the fall, it’s time to take sweater care to the next level. Sweater maintenance is just as important as prepping sweaters for and removing sweaters from storage, so we’ve created a comprehensive guide to consistently caring for your favorite knitwear. 

Hand Wash Delicate Materials

To prevent frayed threads and to keep your sweaters in pristine condition, hand washing is the best way to go. Place your sweater in a bucket of cool water. Then, add  laundry detergent and let the fabric soak for about 30 minutes. Once properly soaked, remove from the bucket and rinse under cold water. 

Freeze Out Carpet Bugs

The best (and easiest) way to get rid of any obnoxious bugs is to stick your sweater in the freezer! The low temperature creates a hostile environment for any little creature, and will make it impossible for mites to continue chewing at your fabrics. Keep your sweater in the freezer for anywhere between a few hours to a full day. If you’re having a consistent bug issue, read more here for more tips and tricks. 

Get to Know your De-Fuzzing Brush

Specially designed sweater brushes have proven to be much more efficient than lint rollers. While lint rollers seem to provide a quick solution, they endanger the safety of your delicate fabrics, and don’t get at the root of the problem. Invest instead in a brush like this, which will work wonders on all your natural fiber sweaters. 

Safe Machine Washing 

If you don’t have the time or luxury to wash each of your sweaters by hand, be sure to machine wash them properly. Turn your sweaters inside out to help prevent pilling, and run the wash on a shorter cycle. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully depending on the sweater material, and always run sweater cycles on cold. To avoid shrinkage and excess pills, allow your garment to air dry– do NOT use a drying machine. 

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post Maintaining your Sweaters throughout the Season appeared first on Lilly Brush.