Investment knitwear needs love and care. Here's how to make it last

Sydney Morning Herald

17-05-2025

This story is part of the May 18 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories.
Cable sweaters at Ralph Lauren, Fair Isle patterns at Loewe and multicoloured Missoni stripes have dragged knitwear out of the blanket box and onto the backs of fashion insiders such as Jennifer Lopez, Kendall Jenner and Princess Catherine.
After seasons spent hiding under boxy blazers and camel coats, cosy knitwear has become the preference of the A-list – and those lower down the alphabet pecking order – for expressing individuality while staying warm.
Here's a refresher course on looking fit in knits – without becoming a nitwit.
Layering knits
While many sweaters stand out on their own, layering fine-gauge knitwear with cardigans, blazers and coats adds textural appeal while offering greater protection against the elements.
Start with a thin base layer, such as a turtleneck or light crew neck, against the skin, taking advantage of merino wool's strengths at wicking moisture away from the skin. Add a chunkier cardigan with a pattern or camel coat, making sure that the base layer is fitted against the arms to avoid looking like the Michelin Man.
Tucking knitwear above jeans or a long skirt provides more opportunities for rugging up. While some women fold longer knitwear under and then into their bras, a more comfortable option is to make a jumper 'tucking band'. Cut a length of wide elastic so it sits snugly at your waist and stitch the ends together. Then place the elastic over a jumper at your waist and fold over the excess for a polished finish.
Washing your woolies
To hand-wash woollens, soak and swish in lukewarm water (30 degrees) for 15 minutes with wool detergent. Rinse and gently remove excess water. Leave to dry flat on a towel.
If the care instructions advise machine washing, turn the jumper inside out and place in a mesh bag to prevent snags. Select the wool cycle on a cold temperature.
Air your jumpers between wears but expect to wash after three or four outings.
A cure for pilling
Pilling is an unfortunate effect from machine-washing woollens, or just regular wear. Here are the best ways to remove those pesky lint balls.
Lint comb: Lay a jumper flat before using a lint comb to smooth out wrinkles. Use short strokes in one direction to remove pilling. A lint comb is best used on fibres that are 100 per cent natural.
Electric lint remover: Many have multiple speeds for different fabric blends. Use in a gentle circular motion over the affected area.
Pumice stone: Give your feet a rest and softly move a pumice stone over pilling before using a lint roller to remove build-up.
Storing your knitwear