Experts Reveal the Washing Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Knitwear

Few wardrobe staples are as comforting as a well-loved sweater, but one wrong move can ruin it for good. From shrinking in the wash to stretching on a hanger, the biggest risks are surprisingly easy to sidestep with the right know-how.

It's officially sweater weather, and people everywhere are finally breaking out their favorite knitwear as the temperatures turn chilly. It's also the perfect time to learn exactly how to care for those precious garments and avoid any irreparable damage.

Sweaters are a cold-weather essential, especially those made from natural materials like wool and cashmere, which offer excellent warmth. However, storing them improperly or skipping a wash when one is needed can leave your knits riddled with holes and stretched out of shape.

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when caring for your knits.

Skipping the Care Label

The most important tip, according to Saige Coleman, founder and designer of Sydney-based label Saiegy, and Anna Woodruff, founder and designer of New Zealand label Francie, is to always follow the washing instructions on your knit.

"We have so many sad folks in our email inbox who have tried to put their knits in the washing machine and ended up with a tiny knit – it's just not worth it," Woodruff tells Fashion Journal.

Coleman agrees. "[Never throw] a woolen knit in with your regular load of washing," she adds. "Always wash in cold water and by hand, unless you want your knit to shrink into a shell of its former self."

Washing Your Knits Too Often

Over-washing is another common misstep. Not only does it lead to pilling — those small, tangled balls of fiber that form on a garment's surface — but it can also cause the piece to lose its shape over time.

It's worth noting that natural fibers like wool and merino are naturally resistant to odor and sweat.

You can often get away with a spot clean or simply airing items out by turning them inside out, though it's still recommended that you wash your knits every five to 10 wears, depending on the fiber and whether you wear an undershirt.

Hanging Instead of Folding (and Forgetting About Snags)

Coleman and Woodruff also stressed the importance of storing knitwear properly.

"Depending on the fiber, hanging your knit can sometimes make it stretch and sag, often leaving the garment looking like it was made for a long limbed giant," Coleman says. Folding garments instead makes them far more likely to hold their shape.

Snagging is another hazard to watch out for.

"When it comes to more delicate, fine knits like the ones I design, also be vigilant of snagging, which is hard, because it can happen in a single careless moment," Coleman explains. "Try to avoid sharp jewelry, rough textured bags, or brushing up against abrasive surfaces like brick walls and Velcro (the silent killer of knits)."

Extra Tips for Keeping Your Knits in Top Shape

Here's what else to keep in mind when caring for your knits:

• Choose gentle cleaners: Woodruff believes less is more when it comes to cleaning products and stain removers. Instead of turning to harsh, bleach-based formulas, she swears by a humble bar of soap. For those who prefer the machine, Coleman recommends opting for a detergent made specifically for wool.
• Fix holes before they grow: Even if sewing isn't your strong suit, Woodruff encourages addressing holes as soon as they appear and attempting the repair yourself. "Mending it badly and quickly, is better than putting it off, as it stops the hole from getting bigger," she says. "Even a 'bad' mend can look really charming in my opinion, and you can always undo it and mend it more neatly again in future."

With a little extra attention, your favorite knits can stay soft, shapely, and hole-free for many winters to come.

Whether it's hand-washing in cold water, folding instead of hanging, or reaching for a needle at the first sign of a hole, these simple habits are well worth the effort to keep your sweater collection looking its best all season long.

And while you perfect you care method for your knits, learn how often you actually need to wash your bed sheets.