How to Wash and Care for Men's Wool Jumpers
Wool is one of the most popular natural fibres for men's knitwear, prized for its warmth, softness, breathability and durability. From lambswool and merino wool to luxurious cashmere, quality wool knitwear can provide years of wear when looked after properly.
Knowing how to wash a wool jumper, dry it correctly and store it between wears can help preserve its shape, softness and appearance. Wool requires a little more care than many everyday fabrics, but looking after it needn't be difficult.
Our guide explains how to care for men's wool jumpers, including hand washing, drying, removing bobbles and storing your knitwear correctly.
How Often Should You Wash a Wool Jumper?
Wool jumpers don't usually need washing after every wear. One of wool's great advantages is that it can often be aired between wears, helping you avoid unnecessary washing and prolong the life of the garment.
How often you should wash a wool jumper depends on how frequently it is worn and what it has been exposed to. Rather than washing after a fixed number of wears, air your knitwear after use and wash it when necessary.
Most importantly, always check the care label before washing a wool jumper. Different wool garments may have different washing requirements depending on the fibre, yarn and construction.
Can You Wash a Wool Jumper?
Many wool jumpers can be washed by hand, while others may require professional dry cleaning or have specific washing instructions. Always follow the care label on the individual garment rather than assuming that all wool knitwear should be washed in the same way.
Where hand washing is recommended, use lukewarm water and a mild detergent specifically designed for wool or delicate fabrics. Avoid excessive heat, vigorous rubbing and wringing, which can damage wool fibres and affect the shape and size of your jumper.
How to Hand Wash a Wool Jumper
Hand washing can be a gentle way to clean wool knitwear when permitted by the garment's care instructions. The key is to handle the jumper carefully and avoid sudden changes in temperature.
Step 1 – Check the Care Label
Before washing your wool jumper, read the care label carefully. If the garment is marked dry clean only, follow those instructions rather than attempting to hand wash it.
Step 2 – Turn the Jumper Inside Out
Turn your jumper inside out before washing. This helps reduce unnecessary friction on the outer surface of the knitwear. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent suitable for wool or delicate garments.
Step 3 – Wash the Wool Jumper Gently
Place the jumper in the water and gently move it through the solution. Avoid rubbing, scrubbing or stretching the fabric. Wool fibres can be sensitive to a combination of heat, moisture and agitation, so gentle handling is important when washing wool knitwear.
Step 4 – Rinse in Lukewarm Water
Rinse the jumper carefully in clean, lukewarm water until the detergent has been removed. Try to maintain a similar water temperature throughout the washing and rinsing process. Sudden temperature changes combined with agitation can contribute to felting and shrinkage.
Step 5 – Remove Excess Water
Never wring or twist a wet wool jumper. Instead, gently press out as much excess water as possible without stretching the garment. You can then lay the jumper flat on a clean towel, roll the towel gently and press it to absorb more moisture.
How Often Should You Wash a Wool Jumper?
Knowing how to dry a wool jumper correctly is particularly important because wet wool can stretch and lose its shape. After removing excess water, gently reshape your jumper and lay it flat to dry on a clean towel or suitable flat drying surface. Smooth the sleeves, collar and body back into their natural shape before leaving the garment to dry. Avoid hanging a wet wool jumper from a clothes hanger or washing line. The weight of the water can pull the knitwear out of shape, particularly around the shoulders. Wool knitwear should also be kept away from radiators, tumble dryers and other sources of direct heat unless the care label specifically states otherwise.
How to Stop a Wool Jumper from Shrinking
The best way to deal with a shrunken wool jumper is to prevent shrinkage in the first place. Excessive heat and agitation can cause wool fibres to felt together, resulting in a jumper becoming smaller, denser or misshapen. Always follow the garment's care instructions and avoid using water that is hotter than recommended. When hand washing wool, use lukewarm water, handle the garment gently and avoid wringing or rubbing. Allowing your jumper to dry naturally and flat can also help it retain its original shape.
Why Do Wool Jumpers Bobble?
Wool jumpers can naturally develop small bobbles with regular wear. Known as pilling, this occurs when loose fibres work their way to the surface of the fabric and become tangled together through friction. You're most likely to notice pilling in areas where the jumper regularly rubs against itself or another garment, such as beneath the arms or around the sides. Some degree of pilling is perfectly normal with natural wool knitwear and doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality.
How to Remove Bobbles from a Wool Jumper
If your wool jumper has started to bobble, the pills can usually be removed with a suitable knitwear comb or fabric shaver. Lay the jumper flat on a clean surface and gently work over the affected areas, following the instructions provided with your chosen tool. Avoid pulling individual bobbles away with your fingers, as this can tug at the yarn and potentially damage the knit. Removing pills periodically will help keep your wool jumpers looking smart and well cared for.
How to Store Wool Jumpers
Wool jumpers are generally best stored folded rather than hung. Leaving heavier knitwear on a hanger for extended periods can stretch the shoulders and gradually alter the shape of the garment. Fold your wool jumpers neatly and keep them somewhere clean and dry. If you're storing knitwear away for the warmer months, make sure every garment is clean and completely dry first. Natural fibres such as wool and cashmere can be susceptible to clothes moths, so keeping wardrobes and drawers clean and using suitable moth protection can help protect your knitwear during storage.
How to Keep Wool Jumpers Looking Their Best
A quality wool jumper should be a long-term addition to your wardrobe. The simplest way to keep men's wool knitwear looking its best is to avoid washing it unnecessarily, follow the individual care label and treat the fibres gently whenever cleaning, drying or storing the garment. Air your jumper between wears, remove bobbles when they appear and store it folded in a clean, dry place. These small steps can make a considerable difference to the appearance and longevity of your knitwear. Whether you prefer lambswool, merino wool, cashmere or another natural fibre, taking proper care of your wool jumpers will help you enjoy their warmth, comfort and quality season after season.
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