How To Store Knitwear And Help Jumpers Look New For Longer
Struggling to know what to do with your beloved knits as the weather starts to warm up again? You’re not alone. Many people make way for their summer delicates by stuffing jumpers into a spare room or popping them in a bag and forgetting about them in the attic. However, proper knitwear storage is far more important than you might think, especially if you want your favourite pieces to last. Even the very best wool jumpers will show signs of wear over the years, but with a little care and the right storage routine, you can help your knitwear stay fresher for longer. Here’s our guide to storing knitwear correctly, keeping each piece safe, protected and ready for its next wear or next season.
Knitwear Storage
The best way to store sweaters between wears is to fold them and place them on a shelf in a wardrobe or inside a chest of drawers. This helps protect each knit from being squashed or stretched out of shape. You can hang your sweaters, but if you do, use a padded hanger so the shoulders stay intact and the knit keeps its natural form. When you’re not wearing your knitwear, always store it in a cool, dry place and keep it well away from direct heat sources like radiators, as over time heat can weaken the fibres and shorten the life of your favourite jumpers.
The best way to organize and store your wool sweaters is to fold them. This helps to keep their shape and prevent wrinkles.
You can fold like one of our knitwear experts by following these steps:
1. Lay your sweater flat.
2. Fold a sleeve inwards at a diagonal, so that the cuff is opposite from the shoulder, then repeat with the other sleeve.
3. Ensure it is smooth and remove any wrinkles with your hand.
4. Hold the hem of your knit and bring it towards the neck. Roll if you’re folding a thick and chunky knit.
5. If you have rolled it, use an elastic band at each end to keep the roll secure.
The Do's & Dont's Of Storing Knitwear
To keep your knitwear looking its best, there are a few simple rules to follow depending on the type of fibre.
Wool sweaters need a cool, dark place for storage, as heat can damage natural fibres over time. Avoid hot attics or wardrobes that catch the sun; a chest of drawers or under‑bed storage works perfectly.
Cashmere and other delicate knits should be stored in an airtight garment bag or container to protect them from moths and dust, keeping the fibres soft and safe until their next wear.
Hand‑knitted sweaters often have intricate details that can be easily damaged, so handle them gently and wrap each piece in acid‑free tissue paper before storing. This extra layer of protection helps preserve their shape and craftsmanship season after season.
Bobbles Be Gone: Your Knitwear Pilling Survival Guide
Unfortunately, pilling is a natural process that occurs even on the highest‑quality knitwear. It’s simply a consequence of regular wear, so the best way to keep your favourite knits looking fresh is to remove the pills as they appear. Pills on a heavier knit can often be removed by hand, but using a pilling comb is the safest option and helps avoid damaging the fibres.
For more advice on dealing with bobbles, take a look at our handy guide to removing pills from jumpers, which walks you through the best tools and techniques to keep your knitwear looking like new.
Clean Your Knits
Before storing your treasured knits, make sure they’re completely clean. Stashing them away with dirt, body oils or perspiration will only encourage moths to cling to the fibres, especially wool. Wash, steam or dry‑clean your knitwear and ensure each piece is fully dry before packing it away. For the best results, always follow the care instructions on the label and take a look at our guide on how to wash wool jumpers correctly to keep your knitwear in top condition.
What To Do When It's Time To Bring Out Your Woolen Treasures
When it is time to bring out your favourite knitwear from storage, start with a quick visual check to make sure each piece looks exactly as you left it. If you have used mothballs or scented sachets, your knits may have picked up a slight odour, and that is completely normal. Knitwear does not hold onto smells, so simply place each jumper somewhere with good air circulation and allow it to breathe. Follow these simple knitwear care tips and you will extend the lifespan of your wool jumpers, cashmere and hand‑knitted pieces.
Good care keeps your knitwear looking fresh and ready to wear while you enjoy planning the outfits that go with them.
