If I had to pick one type of clothing that is my favorite, my answer will always be sweaters. Living in New England where the weather tends to be cooler, I end up wearing sweaters for almost 9 months of the year. Even during the summer, I will pair a lightweight sweater with shorts if it’s cooler. I love wearing one under a moto jacket or blazer in the fall, and even half tucked into a skirt for a dressier look. I usually size up one or two sizes to get a more cozier, oversized look. Giant sweater tucked in to skinny jeans with some heeled booties is probably my most worn look of all time.
Because of the amount of wear I get out of my sweaters, it is an item I will spend a little more money on for a better quality item, especially when it comes to neutral and timeless styles. Since I am spending a little more money on them, I always try to be sure to take the best care of my sweaters so they can last for years, not just for a season.
Here are my tips for getting the longest life out of your sweaters:
- This may seem like the easiest step, but READ THE CARE DIRECTIONS!! If it says do not tumble dry, don’t throw it in the dryer on high heat and wonder why it shrunk. The care labels are there for a reason, and it’s surprising how many people just ignore it and wash something without checking. Also when it says hang dry, actually hang dry it. It makes such a difference! I bought a little drying rack from target that folds easily for storage, and can fit 4 sweaters at a time.
- Keep heavy sweaters folded, not hanging! If the knit is heavy weight and you have it on a hanger, the weight of the sweater will pull down and your gorgeous sweater will lose its shape and stretch out. Folding and stacking your sweaters is the best way to keep their shape, and have them look their best.
- Invest in some good detergent for your cashmere and wools. I absolutely love the one from the Laundress (it’s literally called Wool and Cashmere shampoo), it smells so fresh and I really feel like they’re being cleaned, and not just covered in nice scents. I always hand wash my sweaters, and then roll them in a clean towel to help get rid of the extra water, and lay flat on a drying rack to dry! Yes, it does take a little more time than a washing machine, but for me it’s so worth it to keep my favorite sweaters looking perfect. This will also save you a ton of money rather than having to dry clean everything!!
- You don’t have to wash your sweaters after ever wear! Like jeans, sweaters do not have to be wash after each time you wear it, it will drastically help lengthen the life of your sweater. The only except is if it’s actually dirty, like from any spills, or dirt, or sweat. Then you should wash it right away. I usually spray the Laundress “Wool and Cashmere Spray” in between wears to keep them fresh, and especially when storing them away for the season. The spray is antibacterial so it gets rid of any odors, and it scented with cedar so it helps repel moths and critters (is there anything worse than moth holes??)
- Get and electric sweater shaver. Sometimes pills just happen, even on the highest qualities of sweaters. A little sweater shaver will keep your sweaters looking brand new, and is much more time efficient than a razor. These sweater shavers are great for things besides sweaters too! You can use them on any blankets, couches, pillows that need a little refresh.
- Store them away well for a season. I usually pack my sweaters away at the end of a season in those giant plastic airtight bins, so nothing (including sun damage) can get to them when they’re not in use. Also it should be obvious, but wash your sweaters before you pack them away! You want them to be ready to go when sweater season begins again. I also usually throw in a piece of a clean dryer sheet to keep them smelling fresh and clean, and not musty!
By following these mostly super simple tips, I have been able to keep my sweaters for years, which makes them more justified as an investment piece.
Shades and Stripes 
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