When the cold weather hits, it’s time to bring out your cutest Krush Kandy sweaters. But how do you make sure your sweater storage is up to scratch and that your favorite knits don’t end up misshapen, pilling, or looking less than stunning?
We’re here to help with our handy knitwear care guide that will ensure your favorite pieces always look their best.
KNOW YOUR FABRICS
Before learning how to wash sweaters, you need to know a bit more about knitwear fabric. This makes caring for your clothing a whole lot easier.
VISCOSE AND VISCOSE BLENDS
Viscose and viscose blends are prized for their fluid drape and silky feel, and our Sweet Espresso Stripe Ribbed Henley Slouchy Sweater is the perfect example!
However, these fabrics need extra care because heat and agitation can tighten the fibers or cause them to lose shape. Cold washes, low-speed cycles, and mesh bags help safeguard these fabrics from stretching or surface wear.
After washing, press out excess water gently and lay the sweater flat to dry so it maintains its shape.
ACRYLIC KNITS
Acrylic knits like our Honeycomb Charm Crotchet Knit Sweater Vest feel light and cozy while keeping you warm, and their color stays true wear after wear. They work beautifully for textured designs or statement pieces. Even though they hold up well to daily wear, rubbing can create small fuzz balls. Giving them a little extra care during washing helps them stay looking great.
MODAL KNITS
Modal knits are well-loved for their ultra-soft feel, smooth finish, and beautiful drape, making pieces like our Pretty Active Athleisure Zip-up Jacket | 4 Colors a go-to choice for comfortable, everyday pieces that still look polished. This fabric also feels breathable and lightweight against your skin, and it holds its shape better than many natural fibres.
Because modal is derived from natural cellulose, it responds best to gentle care. To wash your modal knits, use cold water with a mild detergent and select a delicate or low-speed cycle to prevent fibre stress. High heat can weaken the fabric and cause shrinkage, so always avoid hot washes and tumble drying. To dry, lay your garment flat to dry to maintain its soft drape and original shape.
COTTON AND COTTON BLENDS
The cotton and cotton-blend knits at Krush Kandy are both durable and breathable, making pieces like our Seaside Breeze Mineral Wash Wide Leg Cropped Pants a beloved wardrobe staple.
Cotton soaks up water quickly, so when your sweaters are wet, they can feel heavy and lose their shape if you don’t handle them carefully. Laying them flat to dry and gently reshaping the sleeves and hems while they’re still slightly damp will help them keep their original form.
Blends of cotton with polyester or acrylic add extra stability, reducing shrinkage while keeping the fabric soft and comfortable against your skin, and they need to be washed and dried the same way.
POLYESTER KNITS
Polyester knits are some of the easiest fabrics to care for and look fantastic in any wardrobe. The Urban Explorer Bomber Jacket | S-XL and other garments made from this material resist shrinkage and hold their color well, but you’ll still need to be gentle with them.
Overwashing can trap odors in the fibers, so clean these pieces only when absolutely necessary.
Cold washing also helps preserve their shape and vibrancy, and laying them flat to dry prevents twists and bumps from forming in the fabric.
WOOL BLENDS
Wool blends contain polyester, nylon, or elastane to offer warmth and structure. These knits are more robust than pure wool but remain sensitive to heat, so cooler washes and careful drying are recommended.
Just remember to keep your Heart Metal Button V Neck Cardigan Sweater and other wool-blend garments far away from zippers, buckles, or rough fabrics to avoid snags.
HOW TO WASH SWEATERS
Washing your sweaters the right way makes a noticeable difference in how they look and feel.
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Cold water helps keep fibers strong, prevents shrinking, and preserves the color.
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Turning your sweaters inside out before washing reduces friction and protects the surface.
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For lighter or patterned pieces, a mesh bag adds extra care.
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Use a mild detergent that cleans thoroughly without leaving residue or stiffening the fabric.
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Avoid the tumble dryer, which can change your knits' shape and cause shrinkage. Instead, lay sweaters flat on a towel or drying rack, and while they are still slightly damp, gently reshape sleeves, hems, and necklines so they keep their form.
HOW TO STOP PILLING
The dreaded pilling happens when fibers rub together, creating small fuzz balls on the surface of your knitwear. High-friction areas such as underarms, sides, or sleeves are the most susceptible to this.
Preventing pilling starts with turning your knitwear inside out for washing and avoiding overloading your washing machine. Using mesh bags is also a great way to reduce friction during the wash cycle.
If pilling does occur, a fabric shaver or sweater comb works well to gently lift the fibers without damaging the fabric. Press lightly, and take your time with stubborn areas to keep your knits looking good.
SWEATER STORAGE TIPS
Correct sweater storage keeps your Krush Kandy knits in tip-top shape for longer.
Heavier or looser pieces should always be folded and flat-packed rather than hung on hangers. This prevents them from stretching or getting hanger bumps in the shoulder area.
Make sure each item is clean before putting it away, and store it in breathable containers or fabric bags to let the fibers breathe.
Avoid vacuum sealing, which can compress the fabric and change its texture.
KNITWEAR THAT LOOKS GREAT AND LASTS
By following our knitwear care and sweater storage tips, you can ensure your favorite sweaters retain their shape and look fresh and new. With just a little extra care, your knitwear lasts longer, looks amazing, and continues to bring warmth and style to those chilly winter months.
PRINTABLE KNITWEAR CARE CHECKLIST
USE OUR HANDY CHECKLIST TO KEEP YOUR KNITWEAR LOOKING CUTE AND READY TO WEAR:
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Check what your knitwear is made of before washing
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Turn your knits inside out
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Slip them into a mesh laundry bag
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Wash in cool water with a mild detergent
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Skip the dryer and let sweaters dry flat
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While still slightly damp, smooth out sleeves, hems, and necklines
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Remove any fuzz balls carefully without tugging
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Tackle snags from the inside
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Fold sweaters for storage rather than hanging them