Beautiful knitwear is one of the greatest pleasures in a well-curated wardrobe. Soft, insulated and enduringly elegant, wool rewards careful ownership.
Wool is a natural fibre shorn from sheep, prized for its remarkable ability to regulate temperature. Each fibre contains tiny air pockets, allowing wool to insulate in cold weather while remaining breathable when temperatures shift. It’s one of nature’s most intelligent textiles.
Unlike synthetic fabrics, wool is naturally odour-resistant and moisture-wicking. This means your knitwear rarely needs washing after every wear; often, a good airing is enough.
Lambswool comes from a sheep's first shearing, usually at around seven months old. The fibres are finer and shorter, resulting in a noticeably softer and smoother texture than standard wool. Lambswool will soften over time, providing a great staple for your winter wardrobe each year.
Merino sheep produce exceptionally fine fibres, which is why merino wool feels so smooth against the skin. The finer the fibre, the softer the handle, and merino is among the finest. Merino knitwear is versatile, lightweight, naturally moisture-wicking & excellent at regulating body temperature.
Originating from the Shetland Islands, Shetland wool has a slightly more robust character. The fleece evolved to withstand the rain & wind, which are hard to escape on the Shetland Isles, making it a resilient fibre. Shetland knitwear tends to feel a touch more textured at first, but it softens gradually & wears in rather than out.
Looking after your knitwear is more than just washing; there is essential maintenance between wears too!
The Classic Boutiques Merino Knitwear is machine washable, but we recommend using care:
Hand washing is the gentlest method;
Pilling, the small bobbles that appear on the surface, is a natural occurrence, especially with softer fibres. It occurs when loose fibres rise to the surface and tangle with friction.
Remove pills gently by using a fabric shaver or a knitwear comb, brushing lightly in one direction. Over time, once excess fibres have shed, pilling will reduce significantly.
Clothes moths are attracted to natural fibres, particularly those carrying traces of skin oils or fragrance. Prevention is far easier than repair.
Regularly airing wardrobes and drawers helps discourage any moth activity.
PROTECT YOUR KNITWEAR
Even the most carefully stored knitwear can occasionally develop small holes. The key is to act quickly before it expands.
Minor holes can often be repaired at home using a darning needle and matching yarn. Gently weave stitches across the opening. Recreating the structure of the knit without pulling too tightly.
For cherished pieces, professional invisible mending may be a worthwhile investment.
Care labels may look cryptic, but they’re simply shorthand instructions.
Shrinkage occurs when wool fibres are exposed to heat and agitation. Each fibre has microscopic scales that lock together under stress, a process known as felting. Once this happens, the garment contracts and cannot fully return to its original shape. Hot washes, tumble drying and sudden temperature changes are the most common causes of knitwear shrinking.
Yes! The Classic Boutique offers machine-washable knitwear. We recommend following the care label when it comes to washing your knitwear.
If you are ever in doubt, hand washing is always the safest method to wash your knitwear.
Usually, after three to five wears, unless visibly marked. Air between wears to extend the garment's freshness.
No. Always ensure you dry your knitwear flat so that it maintains its shape.
New knitwear sheds excess surface fibres during the first few wears. Gentle combing will reduce this naturally.
Not necessarily, frequent dry cleaning can be harsh, gentle handwashing is kinder to the garment, and will help extend its lifespan.
If the piece has become severely felted, unfortunately, it cannot be restored. If only mild shrinkage has occurred, it can be eased slightly by reshaping whilst damp, and drying flat.
Discover more from the classic boutique blog, including garment care, new season lookbooks, and styling tips and tricks from our in-house designers and buyers.
