Knitwear is a real staple during the autumn and winter months (Image: Getty)
Now that autumn has officially arrived here in the UK, dressing for the weather is essential – and a good cosy jumper is one of the best ways to keep warm.
Knitwear is an absolute staple when the weather gets , and now is definitely time to introduce jumpers and cardigans back into your outfits.
Whether you’ve got plenty already at home or you’re looking to pick up a couple of new additions from the shops, knowing how to store your knitwear is crucial if you want it to last as long as possible.
And according to experts, there’s one very common mistake that many make, that could end up potentially ruining your favourite knitted items.
To help Brits carefully maintain their knitted garments without causing further damage, has enlisted their senior knitwear designer Jan Yalchin to share some important advice for washing, storing and maintaining knitted garments.
When you’re not wearing your favourite jumper or cardigan, a common place to put it is hanging up in the wardrobe alongside all of your other clothes.
But according to the expert, this should actually be avoided at all costs – as it can end up ruining your knits, and nobody wants to have to fork out for pricey replacements.
Jan explained: “Where possible, always avoid hanging knitted garments on hangers as the weight of the fabric can cause it to pull downwards changing its shape – this is particularly important for wool, cashmere, or any heavier knits.
“Instead, fold and place flat into drawers, avoiding over-packing the drawers as this can cause uneven pressure, fold lines, and aggravation when looking through the drawer to find other items.”
Folding your jumpers instead of hanging will help to ensure they don’t stretch (Image: Getty)
Over-washing your knitwear can also lead to damage, the expert warned, so you should try to spot-clean your knits wherever possible rather than just chucking them in the wash.
She explained: “Hand washing is the safest option for preventing stretching or shrinking of a knitted garment, and can also help maintain its softness.
“Place the item of clothing in a bowl of lukewarm water and mild detergent and leave to soak for 10 to 15 minutes, before gently massaging the soap out in a bowl of clean water.
Repeat until all soap residue has been removed and leave to air dry.”
And, if you do find that a jumper or cardigan has ended up shrinking in the wash, don’t panic – as there is a simple way to restore it to its former shape.
Jan noted: “If an item of knitwear has shrunk from being in the washing machine, dryer, or by contact with sunlight, it doesn’t mean the garment has to be thrown away.
“Start by submerging it in cold to lukewarm water with a tablespoon of fabric softener or hair conditioner, and leave to soak for 30 minutes before gently rinsing in clean water to remove the conditioner.
“The fabric conditioner helps to relax the fibres and allows the shape to open up.
“Transfer to a towel and gently roll up with the garment inside to absorb any excess moisture, unroll, then lay flat on a dry towel.
“Once flat carefully and slowly stretch the item of clothing back to its original shape and size before leaving to air dry – if you have any round and heavy objects that can be used to pin the garment to the correct shape without puncturing the fabric then do so.”