How to Care for and Get the Most Out of Your Knitwear
You've found a hoodie or knit piece you genuinely reach for — the question is how to keep it looking that way. Knitwear and hooded sweatshirts are among the most rewarding items in any wardrobe, but they're also among the easiest to accidentally ruin. This guide covers washing, drying, storage, and everyday habits that extend the life of every piece in your hoodies and knitwear collection.
Know Your Fabric Before Anything Else
The care label is not optional reading. Knitwear spans a wide range of fibres — cotton, acrylic, wool, cashmere blends, and mixed constructions — and each behaves differently under heat and agitation. Before you wash anything, check the label for the fibre content and the manufacturer's symbols. When in doubt, treat the piece as if it contains the most delicate fibre listed.
- Cotton and cotton-blend hoodies are generally the most forgiving. Most tolerate a cool machine wash (30 °C / 86 °F) on a gentle cycle.
- Acrylic knitwear can pill more readily than natural fibres. Use a mesh laundry bag and a gentle cycle to reduce friction.
- Wool and wool blends shrink when exposed to heat or vigorous agitation. Hand wash in cool water or use a wool/delicates machine setting, and never wring.
- Cashmere and fine-gauge knits require the most care: hand wash only, cool water, specialist detergent, and always handle gently.
Washing: The Rules That Actually Matter
Turn every knitwear piece inside out before washing. This protects the outer surface from friction against other garments and reduces pilling. Use a detergent formulated for delicates or wool — standard detergents can strip natural fibres of their softness over time.
Avoid washing knitwear more often than necessary. Airing a garment after wear is usually enough to refresh it between washes. Over-washing is one of the fastest routes to a tired, misshapen piece.
For machine-washable items, skip the spin cycle or use the lowest spin speed available. High-speed spinning distorts the knit structure, especially at the shoulders and cuffs.
Drying: Where Most Damage Happens
Heat is the main enemy of knitwear. Tumble dryers — even on low settings — can cause shrinkage, felting in wool, and loss of shape across virtually all knit constructions. The safest approach for every type of knitwear is to dry flat.
To dry flat: gently press out excess water with a clean towel (do not wring), then reshape the garment by hand and lay it on a dry towel or a mesh drying rack away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Hanging wet knitwear causes it to stretch under its own weight — shoulders widen, hemlines drop, and the shape is difficult to recover.
Allow the piece to dry completely before folding or storing it. Storing damp knitwear, even briefly, encourages mildew and an unpleasant odour.
Storage: Fold, Don't Hang
Hanging knitwear — even when dry — stretches the fibres at the shoulders over time. Fold knitwear pieces and store them on a shelf or in a drawer. If wardrobe space is limited, fold and place inside a breathable cotton bag rather than hanging.
For seasonal storage, clean the pieces before putting them away. Moths and insects are attracted to body oils and food residue left on fabric, not to clean garments. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets can help deter moths without the chemical odour of mothballs.
Dealing with Pilling
Pilling is a normal result of friction — it happens most on areas that rub together, such as underarms and sides. It does not mean a garment is poor quality; it means it has been worn. A fabric shaver (also called a lint shaver or debobbler) removes pills quickly and safely. Use light pressure and work in small sections. Regular de-pilling keeps even older knitwear looking well-maintained.
Getting More Wear Per Piece
Rotating your knitwear rather than wearing the same piece on consecutive days gives the fibres time to recover their shape. Layering is also one of the most practical ways to extend the usefulness of knitwear across seasons — a finer knit worn over a long-sleeve top from the tops collection works from early autumn through to mid-spring.
Consider the occasions a piece works for before buying. A relaxed-fit hoodie that transitions from weekend wear to a casual office setting gives you more value per wear than one that only functions in one context. Pairing knitwear with dresses — layering a fine-knit cardigan over a slip or shirt dress — is a straightforward way to make both pieces work harder.
When Something Goes Wrong
If a piece arrives with a defect, photograph it clearly and contact the customer service team before doing anything else. Glamcroft's policy covers defective items with a free replacement when photo evidence is provided. For return queries more broadly, the returns policy sets out the full process, including the requirement to contact the team first — unapproved returns are not accepted.
Good knitwear, looked after consistently, lasts for years. The time spent on correct washing and storage is small compared to the cost of replacing pieces that wear out before they should. Browse the current hoodies and knitwear edit to find pieces worth taking care of.
Contact
Questions about an order or a product? The team is available Monday to Friday 09:00–18:00 and Saturday to Sunday 10:00–17:00 (Eastern Time), with responses within 24 business hours.
- Email: info@glamcroft.com
- Phone: +1 870 840 2620
- Address: 30 N Gould St, Ste 63155, Sheridan, WY 82801, US
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