Caring for Sweaters

I have oodles of sweaters; that’s because I am forever cold.  In the spring and summer, I carry around a cardigan sweater, that matches my outfit of course, because I freeze in the air conditioning.  In the fall and winter, I wear multiple layers, usually ending with some sort of sweater on top.  But not only do I love sweaters because they keep me warm, I also love them because of the variety and style they can add to any ensemble.

There are so many styles and fabrics out there plus many sweaters have decorative trims and embellishments; therefore, sweaters require special attention.  If you have a sweater with trims like suede, leather, snakeskin, fur, sequins, or beads, we suggest you take it to a professional for cleaning or at the very least for advice before cleaning it on your own for the first time; many of these features require special attention.

If you’d like to care for your sweaters at home, we recommend using these general guidelines:

• Before washing or dry cleaning, check your sweater for any unraveling, fraying, and loose yarns and have the problem mended before cleaning.  Proceeding with cleaning before mending any issues could lead to further unraveling or damage.
• Always follow the instructions on the sweater’s care label.
• If the care label indicates it is fine to tumble dry, then do so on the lowest temperature possible.  If not, then lay the sweater out flat to dry.
• As with any garment, always treat stains immediately.
• If you are concerned about shrinkage, make a pattern of the sweater by tracing its outline on a piece of brown paper.  This will allow it to be blocked back to its original size should it shrink.
• Never put a wool sweater (or any garment for that matter) away wet.  First allow it to dry at room temperature, away from heat, then brush with the nap.
  
• To store sweaters, either fold them over a strut hanger or fold and place in a drawer or on a shelf.  Never hang a sweater from the shoulders; the weight of the sweater will cause it to stretch.

If you need help caring for your sweaters, feel free to stop by one of our locations.  We are happy to answer any questions you might have, and we will, of course, be there to provide the best care for all your garments, including your sweaters.