Knitwear Care Guide 2026: How to Keep Double You Studios Knits Looking Sharp

Knitwear care is the single biggest factor in how long a jumper keeps its shape, colour and texture. Get it wrong and even the best knit pills, stretches or shrinks within a few washes. At Double You Studios we build knitwear like the Matel Logo Knit to last, but the way you wash, dry and store it matters just as much as the construction.

This guide walks through proper knitwear care step by step, from the wash cycle to the wardrobe shelf. Whether you’ve just picked up a new Double You Studios knit or you’re trying to rescue an old favourite, these habits will keep your pieces looking fresh through every UK winter and beyond.

Why Knitwear Care Matters More Than You Think

Knitwear is more delicate than a cotton tee or a denim jacket. The yarn structure, whether it’s a chunky cable knit or a fine ribbed piece, loses shape easily under heat, agitation or careless drying. Good knitwear care protects the fit, keeps colours from fading and stops that fuzzy, worn-out look appearing after just a handful of wears.

At Double You Studios, our knits are designed to sit well on the shoulders and hold their silhouette over time. That only happens if you treat them properly from the first wash onwards. Skipping basic knitwear care is the fastest way to turn a £75 piece into something that looks years older than it is.

Washing Your Knits the Right Way

Always check the care label first, but as a general rule, wash knitwear on a cold or 30 degree cycle using a gentle or wool setting. Turn the garment inside out before it goes in the machine to protect the outer surface and any printed branding.

Avoid fabric softener on knitwear. It coats the fibres and actually speeds up pilling rather than preventing it. A mild detergent and a slow spin cycle are all you need for proper knitwear care. If you’re washing a Matel Logo Knit or anything with a logo print, keep the wash gentle to protect the detailing over time.

Drying and Storage Tips That Protect Your Knits

Never tumble dry knitwear. Heat shrinks fibres and warps the fit permanently, which undoes everything good knitwear care is meant to achieve. Instead, lay the garment flat on a clean towel, reshape it gently and let it air dry away from direct sunlight or radiators.

Hanging knitwear on a regular hanger stretches the shoulders out of shape within weeks, so fold your knits instead. Store them flat in a drawer or on a shelf, ideally with a cedar block nearby to keep moths away during the off season. This small habit is one of the most overlooked parts of knitwear care, but it’s the difference between a knit lasting one winter or five.

Dealing with Pilling, Snags and Everyday Wear

Pilling happens naturally over time, especially under bag straps or jacket cuffs. A fabric shaver or a simple pumice stone removes bobbles without damaging the yarn, and doing this every few wears keeps a knit looking newer for longer. This is a basic part of ongoing knitwear care that most people skip until the damage is already done.

Snags should never be pulled. Instead, use a needle to gently work the loose thread back through to the inside of the garment. Rotating your knitwear rather than wearing the same piece daily also reduces friction and wear, which is a simple but effective knitwear care habit worth building into your routine.

Building a Knitwear Wardrobe with Double You Studios

A well-rounded knitwear rotation makes layering easier through autumn and winter. Pair a Double You Studios knit with lighter pieces for spring transitional weather, or layer it under a jacket once temperatures drop properly. If you’re building out warmer-weather basics too, our Double You Studios shorts collection pairs naturally with a lightweight knit on cooler summer evenings.

Looking after your pieces properly also means they hold resale or hand-me-down value, which matters if you’re investing in multiple Double You Studios knits across a season. Good knitwear care isn’t complicated, it just needs consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I machine wash Double You Studios knitwear?
Yes, most pieces can be machine washed on a cold or 30 degree gentle cycle. Always check the label first and turn the garment inside out before washing.

How often should I wash a knit jumper?
Knitwear doesn’t need washing after every wear. Airing it out between wears and washing every three to five wears keeps the fibres in better condition for longer.

Why does my knitwear pill so quickly?
Friction from bags, coats or tumble drying speeds up pilling. Gentle washing, flat drying and regular use of a fabric shaver slow this process down considerably.

Should I hang or fold my jumpers?
Fold them. Hanging stretches the shoulders and neckline out of shape over time, especially with heavier knits.

What’s the best way to remove a snag without damaging the knit?
Never pull a loose thread. Use a needle to gently guide it back through to the inside of the garment so the surface stays smooth.