Knitwear Care Guide: Keep It Like New
By Temperley London | British Luxury Fashion & Bridal ... | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to wash, store, and prevent pilling on your Temperley London knitwear. Expert tips for lambswool, merino, and knit coats.
Quick answer
To keep your Temperley London knitwear looking its best, hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool detergent, lay flat to dry, and store folded to avoid stretching. Specific care depends on the fiber—lambswool, merino, and wool blends each have unique needs.
Why knitwear needs special care
Knitwear is naturally more delicate than woven fabrics because the loops of yarn can easily snag, stretch, or shrink. The same qualities that make a jumper soft and cozy—loose construction and fine fibers—also make it vulnerable to damage from heat, agitation, and improper storage. Understanding these trade-offs helps you enjoy your knits for years.
Different fibers behave differently. Lambswool (used in the Honeycomb Knit Jumper) is warm and resilient but can felt if over-washed. Extrafine merino (used in the She Who Dares Jumper) is lightweight and breathable but prone to pilling with friction. The Chrissie Knit Coat uses a luxuriously soft wool blend that benefits from occasional airing rather than frequent washing.
Knitwear care diagnosis
- Symptom: Pilling on the surface: Pilling happens when short fibers break from the yarn and tangle into small balls. It is normal, especially on areas that experience friction like underarms and cuffs. Use a fabric shaver or sweater comb gently after each wear to remove pills. Do not pull them off by hand—you risk pulling out intact fibers.
- Symptom: Stretched-out shape or sagging hem: This is often caused by hanging knitwear on a hanger, which puts weight on the shoulders and stretches the fibers over time. Always fold knitwear and store it on a shelf or in a drawer. If you must hang a knit coat, use a wide, padded hanger and never leave it hanging for more than a few hours.
- Symptom: Shrinkage after washing: Heat and agitation cause wool fibers to contract and felt together. Even gentle machine cycles can be too harsh for some knits. Hand wash in cool water (below 30°C / 86°F) with a wool-specific detergent. Never wring or twist—gently press out water between towels and lay flat to dry away from direct heat.
- Symptom: Odor or light soiling without visible stains: Knitwear does not need washing after every wear. Over-washing wears out the fibers faster. Air your knitwear after wearing by hanging it in a well-ventilated area. Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth and mild soap. Wash only when truly needed—every 5–10 wears is typical.
- Stop or choose another option: If a knit has a stubborn stain, a tear, or you are unsure about the fiber content, do not attempt home washing. Professional dry cleaning is the safest choice for delicate or high-value pieces like the Chrissie Knit Coat.
Product-specific care notes
- Honeycomb Knit Jumper - Pale Rose: Crafted in Italy from 100% lambswool with a unique honeycomb knit pattern. Lambswool is durable but can shrink if washed in hot water or agitated; always use cool water and a gentle cycle or hand wash.
Honeycomb Knit Jumper - Pale Rose - She Who Dares Jumper - Pink: Spun from 100% extrafine merino wool with a fine knit. Extrafine merino is soft and lightweight but pills more easily than coarser wools; use a fabric shaver gently to remove pills without damaging the knit.
She Who Dares Jumper - Pink - Chrissie Knit Coat - Black: Luxuriously soft wool blend with a chunky rib and chevron patterning. The chunky knit and balloon sleeves mean this coat should be stored on a padded hanger or folded to avoid stretching the shoulders, and spot-cleaned rather than washed frequently.
