CARING FOR KNITWEAR AND WOOLLEN ITEMS

[@lorettashumate446]

When I joined the navy (in the winter) all my cold weather jackets, sweaters and watch caps were made of wool. It kept me warm in wet or dry conditions and performed well. Wools longevity is proven, my p coat is over 50 years old, it's been drenched and dryed several times and is still one of my warmest coats.

[@fidenzio]

Ash, you've been prolific these past weeks. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@brianohearn7101]

1. When washing wool, bear in mind that it’s not only heat that causes shrinkage, but also too much physical manipulation: only agitate it gently, and never wring it out or wad it up. 2. If a wool item has shrunk, sometimes you can “unshrink” it by a long soak with hair conditioner. This loosens the fibers and helps expand the garment somewhat.

[@MrBurtonshaw]

Wool launderer in London says that for the home washer, rather than buy expensive wool specific liquids, just use Johnson's baby shampoo... it's just as good

[@DJRevan]

Exactly! we have a similar product here, a shower gel in Hungary which contains lanolin(wool fat). Not even wool detergent contains it!

[@markbrailsford2849]

I bought most of my knitwear from Paul james knitwear in Leicester. Top quality merino and British wool at really unbelievable prices. They sell direct from the factory and reward regular customers discounts regularly, which you can use even on sale items. Cracking company.

[@davidnorth9390]

A lesson about mindful mending: "darning" is FILLING the hole, --not closing the hole! Apply this principle to your good, warm woolen socks and your toes will thank you, too ;-) Thank you for this informative presentation, and the opportunity to visit in a beautiful winter setting. WARM wished to you, Ash, and to all the Ashlings for a healthy, happy, successful New Year!

[@nicksuffolk7755]

Excellent advice, I have worried about washing my wool too!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Yaris510]

Another excellent video, Ash - of which perhaps the most useful tip is that you should NEVER hang woollen garments from clothes hangers, as the sheer weight of the wool will distort the garment. I have to say, that that wouldn't have occurred to me; my tendency would have been to use hangers without a second thought!

[@rogerjenkins968]

Very interesting subject matter, I started buying John Smedley products some 10 years ago possibly some of the finest British made knitwear available. Expensive, yes but incredibly elegant. I purchase all my garments from the factory shop which brings the price down to a more affordable level, highly recommended.

[@davidbreckler5327]

Well done! Great information. I can add one point. Better to pick off the woolly balls that form. Usually they stop after a short while. Stay away from sweater stones. Cheers!

[@CaldonianDude]

I ruined so many woollen jumpers I gave up on them, and went for the typical synthetic fleeces etc. I had a Columbia fleece that I must have washed literally hundreds of times and it lasted amazingly well. I found this video very informative, so perhaps time to give wool another go I think!

[@CanadaFree-ce9jn]

Looking forward to wearing the two sweaters I brought this summer. lol I washed hand washed them when I bought them at a vintage store, but the next time I'll wash them is likely in the Spring before I put them away. I do need to invest in a flat drying rack. I recently washed a wool Canadian military watch cap (Thicker than the US model) and it was damp for about four days after washing. Being able to have both sides largely exposed to circulation would likely help dry it at least a day sooner.

[@jlinscott5174]

For chaps in the US, I just found OXO makes a sweater drying rack for $19 - I'll certainly be including it in my next Amazon order. Cheers!

[@pasquale78]

I bought an expensive knit wear sweater and the sales person said that we (in general) wash too often. When the sweater isn’t dirty, most of the time it’s enough to just let it “breath” in fresh air. Alternatively you can hang the sweater in the bathroom after you’ve had a shower. There are also sprays that you can use with some kind of freshener.

[@tobias1752]

💯 %, I‘m the only one who is allowed to take care of my own clothes ; if you do, you’ll build up a relationship to it and you’ll love each piece ❤

[@ABC-rh7zc]

The wool cycle works fine on most washing machines but of course you must use a special wool cleaning liquid. I agree with all your other tips.

[@guitarplayer5611]

One topic I don’t hear mentioned often is one’s undershirt in the winter. Often the focus is on the outerwear visible to the public. Some natural materials such as wool can feel itchy or uncomfortable against the skin and a good undershirt can help with this as also providing an extra layer of protection and warmth during the colder months of the year. Do you have any recommendations or thoughts in general as to undershirts that you have found to be a good companion with various outerwear materials in the winter. May be a worthwhile subject for a video? All the Best Ash!

[@TheChapsGuide]

I pretty much always wear a cotton T-shirt as an underlayer for my woollen garments. Adds insulation, prevents irritation and prevents sweat transfer to the wool. I'm not precious about the T-shirts I wear, as long as they are cotton. In fact, I favour Costco's Kirkland brand. They are well made and last forever.

[@guitarplayer5611]

@@TheChapsGuide I have always worn cotton undershirts myself. Thank You!

[@zockerplay3314]

Thanks Ash. I treat my „Woolies“ very similar to your advice. I‘m always amazed that you can wear one a hole season with no problems without washing. I think people in general tend to „overwash“ a lot of their clothes, thinking everything needs to be treated like underwear.

[@sloth_e]

Does merino wool not come from the merino sheep?

[@jasonblack7503]

If you wash in the machine, turn inside out, role and put into a laundry bag. This protects it while washing.

[@nuancedbro9373]

I find people always over wash items. I have jumpers that I’ve had for 5 years and never washed, cardigans in particular I would never wash as they are always layered. No need to, they are worn in winter and you sweat less and have shirts etc beneath. Good tips

[@iboofer]

This came out just in time--I finally started adding woolen items to my wardrobe, so this is almost supernaturally well-suited to what I was worried about. Thanks for the guide, Ash!

[@e-remes7029]

Good evening Ash I have previously mentioned my washing misadventure with one of my Submariner jumpers. I may revisit the "wash" and stretch technique... It became somewhat shorter, even though I followed the care instructions. I live in hope of it's restoration to size. *salute

[@dancacciatore]

Recently, I was in London and stayed at the Oxford and Cambridge Club. Not far is the Burlington Arcade, where I purchased a lovely single-ply cashmere jumper at N. Peal. . When the salesperson recommended care, I revealed under my Barbour my N. Peal cardigan, which I purchased at the same shop in 1991, and said, "Say no more." I have about 18 knits of wool, merino, and cashmere and rotate them often - maybe washing them only every three years - and air them after every wearing. Presently, I'm wearing a Barbour knit (although the suede patches are practically worn through) that has lasted since 1983. The only enemies of my knitwear are moths and girlfriends (former and current).

[@TheChapsGuide]

N.Peal are truly exquisite - but very high end price point for cashmere. My wife is a customer of theirs and adores their sweaters. I personally prefer the more rugged woolen options of brands like Arthur Beale and North Sea Clothing (cheaper too).

[@jan6485]

I learned about frabric today good stuff . 🥃

[@canadafree2087]

Great video Ash. I like to use wool wash that contain a high degree of lanolin. If someone is getting their first wool item, I'd suggest they go surplus for the first year to learn how to maintain it; much better to learn on a $20 sweater than a $200 sweater. Canadian/British army sweaters are great, I find the French ones are a more fine wool and remember to take out the metal pen tubes in the arm pocket before washing. If you want a heavy sweater, the Norwegian army ones are fantastic if you can find them. I have a hole right up by the chest on mind so I'll have to darn it with my German army wool thread :)

[@douglasdietz7503]

Now that is a fabulous wooly Ash! Good show!

[@cap_is_best2940]

Thanks Ash for the great video, I have plenty of sweaters that I love. I look forward to winter to break them out.

[@hrmpug1092]

Would the windy storm happen to be in London at the moment? I’m currently visiting from Australia and I must say I haven’t noticed it.

[@sgurr_a]

Hope Oak Lodge is still intact after Geritt.

[@DJRevan]

Wash them by hand in cold water once a year. Use lanolin detergent, or even shower gels or shampoo that contains it.

[@Paul.C300]

I love my Arthur Beal pulovers, I have five and as you say a gentle hand wash once a year is all that is needed or every two years if you are rotating your pullovers on a regular basis. Great content by the way!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Great tip!

[@Graycity]

Nice and simple advices, Ash ! But around minute 7/8 you said 'merino it is gonna be a goat (sic)'. Isn´t merino actually a breed of sheep ? By the way, I have two italian genuine merinos in my wardrobe. Anyway, thanks for the instructions !

[@martindurkin8837]

Well Ash, after seeing that one photo I must ask if you have ever done a video on pipes...

[@TheChapsGuide]

No Sir. It was just a prop.

[@martindurkin8837]

You had me fooled! @@TheChapsGuide

[@donwright5020]

I’ve had a few wool sweaters, especially when I was younger. I remember hating them because they itched like crazy ( I do have really sensitive skin). I’d love to hear some information about how to avoid the itch. Thanks

[@TheChapsGuide]

I wear a cotton undershirt beneath the wool. Prevents perspiration transfer, is more comfortable and provides additional insulation layer.

[@garymckissick2621]

I bought a very nice wool heavy sweater at a thrift shop and it looked clean, no holes, and I couldn't smell any off odors. I put it on and went for a fairly long walk and got caught in a light rain. Soon as it got wet it was very apparent that some animal had urinated on it. The walk home was very irritating but it was too cold to take it off. I folded it and then rolled it tightly and put it in a mesh laundry bag - rolled the bag and pinned it tightly. I put it in the washing machine on the regular cycle/warm water with Woolite detergent. If washer has an agitator I would not recommend this method. Then I followed your drying method. It still had a slight odor so I put it outside in the sun and sprayed a 50/50 mixture of the cheapest Vodka and water. No odor now even when out in damp weather Every woolen item I find at the thrift shop now gets a misting of water and thorough sniff test before it touches my body. Live and learn!

[@Fush1234]

No… hand wash wool only

[@thinkingallowed7042]

@@Fush1234 Yes, definitely.

[@thinkingallowed7042]

Almost all of the most beautiful and best quality woollen jumpers (I can't bring myself to say 'sweater' which is American English) I own were found in charity shops (thrift stores). I have been frequenting charity shops for decades, always on the lookout for something hard to find. Always handwash before wearing. Two rinses, don't leave knitwear in soapy water for more than 15 minutes or it might shrink, cold or lukewarm water and leave it to dry on a flat surface. Always buy a special wool washing liquid.

[@douglasdietz7503]

Truly revolting indeed. Much worse than stepping in it. Good thing our bodies are washable as well.

[@stevelee7963]

I’ve lost a few good garments to Moths. I now store them in a sealed box with mothballs.

[@rogerr.8507]

I travel with woolens for months and months at a time, 1 bag travel Protip: just wear wool socks and shirts in the shower, its as good as hand washing and my wool dries in under 24 hours even in the tropics

[@johnbunton9177]

Quality woolens should never be hung on hangers in a closet, but always folded and placed on shelves. And what is sometimes called "wind washing", or simply airing the garment on a breezy day, will often be enough to remove any trace of odor that may have accumulated from frequent wearing. For stains, spot treating is always preferable to washing the entire garment, and never, ever subject your woolens to the heat of a dryer. -I own some cashmere, merino, and lambswool sweaters that are more than a decade old, and have never been washed yet. On the subject of durability, I have a Crombie camel hair topcoat that must be close to a half century old, and it is still going strong -looking good and keeping me warm on the coldest of winter days.

[@porkchopproductions0314]

I've heard that cedar inserts (since hangers are not recommended) also repels moth. Anyone know if its true?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Moths are repelled by cedar. Great to add to your wardrobe

[@porkchopproductions0314]

@@TheChapsGuide Good to know. Allen Edmonds sells hangeable inserts you can buy. Thanks Ash!

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Ash. Dry cleaners are a bad idea for most garments. Even wool suits should only be dry-cleaned sparingly. In the old days they brushed their suits. Same with sweaters. Cheers Ron

[@goodnightjourneys]

Fantastic guide! It's incredible how underrated proper wool garments are these days. I've sworn off acrylic long ago and fully embraced thick wool sweaters. My heavy-weight fisherman sweater has been my trusty companion through rain, mud, and hard work, and it still looks brand new after years of abuse.

[@kurts4867]

sorry Arthur Beale ....the James Bond sweater maker ??

[@beehiveyourself]

Does this regime apply to a Harris Tweed jacket?

[@TheChapsGuide]

More or less, although as they are lined, they can be dry cleaned with little risk.

[@p33l3r]

My solution for washing woollen items? Give it to the mother in law. Expert level cleaning for a nominal fee of two grandchildren! 😂

[@kurts4867]

wool remains the "gold standard" for warmth ... What are u wearing ??

[@Fush1234]

HAND WASHING wool is nothing to be afraid of. Wash only in Cold water..rinse very well. Never use a washing machine ! Hand wash only. Lay flat on a drying rack ( not wood) to prevent any stretching. Drying will take 3-4 days to dry. Wash very infrequently.. maybe once a year.

[@SwitzerlandEducation4471]

❤❤

[@verykeen2please]

Wool and tumble dryer OMG

[@kurts4867]

the AB oiled wool Beerenberg ?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Well spotted. It’s a favourite

[@curlyhairdudeify]

I used to buy wool things. I hated the care, washing, and drying that it took. Now, I prefer synthetic felt slippers and peacoats, and synthetic sherpa sweaters and synthetic lined jackets. I do hate synthetic wool knit products.

[@ZoomZoom-ng6sn]

Fold woollen. No hanging.

[@pubgoer1963]

A bar of soap in your wardrobe or drawers is supposed to be a method of deterring moths. I guess they don’t like the odour.

[@KlausKokholmPetersen]

If you have a beard, remember to shave your neck daily, otherwise you'll ruin ypur sweaters. Something I've learned the hard way myself.....

[@MBCGRS]

Unfortunately once wool is wet it's useless. Many better modern products available today. Ok, when it's dry and by the fire in the backyard. But for serious outdoors the world has moved on.

[@LawryBoyer]

Wet wool is better than wet cotton. Synthetic doesn’t win in every category by any means either

[@MBCGRS]

@richardpeters4086 No, it doesn't. It looses it's oils during processing...

[@MBCGRS]

@@LawryBoyer Name the Category where wool beats Synthetic products..? It's biodegradable and more fire resistant. But these don't stop hypothermia..