Cover photo for Gracie Watkins

Care Tips for Jumpers

Gracie Watkins
Jumpers are a very popular item of clothing that is most commonly worn in the cooler months. They’re great at keeping your body warm, and they also look stylish, going with a variety of different outfits, including skirts, trousers and dresses. However, some jumpers require special care; the care they need will depend on what the jumper is made from. In this article, we take a look at some general care tips for keeping jumpers looking and smelling great. 

Read the care label

All clothing should have a care label which explains what the item is made from and the best way to care for the garment. Reading the label will give you a good idea of what you can and can’t do in terms of washing, drying and ironing. Following these instructions will ensure that you keep your jumpers in good condition. However, over time care labels can become worn and challenging to read. In addition, if the jumper is second-hand, you might find the care label has been removed. This can make proper washing and drying more challenging. To avoid shrinking and ruining your jumper, follow the rest of the care tips in this article. 

Wash infrequently

Jumpers are one of those items of clothing that don’t need frequent washing. Many jumpers sit on top of your t-shirt and are only worn when you’re going out of the house into the cold. Regular washing simply isn’t needed, and it can result in your jumper losing its great qualities. Many jumpers are made from natural fibres; these should be washed as little as possible to avoid damage. Before you throw your jumper in the wash, consider if it's actually dirty; if it doesn’t smell or have any stains, then it doesn’t need to be washed. 

Avoid the clothes dryer

Jumpers are prone to shrinking; therefore, it's vital that you avoid putting them in the dryer, especially in a high-heat setting. A low heat setting might be ok for some jumpers, but for others, it could still cause them to be misshapen and potentially shrink. The best way to dry jumpers is flat; this way, they will keep their shape and won’t be exposed to high heat, which could shrink the fibres and make the jumper too small to wear. 

Hand wash where possible 

The best way to clean cashmere jumpers and any other type of jumper is to wash them by hand. The care label may state that they can be washed in the washing machine, but this is still a harsh process that can lead to them losing their shape and shrinking over time. Handwashing will take extra time, but it's the best option to keep your jumpers looking like new for longer. If you do decide to use the washing machine for your jumpers, make sure you select the right setting and heat. A low heat and gentle setting are the best option for most jumpers; this will still get them clean but will also minimise the chances of shrinking. 

Remove spills immediately

If you spill something on your jumper, you should act immediately; letting a spill sit on the jumper is more likely to ruin the fabric and lead to a stain. Take the item off and wash the area with the spillage with water, be careful not to rub it further into the fabric. If you wash your jumpers by hand, you can use the same gentle detergent you use for normal washes. If you usually put them in the washing machine, it's a good idea to wash the jumper immediately after removing the spill; this will get rid of any of the remaining spillage and stop it from setting into the fabric.
Jumpers are a fantastic item of clothing that’s very versatile and can be worn to keep you warm in many different situations. When you invest in a jumper you love, you’ll want to keep it looking great for as long as possible. By following these tips, you can prevent your jumper from deteriorating, shrinking or being affected by stains. This way, you can keep wearing it for several years or potentially even longer, depending on how frequently it's worn and the quality of the material. 

Further Reading: