Care tips: how to wash and store your knits to make them last
Properly caring for your knitwear preserves its softness, shape, and vibrancy. Here are some simple and effective steps for washing, drying, and storing your Marcel knits for the long term.
A beautiful knitwear doesn't just wear out when you wear it — it wears out especially when you don't care for it properly. Washing at too high a temperature, improper drying, and haphazard storage: these seemingly insignificant actions weaken the fibers and finish.
At Tricots Marcel , every garment is designed to last. But its longevity also depends on you. With a few simple habits, you can preserve the feel of the fabrics, the crispness of the cuts, and the vibrancy of the colors, season after season.
Why is the care of knitted garments essential?
A knit garment — whether made of merino wool or Pima cotton — is a construction of delicate fibers.
Poor maintenance can lead to:
- deformation,
- narrowing,
- pilling,
- loss of softness
- color fading.
Taking good care of your knitwear is not a chore: it's simply respectful of the garment.
How to wash your knitwear properly?
✦ 1. Wash less often
A sweater or a tank top does not need to be washed after every wear.
Between washes:
- Ventilate the room with fresh air.
- Let the fibers “breathe” and regain their shape.
This naturally prolongs the life of the garment.
✦ 2. Opt for gentle washing
For Pima cotton ( tank tops , undershirts )
- Wash at a maximum of 30°C .
- delicate program
- light spin cycle,
- Turn the garment inside out before washing.
Pima cotton loves softness: it remains bright and supple.
For merino wool ( sweaters , hats , scarves )
- Ideally: hand wash in lukewarm water,
- Otherwise: wool program at 20–30°C ,
- with a special wool detergent.
✦ 3. Choosing the right laundry detergent
Avoid harsh detergents.
Choose:
- a gentle laundry detergent,
- without aggressive enzymes,
- without bleach
- without chemical softeners (which coat the fiber and weaken it).
How to dry your knitwear without damaging it?
✦ Golden rule: never use a tumble dryer
Heat shrinks the fibers and deforms the mesh.
Instead:
- Gently drain the garment without twisting it.
- Lay it flat on a towel ,
- Restore the piece to its original shape.
- Allow to air dry.
This method guarantees a perfect fit.
How to store your knitted items?
✦ 1. Fold rather than hang
A hanging knitted garment deforms under its own weight .
Preferably store it folded flat in a cupboard or drawer.
✦ 2. Protect against moths
For wool in particular:
- use cedar sachets,
- or natural repellents,
- Avoid overly aggressive chemicals.
✦ 3. Store clean and dry
Never store a knitted garment while it is still damp: this promotes odors and deformation.
How to prevent pilling?
Pilling naturally occurs with use. To limit it:
- Wash inside out.
- Avoid excessive friction.
- Use a lint remover if necessary — gently.
The long fibers of Pima cotton and merino wool pill less than short fibers.
Specific tips for Marcel knitting
✦ For your Pima cotton tank tops
- Gentle wash
- No tumble dryer,
- dry flat,
- Careful folding.
Your Marcel will remain clean, bright and comfortable.
✦ For your merino wool sweaters
- Wash as little as possible,
- prioritize ventilation,
- Folded storage with moth protection.
Why these actions make all the difference
Properly caring for your knits means:
- preserve their softness,
- extend their lifespan,
- reduce your consumption
- respect the work of French workshops.
Every wash done properly is a responsible action.
Conclusion
A well-maintained knitwear lasts longer, stays beautiful, and retains all its quality.
With a few simple steps — gentle washing, flat drying, careful storage — your Marcel sweaters, pullovers, hats and scarves will accompany you for many seasons.
Discover our Pima cotton tank tops and undershirts , as well as our merino wool sweaters , hats and scarves , essentials made in France, designed to last… if you take care of them.
