A fine lambswool or cashmere garment is not just a purchase — it is an investment. With the right care, a well-made piece of luxury knitwear can last for decades, growing softer and more beautiful with each passing year. Here is everything you need to know to keep your Hawick of Scotland pieces in perfect condition.

Washing Your Knitwear

The golden rule of luxury knitwear care is simple: wash as infrequently as possible, and always gently. Natural fibres like cashmere and lambswool have inherent antibacterial and odour-resistant properties, which means they do not need to be washed after every wear. Airing your garment after wearing — laying it flat in a well-ventilated room for a few hours — is often all that is needed between washes.

When washing is necessary, follow these steps:

• Hand wash in cool water using a gentle, pH-neutral detergent or a specialist wool wash. Avoid hot water, which can cause the fibres to felt and shrink irreversibly.
• Do not wring or twist the garment. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water by pressing the garment against the side of the basin.
• Support the weight of the wet garment at all times. Wet knitwear is heavy and can stretch out of shape if lifted by one end.
• If machine washing, use the wool or delicate cycle with cold water and a mesh laundry bag. Always check the care label first.

Drying Your Knitwear

Never tumble dry luxury knitwear. The heat and agitation will cause the fibres to felt and the garment to shrink. Instead:

• Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel.
• Gently reshape it to its original dimensions while it is still damp.
• Roll the towel up with the garment inside to absorb excess moisture, then unroll and transfer to a fresh dry towel or a flat drying rack.
• Allow to dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can fade colour and damage fibres.

Storing Your Knitwear

Proper storage is as important as proper washing. Follow these guidelines to keep your knitwear in perfect condition between seasons:

• Always fold, never hang. Hanging knitwear causes it to stretch under its own weight, distorting the shape of the shoulders and body. Fold your pieces and store them flat in a drawer or on a shelf.
• Store clean. Moths are attracted to the natural oils and perspiration in unwashed wool. Always wash or air your garments thoroughly before storing them for the season.
• Use natural moth deterrents. Cedar balls, lavender sachets, or neem leaves placed in your storage drawer will deter moths without the harsh chemicals of mothballs, which can damage fibres and leave an unpleasant smell.
• Use breathable storage bags. If storing for an extended period, use a cotton or muslin bag rather than a plastic one. Natural fibres need to breathe.

Dealing with Pilling

Pilling — the small balls of fibre that can form on the surface of knitwear through friction — is a natural characteristic of all natural fibre garments, including the finest cashmere. It is not a sign of poor quality; in fact, it is a sign that the garment is made from real natural fibres rather than synthetic ones. Pilling typically reduces after the first few wears as the loose surface fibres work themselves free.

To remove pills, use a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver on the lowest setting. Work gently across the surface of the fabric, taking care not to pull or snag the knit.

Dealing with Snags

If a thread is pulled or snagged, do not cut it. Instead, use a blunt needle or a crochet hook to gently ease the thread back through to the inside of the garment. Cutting a loose thread can cause the knit to unravel.

A Final Word

The care you give your knitwear is a reflection of the value you place on it. A Hawick of Scotland garment, properly cared for, will reward you with decades of warmth, beauty, and quiet elegance. Treat it well, and it will become one of those rare pieces that only gets better with time.