RS Living: How To Care For Your British Wool | Riley Studio

RS Living: How To Care For Your British Wool

by Hello Riley |

Follow these simple steps and you and your new British wool will have a long and happy life together.

We’re always looking for ways to create gender free fashion with the lowest possible environmental impact. But, the truth is, one of the best things you can do to reduce the impact of your clothing is to wear it often and care for it well.

With that in mind, we set out a few guidelines for caring for the new British wool pieces in Collection 07, but these are simple rules that can apply to any wool garment, old or new.

Less is More

Wool is a remarkable material: it’s breathable, organic and biodegradable.

The natural properties of wool will drive out odours, creases and other signs of wear. To help this organic process, we recommend that you air your wool garment after every wear. This can be as simple as leaving it overnight on the back of a chair rather than putting it away immediately.

This little-and-often approach will help to keep your wool feeling fresh.



Wash With Care

From time to time you may want to give your wool a wash. Hand washing in the sink is one way, or a delicate cycle on most washing machines is also good if you’re careful to keep the temperature cool. Heat is the enemy of wool.

We also recommend using a natural wool detergent. Clothes Doctor make a great pH neutral wool and cashmere wash that's scented with Himalayan cedarwood and orange oil, which provides a natural moth defence.

Air Dry

Wool shouldn't be rushed; it's best to let things happen slowly and naturally.

Air drying is the safest (and greenest) way to dry your wool. Lay your garment on a clean towel in its normal shape - it’s easy to accidentally warp or stretch your wool when it’s wet, so be extra careful.

Never, ever, put your wool in the dryer or on a hot radiator. Remember what we said before: heat and wool don't mix.



Fold, Don’t Hang

Wool should be folded, not hung. Putting a heavy wool jumper on a hanger will cause it to stretch.

As a natural fibre, wool can attract hungry clothes moths. Cedar wood balls are a natural moth repellent, or you can keep your wool in zip-lock bags if you want to be extra safe.

If you do spot a moth fluttering near your wardrobe, putting your garments in the freezer overnight will neutralise any moth eggs - it’s the moth lava that do the damage, not the moths themselves.

Bobbling and Pilling

When you wear your wool a lot it will bobble (also known as piling). This happens most often in high-wear areas, like under the arms. Don’t worry, this is natural and is easily fixed.

One method is to use a cashmere comb to gently comb the garment from top to bottom. Another approach is to buy an electric de-piller to shave off the bobbles.

After a bit of care and attention, your wool will soon look as good as new.

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