A Word on Wool Shrinkage

February 04, 2017 | Filed in: Your Closet

Are you a new owner of the Gloria or Simone tops? Congratulations! We couldn’t be prouder of our merino wool pieces. They’re as soft as cashmere, but so whisper-light and breathable that you can wear them all year round. That’s why high-quality merino wool is actually used in a lot of high-end workout gear: It wicks moisture, reduces odor, and won’t itch. It is truly the hero of natural fibers.

Better yet, our merino wool is also machine-washable. However, due to the qualities of some yarns (ours come from happy, ethically-raised Australian sheep), shrinkage occasionally happens. That’s why we’ve cut this season’s ribbed tops to accommodate the minor size change that occurs after the very first wash. You should order your normal size, but don’t be surprised if it seems a bit roomy when you first put it on—after it hits water, it’ll fit like a dream. Below, a play-by-play of the process.

1. Try it.

Annie wears the Simone top in glacier, pre-wash.

Here, our knitwear designer Annie Lim (the brains behind these designs) wears a brand new Simone top. While might look “skinny” fresh out of the packaging, it’s a bit roomy on her—but not for long.

2. Wash it. 

We recommend wool and cashmere detergent from The Laundress.

We strongly recommend turning the top inside-out, using a gentle, wool-friendly detergent, and running it through a wool cycle with cold water. (A delicate cycle is the next best option.)

3. Lay flat to dry.

The Simone top before and after its first wash.

Place it on a towel and smooth out any wrinkles. It may look child-sized when wet, and teenager-sized as it dries, but don’t be alarmed—it will rebound to adulthood once you put it on.

4. Try it again.

Annie in the more fitted Simone top, post-wash.

Here’s Annie in the Simone top after it’s been washed. Now it’s her true size, and slightly more fitted—that’s the intention. It won’t shrink any more after this; the first wash is the one that makes a difference.

5. Be a good wool mom.

The best way to give your merino wool pieces a good, long life is to not wash them too often—they don’t need it! Instead, freshen them up between wears with wool spray, and only launder them when they’re truly dirty. When pilling occurs, brush them away with a sweater comb.