How to Care for Cotton Knitwear So It Lasts

A good pullover is not a one-season purchase. At NorthSouth we design clothing to be worn for years, and the way you care for it at home matters as much as how it was made. Our knitwear is 96% cotton and 4% elastane: soft and breathable, with a little stretch so it keeps its shape. A few simple habits help it stay that way.

Washing: gentle, warm and inside-out

Always check the care label first, and if you have removed it, our washing and care instructions are always online. For our 96% cotton, 4% elastane garments:

• Wash warm at 40°C. Warm water cleans well without stressing the fibres.

• Turn the garment inside-out, especially if it has a print, embroidery or other detail. This protects the surface and the artwork.

• Choose a mild detergent. We recommend eco-labelled detergents and sustainable washing methods.

• Do not bleach and do not dry clean.

• Wash with similar colours, and avoid overloading the drum so the knit can move freely.

Washing less often also helps. Knitwear rarely needs a wash after a single wear. Airing it overnight is often enough.

Drying: flat, patient and out of the sun

This is where most knitwear is lost. Do not tumble dry. Heat and tumbling can shrink cotton and wear out the stretch.

Instead, gently press out excess water (no wringing), then lay the garment flat on a towel or drying rack. Smooth it into shape with your hands, straighten the cuffs and hem, and let it air dry away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours like navy over time. Hanging a wet pullover lets the weight of the water stretch the shoulders and length.

No iron needed

Our care guidance is clear: do not iron these garments, and never iron directly over prints, embroidery or trims. Drying flat and smoothing the knit by hand usually removes creases. If a pullover looks a little tired, hang it in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes.

Storing: fold, don't hang

Between wears, fold your knitwear rather than hanging it. Hangers create shoulder bumps and slowly pull the garment out of shape. Store folded pieces on a shelf or in a drawer with some space around them, so they can breathe.

For longer storage, between seasons, make sure everything is clean and completely dry first. A breathable cotton bag keeps dust off.

Pilling: normal, and easy to manage

Small bobbles, or pills, can form where fabric rubs, for example under the arms or where a bag strap sits. This is a normal part of wearing knitwear, not a fault. To keep it under control:

• Wash inside-out and avoid washing with rough items such as jeans or zips.

• Remove pills gently with a fabric comb or a fabric shaver, working on a flat surface.

• Never pull pills off by hand. That can loosen the fibres around them.

Care is part of longevity

Quality and longevity sit at the heart of NorthSouth. A well-made garment, looked after properly, keeps its shape, softness and colour much longer, and is one you will keep coming back to.

Ready to add a piece built to last? Explore the NorthSouth collection, from the NS Ivory Heritage Cable Pullover to our knitted dresses.