How to Stay Warm and Care for Winter Fabrics
When the temperatures start to drop, there are two things that always lift my mood—getting cozy in coffee shops and reuniting with my favorite winter clothes. There’s just something special about wearing cashmere while sipping a latte from a cute mug on a freezing day.
It also took me a while to realize that feeling cold is partially a choice. The right layers and fabric choices can make all the difference. Over time, I’ve said goodbye to environmentally unfriendly acrylic sweaters and embraced organic, sustainable choices. Well then, let’s talk about the best fabrics to keep you warm this winter and how to care for them so they last for years.
Wool
Wool—the absolute classic. It is one of the oldest fibers used in the textile industry—and for good reason. It's long-lasting, keeps moisture away, and allows airflow. Thus, it is the perfect option for coats, sweaters, scarves, and trousers.
When it comes to coats, I try to aim for higher wool percentages as much as possible—the more the merrier!
And here’s a fun fact: wool can decompose in 1 to 5 years organically.
How to Care for Wool
Hand wash or use a cold wash in a gentle program. Cold water and mild detergent is the right combination.
Air dry. Wool items enjoy laying flat and drying in time. Avoid direct sunlight or heat.
Store in a cool and dry place. Cedar balls and lavender sachets help protect against moths.
Merino wool
Merino wool is one of my favorites for layering. It is a softer, finer type of wool that comes with an incredible level of warmth minus the bulk. It’s particularly great because it regulates body temperature and moisture, while avoiding a stuffy look.
Since merino wool is much lighter, it is also widely used for sports, travel, and home attire.
How to Care for Merino Wool
Hand wash or use a cold wash in a gentle program. It’s the same drill as regular wool. As merino is naturally odor-resistant, you don’t need to wash it after every single wear.
Avoid chlorine while washing with detergent.
Air dry. Laying flat is key to maintaining merino's shape.
Cashmere
Next up is the soft and luxurious cashmere! Contrary to other wool types, it is derived from goats.
Cashmere can be used to produce sweaters, gloves, socks, coats, trousers, pajamas—you name it. Basically, it’s possible to dress head to toe in cashmere. While it’s delicate, it can last for years with the right care, making it totally worth the investment.
How to Care for Cashmere:
Hand wash or use a cold wash in a gentle program. Use cold water and a small amount of gentle detergent, preferably formulated for delicate fabrics. It’s also a good idea to turn your cashmere jumpers inside out before machine washing.
Avoid wringing: Gently press out excess water, then reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry—similar to wool.
Comb for pilling. Cashmere can pill over time, so a cashmere comb may come in handy to remove fuzz.
Store properly. Fold cashmere pieces instead of hanging them to avoid stretching. Store them in breathable cotton bags to protect from moisture and pests.
Alpaca wool
As the name suggests, Alpaca wool is harvested from alpacas, widely domesticated in South America. It’s similar to cashmere in softness and warmth, but has additional benefits. It’s more durable and hypoallergenic—so no more itchiness if you have sensitive skin! Another fun fact: alpaca wool is found in nature in 22 different colors!
How to Care for Alpaca Wool:
Wash gently. Alpaca should be hand washed with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid any agitation, as it can cause felting.
Lay flat to dry. Reshape while damp and lay flat on a clean towel to dry.
Avoid high heat. Never tumble dry or expose alpaca wool to direct heat, as it can damage the fabric completely.
Angora wool
Angora wool is produced from Angora rabbits, and about 90% of Angora production worldwide takes place in China. It’s known for its ultra-soft texture and lightweight warmth. Angora also has excellent insulation properties, making it popular for winter accessories—like the adorable balaclavas from Arket!
How to Care for Angora Wool:
Dry clean or hand wash only. Angora pieces require extra care as they’re the most delicate of all.
Let it dry carefully. Gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing, twisting, or applying heat.
Brush gently. Angora may shed, so gently brushing after washing can help maintain its softness.
Refrigerate briefly if needed. It may sound a bit crazy, but refrigerating angora for about 20 minutes can help restore its fluffy texture.
Mohair
Finally, we have good old mohair! It’s produced from the hair of Angora goats and is another great choice for lightweight, soft warmth.
Luxurious and lustrous like cashmere, mohair is often found in sweaters, scarves, and winter suits. Mohair blends are more common than 100% mohair compositions, so be sure to check material tags while shopping.
How to Care for Mohair:
Hand wash or use a gentle cycle. Like other wools, use cold water and a wool-specific detergent.
Dry flat. Never hang mohair while it’s wet, as it can completely stretch out.
Brush to maintain. Mohair can develop fuzz over time, so a gentle brush can keep it looking fresh.
Final Words
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about caring for winter fabrics, don’t worry! Wool garments generally don’t need as much cleaning as other fabrics. It’s actually easier done than said—or almost.
And as a final tip, if you’re not into paying full price for these garments during winter, try investing in them during summer. I know it sounds a bit odd, especially when you're in swimsuit mode, but cashmere sweaters can be up to 50% off during the warmer months.
And with that, I wave goodbye—until the next post!
