Us Brits love to whine about the winter. We disguise our perverse respect for it in endless lamenting about just how crap our climate is, which according to the rest of the world, is partly what makes us British. But in truth, we love it. What we love even more is getting dressed for rotten days. Out with the flimsy linen what-nots of the cruelly short summer and in with the woollen coats and jackets that will cause our collective wardrobes to sag under their reassuring weight.
BLENHEIM JUMPER |
BLENHEIM JUMPER SIERRA |
While I love the comfort and protection afforded by a big Chesterfield coat or a classic pea coat, if you're anything like me, you'll find more winter solace in knitwear. There is nothing quite like pulling on a thick, chunky knit in deep winter. Whether it's cut from a coarse yarn or a cashmere that feels like a puppy's ear, the feeling of a good jumper is life-affirming. In the house or out battling the elements, a killer knit is a comfort blanket for adults. But knitwear's utility extends far beyond mere warmth provider - as a category it has become an integral component of men's style thanks to improved yarns and great leaps forward in milling processes. Now we take for granted complicated knits, extravagant intarsia patterns, and superfine Merino, but it wasn't always like this.
ZIP THROUGH CARDIGAN |
ZIP THROUGH CARDIGAN |
There is nothing quite like pulling on a thick, chunky knit in deep winter. Whether it's cut from a coarse yarn or a cashmere that feels like a puppy's ear, the feeling of a good jumper is life-affirming.
And so it is important that we cherish our knitwear for a number of reasons, foremost among them that a good jumper can last a lifetime if cared for properly. That's why we asked Seb Collinge, founder of Manchester-based brand Attirecare to give us his tips and advice on how to care for your knits to get the very best out of them this winter and beyond.
ATTIRECARE RED WINE |
ATTIRECARE GARMENT |
SHOE CARE |
Hi Seb. Which Attirecare product do you suggest using to protect knitwear and how does it work?
We would suggest using the Garment Protector on knitwear as it’s been designed specifically for delicate fabrics. The non-solvent, eco friendly formula has been created to leave an invisible layer on top of the fabric being treated, to repel liquids and everyday dirt and stains. Our recommended method for application would be to hang the item that needs protecting with a padded hanger, spray and cover the entire surface area of the garment with the protector and leave to cure in a cool/dry place for at least 24 hours (the longer the cure time the better the repellency will be).
BLENHEIM JUMPER |
BLENHEIM JUMPER |
What’s the best way to store knitwear?
We would recommend neatly folded in shallow drawers or on padded hangers if you have the wardrobe space.
What’s the safest way to wash knitwear, especially delicates such as cashmere?
Using a specifically targeted delicate wash like the plant-based one in our range. Use alongside a suitable fabric softener (we also have one in our range that will ensure cotton fibres are not damaged on the delicate materials.) Both products are suitable for machine or hand washing, just set to delicate wash and you are good to go. If you do have the time, the preferred method is hand washing, just leave to soak for around 15 minutes then air-dry.
TALBOT ROLL NECK |
TALBOT ROLL NECK |
How should you dry knitwear to prevent misshaping it?
We recommend always leaving to air-dry laid out flat and not hung up, especially with delicate fabrics as they can very quickly become misshapen. Alternatively you can roll your knitwear up in dry towel then place onto another towel to air-dry in a cool place.
How did the idea for Attirecare come about?
Myself and Abi started the brand whilst living in Amsterdam, as part of our fashion degree. We were both working for Calvin Klein: I was in the Denim Wash Development and Abi on the Swimwear Merchandising team. It was during this time, wandering around the streets of Amsterdam that we became so inspired by products, and the idea of evolving what was once necessity-type products into something with aesthetic integrity and environmental conscience. We loved the lifestyle stores, and the hybrid cafe/shopping/experience element to the retail scene there, but we noticed that something was missing. While there are hundreds of cosmetic and fragrance brands, there wasn’t much in the way of well-designed, beautiful care products. Every corner of our apartment in de pijp was filled with nicely designed things, from our hand wash to our candles, yet our washing detergent or our cleaning products were so ugly and smelt so manufactured?! It was from there that the idea developed.
