The true hero of the colder months: knitwear. While jumpers and cardigans are the expected wardrobe staples to keep reaching for over Winter, Karen Millen has a huge range of knit items designed to inspire cold weather outfits with more impact.
Leave the knit jumper and failsafe jeans combo at home and get inspired by our diverse range of knitwear. From slinky dresses that can be worn to special occasions, to skirts, to jackets, our knitwear is certain to instantly elevate your A/W outfits.
Why does my knitwear bobble?
Bobbling, or pilling, is a naturally occurring knit phenomenon, caused by fibers stretching or breaking.
Friction causes the fibers to stretch, so bobbling most frequently occurs under the arms, on the sides of the garment, and where you hold a bag. Friction from washing with other, rougher fabrics can also cause pilling or bobbling.
How do I stop my knitwear from bobbling?
There are multiple steps you can take to prevent bobbling in your knitwear:
Wash your knitwear inside out, so any friction causes pilling on the inside
When possible, hand wash or wash your knitwear separately. Separating your wash by fabric can prevent broken fibres, whereas hand washing - while more time consuming - protects the vibrancy of dyes and helps maintain integrity of the wool.
Do not use the tumble dryer - it is too rough on fibres and can easily cause shrinkage
Use liquid detergents, as powder can cause unwanted fiction
If pilling starts to occur, use a de-pilling comb, razor (very cautiously), or electric fabric shaver
How often should I wash my knitwear?
Clean knitwear only every 2-5 washes. You can take longer between washes if wearing layers beneath it.
Wool and synthetic fabrics last longer than cotton, and can be aired out between wears, refreshing the fabric and allowing odours to lift.
How do I wash a wool jumper?
Firstly, always check the label to see if it can be machine washed, or if it should be dry cleaned to avoid moisture completely.
If hand washing, use lukewarm water and a wool-friendly detergent or baby shampoo for an ultra soft finish. Do not use any harsh chemicals. Soak for around 10 minutes, swirl, then rinse in lukewarm water. Finish by rinsing in cold water.
If machine washing, use a gentle cycle and cold water temperature, no warmer than 30 degrees.
How do I dry knitwear?
To dry your knitwear while maintaining integrity of the fibers and silhouette structure, wherever possible you should lay the piece flat to dry. Use a table or flat surface with a clean, dry towel resting on top. Lay your piece over the towel and gently reshape to keep the shape of the garment.
If needed, you may lay another towel on top and press out any excess moisture, but always avoid tumble dryers and heat from radiators or direct sunlight, as this can cause shrinkage.
Can I iron knitwear?
Our top tips for ironing knitwear are:
Use a pressing cloth, like a muslin or clean tea towel, between the iron and the garment
Use a low temperature setting
Use the steam setting to smooth the fibers
Smooth the item with your hand after ironing to release any more creases
Alternatively, use a clothes steamer!
Is it better to fold or hang knitwear?
Where possible, always fold knitwear. With heavier pieces, their own weight can pull them down off a hanger and stretch the item out of shape. For long pieces like dresses and skirts, or long cardigans, fold them over the bar of a trouser hanger rather than hanging by the shoulders or waistline to maintain shape while avoiding creases.
Browse our favourite knitwear pieces below.
