Among all sweater care steps, the most crucial yet often overlooked one is drying. Whether a sweater maintains its original shape, whether the neckline stretches, shoulders sag, or the hem deforms, all depends on the way it is dried. Because sweaters are knitted, the loops are easily stretched by water and gravity. If dried incorrectly, sweaters can become looser and larger over time, and once deformed, they are difficult to fully restore. Simply put: washing affects the feel, but drying determines the shape and lifespan.
Detailed Steps for Proper Sweater Drying
Step 1: Squeeze water, don’t wring
After washing a women‘s sweater, do not twist it. Fibers, especially wool and cashmere, consist of protein chains and fiber scales. Wringing can damage fiber tension and balance, causing permanent loss of elasticity, loose shoulders, or a misshapen neckline.
How to do it:
1. After washing, lay the sweater flat in a basin or sink and gently press from top to bottom or from the center outward, allowing water to flow naturally. Never grab the neckline or twist in one spot.
2. If you must use a washing machine to spin, place the sweater in a laundry bag or pillowcase and select a short, low-speed spin (30–60 seconds recommended). The goal is to remove excess water, not completely dry it. This greatly reduces the risk of stretching.
Step 2: Roll with a towel to absorb water
Using a towel draws out much of the water through capillary action and gentle pressing, reducing the sweater’s weight and the stress on fibers during drying. It also avoids direct stress on the knit, making it safer than wringing.
How to do it:
1. Take a clean, large, absorbent towel without rough embellishments.
2. Lay the sweater flat on the towel and gently smooth it into the desired shape (do not stretch).
3. Starting from the hem or one side, roll the towel and sweater together like a sushi roll, pressing evenly so the towel absorbs the water.
4. After 1–2 minutes, unroll and repeat if still very wet.
Note: Do not twist the fibers while rolling. Move slowly, evenly, and gently.
Step 3: Lay flat to dry and shape
Laying the sweater flat distributes its weight across the entire fabric, avoiding concentrated stress on shoulders or the neckline, thus preserving the original shape and knit tension.
How to do it:
1. Choose a flat, ventilated surface: drying racks, laundry baskets, a clean table, or a cloth-covered surface. Avoid direct sunlight (strong UV can make fibers brittle and fade color).
2. Smooth the sweater flat along shoulder lines, side seams, and hem: straighten sleeves without folding them at sharp angles on the body; smooth the hem along the knit pattern.
3. If the sweater tends to curl at the edges, place light weights (like clean books) at the hem edges—but not directly on the fabric—or use clips on the drying rack edge to help shape (avoid clipping the sweater itself).
4. Let the sweater air dry naturally. Indoors, in a ventilated, shaded area, drying usually takes 12–48 hours depending on thickness and material.
Key point: Minimize movement before fully dry, as wet fibers are more easily stretched or shifted, affecting the final shape.
Why You Shouldn’t Hang Sweaters to Dry
Many people instinctively hang sweaters on hangers after washing. While it seems reasonable, this is actually the main cause of deformation.
Reason 1: Wet sweaters weigh 2–4 times more
When hung, gravity pulls the sweater down, especially at the waist and hem, creating noticeable sagging.
Reason 2: Shoulder stress points deform
Hangers focus stress on shoulder points. Wet sweaters hanging for long periods can widen, flatten, or even create unsightly “pointy shoulders.”
Reason 3: Neckline stretches
Hanging stretches the knit loops of the neckline downward, causing loose, unsupported collars that look sloppy and cheap.
So, if you notice:
- Sweaters getting looser over time
- Uneven hems
- Shoulders forming odd shapes
- Loose, sagging necklines
Chances are it’s not a quality issue but caused by hanging to dry.
Where to Lay Sweaters Flat to Dry
No need to rush out and buy special equipment; you can use these simple alternatives:
Method 1: Two rods + large towel
Lay a bath towel across two parallel drying rods, then place the sweater flat on top. The towel provides support while remaining breathable.
Method 2: Table drying + flip regularly
- Lay the sweater flat on a table or bed (use an absorbent cloth or towel underneath)
- Flip once every 4–6 hours
- Keep the shape flat and dry
No extra cost, and you avoid deformation.
Can You Put Sweaters in the Dryer?
Not recommended.
- High heat risks shrinkage and felting: Natural animal fibers (wool, cashmere) shrink and felt under high heat and friction, becoming stiff or damaged.
- Loss of elasticity and shape: Tumbling disrupts knit tension; neckline, shoulders, or hem may permanently deform.
- Color and surface damage: High heat and strong friction fade colors and increase pilling.
Limited exceptions:
- Synthetic blends (polyester, nylon) or casual sweaters marked “tumble dry safe” can use low heat or air/fluff for short, fast moisture removal. Flip inside out, place in a laundry bag, and remove immediately to lay flat.
- Wool, cashmere, hand-knit, or high-end knits should never go in a tumble dryer. To speed drying, use a fan for airflow, low-heat air-dry settings, or professional wool/low-heat drying cabinets with flat shaping (still risky—exercise caution).
What to Do if a Sweater Is Already Stretched or Misshapen
Don’t give up—there’s still a chance to restore it. Wet fibers are more malleable and have lower internal friction, making reshaping easier. The key is: wet → shape → flat dry.
Steps:
1. Prepare warm water and temperature control: Fill a basin with water below 30°C (especially for wool/cashmere). Add mild wool detergent or fiber conditioner to reduce static and increase smoothness.
2. Short soak: Fully submerge the sweater, gently pressing water in, no rubbing. 5–10 minutes is enough to soften fibers and release internal stress.
3. Gently remove water: Lay the sweater flat on a dry towel and roll to absorb water (see towel method above). Do not wring.
4. Reshape (Blocking): Lay the wet sweater flat on a clean surface, gently returning shoulder, side seams, and hem to original dimensions. Use a ruler or a reference sweater for precision. For more precise shaping, pins can secure edges on a foam board or towel (avoid piercing fibers).
5. Air dry and monitor: Flat dry in a ventilated area, checking every few hours and adjusting shape until completely dry (usually 12–48 hours).
6. Repeat or seek professional help if necessary: Persistent deformations, loose stitches, or felting may require professional dry cleaning or knit repair services.
For minor stretching, this usually restores appearance significantly. Severe damage from prolonged stretching or heat may be irreversible.
Summary
The core principle of drying sweaters is “press, absorb, lay flat.” After washing, gently press water out instead of wringing; use a towel to absorb excess moisture, reducing fabric weight; then lay the sweater flat and carefully shape it. Following these three key steps minimizes stretching and deformation, keeping sweaters in their original shape, fit, and texture—even after long-term wear.
