EN
How NOT To Shrink Knitted Beanies
Knowing what your knitted beanie is made of is important because some of the materials have more risk of shrinkage compared to others. For example, some streetwear accessories are made of wool. Wool is a material that is unfortunately, more susceptible to shrinking than others because of its structural fibers that, when heat or agitation is involved, they can interlock. There are also blended materials that are accompanied with wool that can also present issues with shrinking. Be sure to check the label of your knitted beanie to see what material it is made of because that can help with your knitted beanie washing instructions because the label will contain washing guidelines that are to be followed. Washing knits, be sure to separate light and dark knits because of the risk of staining. If the knitted pieces are stained with dirt, grab a brush and lightly dab the stained area to minimize the risk of deep staining. If your knitted beanie has a printed logo or some statement, be sure to wash the knitted beanie inside to protect the printing and to minimize the chance of damaging the printing.
Picking out the right washing method
If you have knitted wool beanies, hand washing is the safest method because it is less likely to cause damage than machine washing. Fill a basin or sink with cold or lukewarm water (below 30 degrees celsius) and add a small amount of a mild, neutral detergent made for washing delicates. Do not use detergent that is too harsh (highly alkaline) or regular laundry powders, because they will damage the structure of the fibers, and cause shrinkage. Gently submerge the beanie and press it into the water. Do not rub it or twist it. Many people make the mistake of scrubbing hard at the knitted fabric in a particular spot because it is stained. This creates shrinkage and destroys the knitted fabric structure. Many machine washes have a gentle or wool cycle, and a spin cycle. It is best to use a gentle cycle and to avoid or use the lowest spin cycle to prevent a lot of stress on the fibers. Use a mesh bag to prevent snagging.
Gentle Dehydration to Avoid Deformation
Dehydration is a necessary but troublesome step to the washing of knitted beanies that can easily result in the beanie scrunching and deforming. After washing, lift the beanie out of the water. With one hand hold the beanie like you would do a hang dry on a towel, but do not do it like that, or else you will cause deformation. Place the beanie on a clean, dry towel that is very absorbent. Then roll the towel up like a burrito and, with light pressure, cause the towel to pick up moisture. This technique helps maintain the beanie's knitted structure and avoids the knit's distorted, uneven, stretched, and shrunken areas due to the uneven pressure. You should never, under any circumstances, put a knitted beanie that is still saturated in a dryer. The high heat will cause permanent felting of the wool fibers. In addition, beanies made of acrylic yarn will lose their shape, and their bounce will be gone.
How To Dry A Knitted Beanie To Prevent Shrinkage
When it comes to drying a knitted beanie, it will be critical to dry it appropriately to prevent it from shrinking. After soaking up excess water from the beanie, lay it flat on a new dry towel, and reshape the beanie to the size and roundness it is supposed to be. Make sure to smooth out any wrinkles or stretched areas, and then place the towel with the beanie in a dry and shaded area with good air circulation. Avoid direct sunlight since it will fade the color and weaken the fibers in the beanie. For thick knitted beanies, flip the towel halfway through the drying process to promote even drying and to prevent mold in the damp areas. Avoid hanging the wet beanie on a hanger, as its own weight will stretch the fabric and leave the brim or top looking loose and misshapen. A knitted beanie may take 24-48 hours to dry completely, but taking the time to dry it appropriately will help keep it in great condition.
Pre-Treatment and Ongoing Care
Beanies from streetwear brands can get dirty from spills, food, dirt, and other things, and pre cleaning treatment is important to avoid cleaning methods that cause shrinkage. If there is a fresh stain, blot the area with a clean and dry cloth and do not wipe the stain because this can spread the area further. For dry stains, pour a SMALL amount of your choice detergent Wash, wait five minutes, and rinse with cold water to clean. When taking care of your beanie, don't put the same beanie from knitted fabric on your head every day so that it has time to breathe and dry. If your beanie is losing shape, you can gently steam it with a portable steamer, along with reshaping it to help make the beanie fit again without gloves. For long term care of the product, take it from the drawer and hang nothing on it, and keep it from things that can dull the beanie. Lightly compress the beanie to its edge many times on the edge to help it not be so loose. When you wear the beanie to help keep the air from entering it to help keep the beanie from losing its color.
The Importance of Care for Streetwear Style
Learning how to wash and care for knitted beanies helps avoid shrinkage, and helps to protect your investment of your streetwear style. A knitted beanie is able to match and go with other streetwear accessories and clothing because it maintains its original shape and texture. It is clear from years of streetwear experience that proper fabric care gives accessories a longer life, decreases the need to repurchase items, and ultimately saves money. These few steps are professional, and keeps your knitted beanie a part of your streetwear wardrobe for practicality for long, long time. The bold style and practical use will embrace the defining piece of street culture.
