Possum merino knitwear should be hand washed or machine washed on a wool cycle in cold water, dried flat, and stored folded — never hung. With proper care, possum merino keeps its softness and shape for decades. Some light pilling in high-wear areas is normal. Unlike other natural fibres, the pills are larger and don't form all over the garment, so they're easy to remove gently by hand. Whether you've got possum merino, pure merino, or alpaca, the basics are similar. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Always check the care label on your garment – individual items may have specific care requirements.
About Shedding (Possum Merino Only)
If your new possum merino sheds a bit during the first few wears, don't worry. This is completely normal and temporary.
Possum fibres are short (around 1-2cm) and are blended with longer merino wool to create the yarn. After knitting, garments are washed to release the possum fibre ends and create that soft, fluffy texture. Most loose fibres come out during manufacturing, but some naturally work free during initial wear.
You'll notice shedding for the first few wears and washes, then it stops almost entirely. Garments with higher possum content or looser knits may shed slightly more initially.
Tip: During the break-in period, wear layers in similar colours so any shed fibres are less visible.
Washing Your Knitwear
Hand washing is gentlest and keeps your garments looking best longest. The method is the same for possum merino, merino, and alpaca:
- Turn your garment inside out.
- Fill a clean basin with cold or lukewarm water.
- Add wool-specific detergent following the package instructions.
- Gently submerge and let it soak briefly.
- Softly squeeze and fold the fabric to work the detergent through. Never rub, twist, or wring.
- Rinse twice in clean water to remove all detergent.
Important: Keep water temperature consistent throughout washing and rinsing. Temperature changes can damage natural fibres. If you wash in cold, rinse in cold. If you wash in lukewarm, rinse in lukewarm.
Drying
Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting. You can use your washing machine's gentle spin cycle to remove additional water, but never run your knitwear through a full wash cycle.
Lay your garment flat on a clean towel, reshape it to its original form while still damp, and air dry in the shade. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heaters, and radiators.
Never tumble dry. Heat and agitation cause shrinkage and damage fibres.
Ironing
Merino and alpaca: If ironing is needed, use a warm steam iron on the reverse side with a damp cloth between the iron and fabric. Use the wool setting.
Possum merino: Generally doesn't need ironing. The fibres naturally relax and the fabric settles back into shape after washing and flat drying.
Special Cases
First wash: New knitwear may release slight dye during the first wash. Wash new pieces separately to protect other laundry from potential colour transfer.
Fur-trimmed garments: Dry clean only. The delicate nature of fur trim needs professional cleaning that home washing can't safely provide.
Leather-trimmed garments: Hand wash carefully following the standard method, but avoid soaking the leather trim. Keep leather sections out of the water as much as possible and gently wipe them clean with a damp cloth instead. Lay flat to dry as normal. If the garment needs a deeper clean, professional dry cleaning is recommended.
Throws and blankets: These don't need washing like bedding. Air them regularly over a chair or a line in the shade, and wash only when needed. When you do, follow the hand-wash method above. A large throw holds a lot of water, so use your machine's gentle spin cycle to remove the excess, then lay it flat on towels to dry in the shade.
Professional dry cleaning: All our garments can be professionally dry cleaned when you prefer expert care or need deeper cleaning.
Storage & Moth Prevention
Natural fibres can attract clothes moths. Protect your knitwear with straightforward prevention:
Proper storage: Store pieces folded in sealed bags or airtight containers when you're not wearing them regularly. Choose cool, dry locations with good air circulation. Avoid damp basements or humid closets.
Deterrents: Cedar blocks in storage areas help repel moths naturally. Moth traps are another practical option for monitoring and catching them before they become a problem.
What not to do: Never spray perfumes or fragrances directly onto your garments. Fragrances can actually attract moths to natural fibres.
If you find moths: Place affected garments in compression bags and freeze for one full week. This eliminates all moth life stages without damaging the fibres.
A Note on Natural Fibres
All our knitwear is made from natural raw materials. This means you may notice slight irregularities and variations in colour and texture from piece to piece. These aren't flaws - they're characteristics of genuine natural fibres and part of what makes each garment unique.
Making Them Last
These pieces are designed for decades of wear, not a few seasons. Natural fibres like possum merino, merino, and alpaca naturally resist odour, so you don't need to wash after every wear. Less washing means better fibre quality, longer garment life, and less water and energy used.
Each garment includes specific care instructions on internal labels, and accessories have care information on packaging. When in doubt, follow the garment-specific guidelines.
Proper care ensures your knitwear maintains its softness, warmth, and appearance through years of wear. That's what makes these genuine investment pieces — and what makes natural fibre knitwear one of the most sustainable choices in your wardrobe.
Questions about caring for a specific piece? Get in touch — we're happy to help.
