How to Care for Your Winter Wardrobe – Make Your Pieces Last Season After Season

Winter fashion often means investing in beautiful fabrics: wool coats, cosy knits, suede boots, and structured tailoring. But without proper care, these seasonal favourites can quickly lose their charm. The good news? With a few simple habits, you can extend the life of your winter wardrobe and protect your investment.

At Myer Street Fashion, we believe in buying well and making it last—and we’re here to help you care for your winter pieces the right way.

1. Respect the Labels: Know Your Fabrics

The first rule of garment care? Always read the label. It tells you more than just the washing instructions—it reveals the nature of the fabric and how best to treat it.

Winter materials to watch:

• Wool & Merino – Natural, insulating but can shrink easily.
• Cashmere – Luxuriously soft, but delicate.
• Cotton Blends – Easy to care for, but can fade or lose shape.
• Polyester Mixes – Durable but prone to pilling if washed too hot.
• Suede & Leather – Require specialist care or cleaning kits.

Pro Tip: If the label says "Dry Clean Only," don’t ignore it. Some fabrics will shrink, pill, or warp when washed at home—even gently.

2. Washing Knits: Less is More

You don’t need to wash jumpers after every wear. In fact, overwashing wool can reduce its softness and elasticity.

Care Tips for Knits:

• Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth.
• Hand wash gently in cold water with wool-specific detergent.
• Never wring out—press gently between towels to remove excess water.
• Lay flat on a clean towel to dry. Hanging will cause stretching.

Bonus Tip: Fold your knits instead of hanging to avoid shoulder bumps and distortion.

3. Caring for Wool Coats and Jackets

Wool coats rarely need frequent cleaning—once or twice per season is often enough unless visibly soiled.

Coat Care Tips:

• Use a lint roller or fabric brush weekly to remove fluff and dust.
• Air it out regularly to release odours and moisture.
• Spot clean spills immediately with cold water and a soft cloth.
• Store on a wide, padded hanger to maintain the coat’s shape.
• At season’s end, dry clean and store with cedar or lavender to repel moths.

4. Protecting Boots and Winter Shoes

Your winter boots carry you through rain, mud, and frost. Keep them looking fresh with a bit of TLC.

Leather/Suede Boot Tips:

• Spray with a protective water and stain repellent before first wear.
• Wipe with a damp cloth after each wear.
• Use suede brushes or erasers to lift marks gently.
• Always store upright or with boot shapers to prevent creasing.
• Let wet boots dry away from direct heat to avoid cracking.

Pro Tip: Polish leather boots regularly to restore shine and nourish the leather.

5. Managing Pilling and Fabric Wear

Pilling—those annoying little fabric balls—is common on knits and wool blends. But it doesn’t mean the item is worn out.

Fix It Fast:

• Use a fabric shaver or sweater comb to remove pilling.
• Avoid friction—bags rubbing against your sides or jackets rubbing under arms can cause pilling.
• Wash inside out and on gentle cycles to reduce agitation.

6. Smart Storage Between Wears

The way you store your winter wardrobe can drastically impact how well it wears.

Daily Storage Tips:

• Fold heavier knits on shelves rather than hang.
• Use wooden or velvet hangers to grip delicate fabrics.
• Air your pieces after wear before placing them back in the wardrobe.

Off-Season Storage:

• Clean everything before packing away.
• Store in breathable garment bags (not plastic).
• Use cedar balls, lavender sachets or moth-repellent products.
• Keep in a dry, dark cupboard to prevent discolouration or mildew.

7. Winter Accessories Need Love Too

Scarves, gloves, and hats work hard during winter—make sure they get the care they deserve.

Accessory Maintenance:

• Wash scarves and gloves regularly (especially wool and acrylic blends).
• De-pill beanies using a lint shaver.
• Air-dry all accessories flat to retain shape.

8. When to Repair, When to Retire

A missing button, a loose hem, or worn soles don’t mean the end for your favourite item. Some simple fixes can restore your winter wardrobe.

Fixable Issues:

• Replacing buttons, zips or worn soles.
• Repairing rips at seams or hems.
• Deep cleaning through professional dry cleaners.

If a piece no longer fits, suits your style, or has worn beyond repair, consider:

• Donating to charity.
• Upcycling into another item.
• Recycling through textile recovery programs.

Taking care of your winter wardrobe isn’t just about keeping things clean—it’s about protecting what you love, shopping more sustainably, and getting the most out of your seasonal pieces. With proper care, your knits will stay soft, your coats will hold their shape, and your boots will keep you walking in style year after year.

At Myer Street Fashion, we believe in buying pieces you’ll wear and love again and again. Come in-store or shop online to find timeless winter staples—and don’t forget to ask us how to care for them so they last you many seasons to come.

Care more, waste less—and look fabulous while doing it.