Knit Zip Thru Care: How to Wash and Store Knitwear

By All About Eve - Women's Online Fashion | Online Shopping | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: Consigli e cura

Keep your zip knit looking sharp with a simple wash-and-store routine. Learn how to wash a knit cardigan, prevent pilling, and hold its shape season after season.

Quick answer

Hand wash your zip knit in cool water with a gentle detergent, press out moisture without wringing, and dry it flat. Store it folded, not hung, to keep the shoulders and zip straight.

Why the zip changes the wash routine

A zip-through knit has a metal or plastic zipper that can snag the knit surface in a machine drum and weigh down one side when wet. Close the zip fully before washing to keep the teeth from catching, and avoid high spin cycles that can bend the zip tape. If your machine has a hand-wash or wool cycle, use it only with the zip closed and the knit inside a mesh bag.

When pilling is normal and when it is not

Soft acrylic and wool blends can develop small pills where sleeves rub against the body or where a bag strap sits. That is surface friction, not a sign the knit is wearing out. Remove pills with a fabric shaver or a fine knit comb after the garment is dry, not while it is damp. If pills keep returning in the same spot within a few wears, check whether a rough bag strap or a seatbelt is the cause before blaming the wash.

Step-by-step zip knit care

Check the label and close the zip: Read the care label first. If hand washing is recommended, fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Zip the knit fully closed before it touches water. Never leave the zip open in the wash; open teeth snag the knit face.
Wash gently without wringing: Submerge the knit and press it down gently for a few minutes. Do not rub, twist, or wring. Drain the water and press the knit against the basin side to remove excess, then rinse in clean cool water the same way. Wringing stretches the knit and bends the zip tape.
Roll in a towel to remove water: Lay the knit flat on a clean dry towel, roll the towel up with the knit inside, and press gently. Do not twist the roll. This removes most of the water without stressing the fibres. Skipping this step means a longer drying time and more chance of stretching.
Dry flat and reshape: Lay the knit flat on a drying rack or a fresh towel, away from direct heat and sunlight. Gently reshape the collar, cuffs, and hem while damp. Turn it once after a few hours if the underside feels damp. Hanging a wet knit pulls the shoulders out of shape.
De-pill only when completely dry: Once dry, use a fabric shaver or knit comb on any pilled areas with light pressure. Work in one direction and check the surface as you go. Pilling on a damp knit tears fibres; always wait until dry.
Fold and store with the zip closed: Store the knit folded in a drawer or on a shelf, with the zip closed and the collar flat. Avoid wire hangers. For seasonal storage, use a breathable cotton bag rather than a sealed plastic one. Hanging or sealing the knit traps moisture and distorts the shape.

Product note

Aida Knit Zip Thru Wine: The Aida Knit Zip Thru Wine is made from a soft acrylic and wool blend with a full zip front and high collar. The wool content rewards gentle washing, and the high collar needs extra care to dry flat so it does not crease.
Aida Knit Zip Thru Wine