So how do I look after an Acrylic jumper?

[HaveAGoodDay]

I'm fed up of my acrylic jumpers/ cardis looking rubbish after just one wash! I wash them on a 30 degree cycle on a delicate wash & that's it, they look all bobbly & 'shredded' as if I've worn them for years! I would stick to 100% cotton but they are few & far between & £££.

Can I revive the ones already 'ruined' or would i should i just not wash, if I choose to buy any more. I'm reluctant to buy any but cotton!

I don't bother buying acrylic now for this reason. Just wool, sometimes cotton.

Not helpful at all, sorry

That's the problem with acrylic I'm afraid. If it's acrylic mixed with something else it's not so bad - maybe look for acrylic/wool mixes in future.

It's the fabric that's the problem, not the way you're washing it. I avoid acrylic as much as possible. There are are plenty of items of low cost knitwear that have a mix of up to 5 fabrics in them. They wash much better. I read the labels on everything now.

Oh bugga! Just got a jumper in sainsburys that I liked, nice colour as well but acrylic, 100% as well! I admitt I picked it up quickly, just something for hubby to wrap from kids. Better get thinking cap on again sharpish! I suppose I could wrap it & take it back after big day!

Uniqlo, Woolovers and Gap tend to do reasonably priced cotton and wool jumpers (often boring styles though!) I've given up on acrylic now too, as it just ends up being a waste of money if they only last a few washes. I think it makes sense, if you can, to buy jumpers that have at least 50% cotton or wool, even if they're twice the price because they last ten times longer.

If you are going to buy acrylic jumpers look for something knobbly and textured, perhaps with a marled/multicoloured knit, as any bobbling will be less obvious. There are lots of shaggy/chenille type things around at the moment.

A lot of acrylic jumpers are so lofty, at the moment - really loosely knit, so they feel soft and light (and cost less to make!) which, unfortunately, makes them really prone to pilling.

Use a wool wash cycle, rather than a delicates wash - that will agitate the jumper a lot less. Also avoid fabric conditioner, as that will cause the fibres to fall apart more easily. Use a drop of vinegar in the rinse, if oyu have water that leaves clothes a bit crispy.

And just to illustrate that it's how the fabric is made that makes the difference - I bought a fine gauge acrylic jumper from Richards in 1988. I finally threw it away about 5 years ago. It was full of holes, but no pilling.

Acrylic???