How to Care for Your Olsen Wool Cable Knit Cardigan

Quick answer

Hand-wash your Olsen Wool Cable Knit Cardigan in cold water with a gentle wool detergent, then lay it flat to dry—never wring or machine-dry it.

Step-by-step care routine

1. Check the care label and spot-test: Look at the sewn-in label for any manufacturer-specific instructions. Test your detergent on a hidden seam to ensure it doesn't discolor the wool. Never skip the spot test—some detergents can fade dark wool colors.
2. Hand-wash in cold water with wool detergent: Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of wool-safe detergent. Submerge the cardigan and gently press it underwater for 5 minutes. Do not rub or scrub the fabric. Hot water or regular laundry soap can cause the wool to shrink or become stiff.
3. Rinse thoroughly and remove excess water: Drain the soapy water and refill with cold water. Gently press the cardigan to push out soap. Repeat until no suds remain. Lay the cardigan on a clean towel, roll it up, and press to absorb moisture. Do not wring or twist the cardigan—this stretches the cable knit and distorts the shape.
4. Lay flat to dry away from heat: Reshape the cardigan on a dry towel or drying rack. Smooth out the cable knit pattern and button it up to maintain the front shape. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Hanging the wet cardigan can stretch the shoulders and neckline permanently.
5. Store folded, not hung: Once fully dry, fold the cardigan and store it in a drawer or on a shelf. If you must hang it, use a padded hanger and fold the cardigan over the bar to avoid shoulder bumps. Hanging a wool cardigan on a standard hanger creates dimples at the shoulders over time.

About this cardigan

• Olsen Wool Cable Knit Cardigan: 80% lamb wool, 20% nylon; made in Italy; 18" (46 cm) length, 17" (43 cm) bust The high lamb wool content requires cold water and mild detergent to avoid shrinkage, while the compact size means it dries quickly when laid flat.