Quick question on knits... - YouLookFab Forum

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Quick question on knits...

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

... I've learned from YLF that knits are something I should not invest money in. I tried to figure out the logic behind this, but please tell me if I am incorrect.

1) They are gonna pill anyway; cheap and expensive.

2) It's probably easier to get 13 wears out of a $13 cardi before it pills like crazy vs. trying to get 50 wears out of a $50 cardi.

3) Pilly cardis are a no-no. Is pilly on the inside where no one can see, okay?

4) Because I only expect to wear my cardis for one season, more trendy cardis are okay (stripes, I'm thinking of).

5) Because I am buying a cheap cardi, I should not compromise on certain things, like if it's not soft, or if buttons are popping out all over the place.

6) Dresses are investment pieces. Sweater dresses do not count.

My cardis from last year are sadly droopy and kinda pilly.

Shopping

14 replies

Latest reply was from

DressLover

Veteran

Although I agree knits are generally a lost cause when it comes to investment pieces (piling, moth bait, stretching, snagging, fraying at hem, etc.), a fabric shaver is a cheap little investment to prolong the life of knitwear.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Dollar store leg razors also shave pills right off - just don't shave too hard!

I agree with all you've said in your list, though. Good reasoning. The one exception IMO is Scottish cashmere. I come across this stuff from the 70s every once in a while, and it still looks new. I still don't know about blowing hundreds on it, but maybe a little Ebay splurgeepoo if something awesome finds you.

Queen Mum

Veteran

yes, for the most part your reasoning makes sense. Keep in mind though, that not all knits are created equal. I have some knits that have really held up well over a few years even. You can't always tell just by looking which those will be, but you can do some stretching and rubbing in the store and see what happens. When it comes to basic layering tees, having some spandex content is an absolute must. The spandex helps it keep its shape and, I think, also keeps the pilling at a minimum.
When it comes to sweaters, I avoid 100% cotton as well. They just don't keep their shape.
In short, the conclusion I have come to is to really put any knits I'm considering under the microscope before I buy.

sarah

Veteran

I agree with Kim, that not all knits are created equal. I bought an AT merino BF cardi last year (one of Angie's recommendations) and I swear it still looks like I bought it yesterday. In contrast, the merino Halogen BF cardi I bought has started to pill. But merino does seem to keep its shape much better than cotton, or even cotton/rayon blends. So, I'm not like Angie in viewing knits as one-season wonders. I have some that have lasted longer.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Ah, there is much wisdom here.

... I also learn that dryer is not a good option.

Does anyone want some cardi for dolls?

Queen Mum

Veteran

oh no... NEVER put your knits in the dryer.

In fact, since I have stopped putting most everything in the dryer (save socks and towels) I think my clothes are holding up much better. My dryer does have a very low heat setting, so I will throw things in on this "casual" setting to take some of the moisture out before I hang everything on the drying rack that has taken permanent residency above my bathtub. (if you look closely at my WIW's you can occasionally catch a glimpse.)

Freckles

Veteran

Ah, ty Lyn for asking.

I just heard of this on a thread here the other day. Since my dominant season is winter and I prefer wool I did a oh no....

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I've had varying success with the longevity of knits, and it seems to be completely independent of whether they were pricey or inexpensive, so yeah, in general I won't pay a lot for them. There have been some exceptions, when I just fall in love with a piece, and sometimes it pays off, sometimes not. Usually, I get tired of items in my wardrobe (or I change sizes) before something actually wears out.

I have cashmere sweaters that pill after a wear or two. It makes me mad, but I get out the sweater shaver and keep them around for another year... well, we'll see how I feel about that when my fall wardrobe comes back out of hiding!

Aziraphale

Veteran

One exception I've found: Majestic Paris knitwear. I've got one tee shirt that has lasted YEARS. It's not pilled yet and is still blackest black. It's a viscose blend (whatever that means, my knowledge of fabrics is patchy). Yes, they're spendy, but worth it (if you like tight tee shirts, which maybe you don't).

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I really need to buy a fabric shaver!

Lyn* also i don't know remember if you thrift but that can be a great way to find nicer knitwear way cheaper. I found a beautiful merino wool Banana Republic cardi a couple weeks ago at Savers brand new with all the tags still attached. $10 and it retailed for $70. I'm hoping it lasts for awhile.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

The thrifting in my city is very poor quality, unfortunately; I have much better luck with consignment

Jjsloane

Veteran

I think it still depends on the item and I've yet to be able to predict it's pill future. I have expensive (for me) cashmere with pills and not expensive with pills. I find all BR and Gap sweaters to be completely disposable as the armpits become fields of pills no matter the original or sale price. I do have the Sweater stone that smells awful, but does remove the pills without damage to the sweater so that works. Boden knitwear holds up rather well IMO, but is pricey.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

lol, I have heard about this Sweater Stone. It stinks though? Hmm.

Anonymous

Lyn, your conclusions are basically correct. If you have lots of sweaters and wear each less often, they may be good for more than one season. Shiny once said that merino wool holds up better than anything else and my experience seems to bear that out if it is a tight flat knit. Nylon or silk also seem to help in a blend.