Are your old wool sweaters getting stiff and itchy? Were you gifted with a rough, uncomfortable sweater? You don’t have to throw them out. We’ll show you how to soften wool sweaters in minutes! 

We’re experts in wool here at Aran Sweater Market. We carry on a sweater tradition that goes back generations, and we know how to take care of common wool sweater problems. Follow these tips on softening a wool sweater to breathe fresh life into your old garment.

The best way to ensure your sweater stays soft is to start with a soft garment made of high-quality wool. And Aran Sweater Market has the best 100% wool sweaters you can buy. We use ultra-comfortable Merino Wool and have earned a reputation for consistently exceeding expectations.

See for yourself today! 

Why Does Some Wool Feel So Stiff?

Our wool sweaters are soft and comfortable. Others are stiff and itchy. So what gives? There are a few reasons you’ll find so much variety in the wool sweater market.

Natural Fibre Structure

Wool fibres come in different diameters. Cheap wool has thicker, less flexible fibres and feels stiff and prickly. Finer wools like merino and cashmere have slender fibres that feel softer against your skin.

You’ll see tiny, overlapping scales when you look at wool fibres under a microscope. Cheaper wools have coarser scales that jut out. Many people believe all wool sweaters are itchy. Are merino wool sweaters itchy? Not at all, because they have smooth, small scales. 

Wool fibres are wavy, or “crimped.” Those tiny crimps give wool its elasticity. They also trap air, which makes wool sweaters warm in the worst weather. Wool with a less uniform crimp can result in stiff fabric, while high-quality wool preserves the natural softness.

Processing Differences

Sheared wool is “scoured” with detergents that remove dirt and grease. Overly harsh scouring strips away too much of the natural lanolin. This leaves wool dry, stiff, and brittle. 

Some dyes can make fibres feel coarse. Shrink-resistance and moth-proofing treatments can also stiffen fibres. This can make soft wool uncomfortably brittle and stiff. 

Worsted-spun yarn makers comb the wool fibres until they all lie parallel. This produces a dense, smooth, soft yarn. We use worsted-spun yarn on all our Aran Sweaters.

Storage and Washing Factors

Using hot water, the wrong type of detergent, or too much agitation can cause the fibre’s scales to lock together or felt. Felting shrinks the garment and destroys the original drape and softness. Follow our instructions on how to wash Aran sweaters to avoid damage. 

Putting up your wool sweater in long-term storage? Fold it loosely, then place it in a breathable container. Don’t store wool that is even slightly damp, as that can lead to mildew and cause the fabric to become matted and stiff.

Never put a wool sweater in a machine dryer! The high heat and agitation will cause felting and shrinkage. Gently roll the sweater in a towel to remove excess water. Then lay it flat on a clean surface to air dry.

What You’ll Need For Softening a Wool Sweater

Want to know how to soften wool sweaters? It starts with getting the right products - here are a few we recommend.

Gentle Detergent or Wool Wash

Never use standard laundry detergents to clean your wool sweater. They break down wool fibres and will leave your sweater stiff and rough. Wash your wool sweater with a mild baby shampoo or wool wash detergent instead.

Fabric Conditioner or Hair Conditioner

Avoid using commercial liquid fabric softeners. They can clog the natural structure of the wool and diminish its insulating properties. For better results, rely on human hair conditioner for softening a wool sweater.

Wool is structurally similar to human hair, right down to the tiny cuticles. Hair conditioner smooths those cuticles to make our hair silky and untangled. It can do the same thing for wool fibres. Use a basic, inexpensive, silicone-free formula. 

Vinegar or Glycerin

White vinegar dissolves any alkaline soap residue left on the fibres. It also flattens wool cuticles. which softens the wool. Vegetable glycerin helps attract and retain moisture. It can bring back the flexibility of stiff, dry, brittle wool fibres.

Clean Towel and Basin

You’ll need a basin, tub, or clean sink for washing. It must be large enough to fully submerge the sweater without cramming or tight folding. This lets the water and conditioning treatments circulate freely and penetrate every fibre.

You will also need a set of thick, clean towels. Wet wool sweaters are heavy and vulnerable to stretching. You will use the towels for squeezing out moisture without causing your sweater to become felted or misshapen. 

How to Soften a Wool Sweater: Step-by-Step Guide

The first thing you should know is how important it is to be gentle when softening a wool sweater. Your stiff sweater already has damaged wool fibres. You want to restore the sweater, not damage it further. Here’s how to soften wool sweaters by hand the safest, simplest way.

Step 1: Prepare a Gentle Soak

Fill your basin, sink, or tub with cool water. Now add 8 to 16 oz of hair conditioner or a teaspoon of glycerin. Swirl the water with your hand until the product is completely dissolved. 

Step 2: Submerge and Soak

Lay your sweater on the surface of the soaking solution, then gently press it to the bottom. Make sure it is lying open and unfolded. That will allow the solution to reach all parts of the garment.

Let the sweater soak for at least 30 minutes. Your sweater may need up to four hours of soaking if it’s particularly stiff or scratchy.

Step 3: Rinse Carefully

Reach into the basin and gather the entire sweater into a loose ball, then lift it out. Lifting it from one end can cause stretching. Set it aside for a moment and drain the basin.

Refill your basin with cool water. Add a cup of distilled white vinegar, then gently place the sweater back into the rinse water. Press down a few times to allow the fresh water to work through the fibres and wash away any excess soap residue.

Step 4: Press Out Excess Water

You must never wring out or twist a wet wool sweater. Instead, lay a large, thick, clean towel flat on the floor or on a countertop. Place the wet sweater on top of the towel carefully. Smooth out any large wrinkles or folds. Then roll the towel and sweater together like a burrito or jelly roll. 

Gently but firmly press on the roll to squeeze out the water. The sweater should be evenly damp but no longer dripping wet when you are done.

Step 5: Lay Flat to Dry

Hanging a wet sweater will stretch it out of shape. Mesh sweater racks are the ideal drying surface. They let air circulate on all sides for faster, more even drying. Don’t have a rack? Lay a fresh, dry towel on a guest bed or countertop. 

Your sweater will take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to dry. Drying times depend on the thickness of the knit and the humidity of the room. Flip the sweater over every 8 to 12 hours, and replace the tower underneath it if it is saturated. Make sure the sweater is completely dry to the touch before folding and storing.

The damaged fibres that cause stiffness can also lead to wool pilling issues. To fix those problems, check out our guide to how to remove pilling from wool sweater.

Step 6 (Optional): Stretching/Steaming

Is your sweater still a bit stiff after drying? Did you notice a bit of shrinkage? Steaming wool sweaters with a handheld garment steamer can make a dramatic difference. 

Steaming warms and relaxes wool fibres. You can gently pull or stretch any areas that feel too tight. Let your sweater lay flat for another hour after you’re satisfied. This gives it a chance to fully cool and dry from the steam.

Not All Wool Sweaters Need to Be Softened!

Now you know how to soften wool sweaters with a bit of effort. But you can also save yourself the trouble of softening a wool sweater in the first place. How?  Shop at Aran for a high-quality merino wool sweater that will stay soft for decades with proper maintenance. 

Aran Sweater Market’s Irish wool sweaters combine comfort, performance, and enduring style. They’re made with merino wool, the best wool available for knit garments. Our wool sweaters for men and wool sweaters for women use traditional patterns stretching back generations.

Aran sweaters keep you warm on the bleakest, dampest days. But the breathable merino wool makes them surprisingly comfortable even on fair and sunny days, too. They’re among the most versatile pieces you can add to your wardrobe.

Plus, your order comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, speaking to the quality and care that goes into every sweater we make. 

You’re going to love your soft new sweater from Aran Sweater Market. Don’t take our word for it. Listen to our satisfied customers.

“Beautiful sweater. Soft and comfortable to wear. Delivery was very quick.” - Sharon

“The sweaters came quickly, and best of all they are more gorgeous than I had imagined. The merino is truly soft, the colours rich and perfect. I wish I could buy one for everyone in the family!” - Leon

“Aran's wool quality is wonderful! I delight in your handsome ponchos, scarves and blankets for everyday use. The textures are soft and keep us fashionably cozy too. Adore!” - Lisa

Final Words on How to Soften Wool Sweater

Soft sweaters are nice, and there’s nothing softer than a fine wool sweater. We’ve talked about the many benefits of knit wool sweaters in our guide to wool vs cotton sweater and crochet vs knit sweater. Look no further than Aran for the softest, warmest, most comfortable sweaters.  

Aran sweaters are unmatched for warmth and beauty. Shop at Aran Sweater Market today!