How to Care for Alanui Knitwear: Cleaning, Storing and Pilling

Most Alanui knitwear is professional dry clean only, should be stored folded and flat, and needs a cashmere comb now and then to lift pilling. Fringe and embroidery need a little extra care. Here is how to look after the cardigans, coats and jumpers from the Alanui collection.

Key facts

• Most Alanui knitwear is professional dry clean only
• Never hang it: fold and store flat
• Lift pilling with a cashmere comb
• Comb fringe by hand and never trim it

Read the label first

Alanui gives three kinds of care instruction. Jacquard cardigans, coats and most knits are professional dry clean only, with a cool iron if needed and no washing, tumble drying and bleach. Some pieces, mostly in the Finest line and the knitted tops, can be gently hand washed. Denim is machine washed on a cold cycle and not dry cleaned, and its handcrafted finish softens with time.

Cleaning an Alanui cardigan

• Clean it rarely. Air it overnight after wearing, and spot-clean small marks with a damp cloth.
• Use a dry cleaner who handles knitwear. Ask them to press it flat and not to hang it.
• Point out the fringe and any embroidery, such as on the Dance With Me Cardigan in Black Multicolour, so they protect it.

Hand washing the Finest pieces

Where the label allows it, wash in cool water with a wool detergent, press out the water without wringing, roll the piece in a towel and dry it flat away from heat. The cashmere and cotton Finest Tank Top in Black is a typical example.

Storing it

Never hang an Alanui cardigan. The weight of the knit and the fringe stretches the shoulders. Fold it, store it flat in a breathable cotton bag, and add cedar to keep moths away. Keep it away from jewellery, bag clasps and Velcro, which catch the yarn.

Pilling

Cashmere and wool pill at friction points, under the arms and at the cuffs, especially in the first weeks. It is normal. Lift the pills with a cashmere comb, working gently in one direction. The surface settles after a few wears.

Fringe care

Comb tangled fringe with your fingers while the cardigan lies flat. Do not trim it; the strands are knotted into the edge.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wash an Alanui cardigan?

Most Alanui cardigans are professional dry clean only. Some Finest pieces and knitted tops can be gently hand washed; always check the label.

How do you store an Alanui cardigan?

Fold it and store it flat in a breathable bag. Hanging stretches the shoulders because of the weight of the knit.

Why is my Alanui cardigan pilling?

Long cashmere and wool fibres pill at friction points in the first weeks. A cashmere comb removes it and the surface settles.

How do you iron an Alanui cardigan?

Use a cool iron only if needed, on the reverse, and avoid ironing over prints and fringe.

Read next: The Alanui cardigan guide, Is Alanui worth it, Cashmere cardigans.

By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 20 October 2026.