Knitwear 101: How to thrift & care for vintage wool and cashmere

There is nothing quite like the feeling of wrapping yourself in a cozy, high-quality sweater when the cold weather sets in. But walking into a retail store and looking at the price tag of a 100% cashmere or pure wool knit can be a harsh reality check.

The good news? The second-hand market is overflowing with luxurious, natural-fiber knitwear for a fraction of the original price. Thrifting vintage wool and cashmere is one of the smartest wardrobe investments you can make, provided you know what to look for and how to care for it. Here is your ultimate guide to mastering second-hand knitwear.

1. Always check the material composition

When thrifting online, the material is everything. Synthetic blends (like acrylic and polyester) might feel soft initially, but they often lack breathability, trap sweat, and lose their shape quickly.

• What to look for: Use Sellpy's material filters to search exclusively for 100% wool, merino wool, alpaca, or cashmere. These natural fibers are incredibly durable, naturally odor-resistant, and provide superior warmth. Vintage knits, in particular, are often made with a much higher density of natural fibers than modern equivalents.

2. Don't fear the bobbles (pilling)

It is very common to find beautiful cashmere sweaters with small balls of fluff under the arms or along the sides. This is called pilling, and it is a natural characteristic of high-quality wool, not a sign that the sweater is ruined!

• Our secret thrift hack: You can easily rejuvenate a pilled sweater in minutes. Invest in a fabric shaver or a cashmere comb. Gently run it over the affected areas, and the sweater will look absolutely brand new. This simple trick allows you to score heavily discounted knits that just need a little TLC.

3. The golden rules of washing wool

One of the biggest misconceptions about wool is that it needs to be dry-cleaned constantly. In reality, wool is naturally antibacterial and needs washing very rarely.

• How to care for it: Most of the time, simply hanging your wool sweater outside in the fresh air for a few hours is enough to refresh it. When it is finally time for a wash, always hand wash it in cold water with a specialized wool detergent. Never wring it out; instead, gently press the water out and lay it flat on a towel to dry so it keeps its shape.

4. Safe summer storage

When spring arrives, how you store your knits is crucial to protecting your investment from clothes moths.

• How to care for it: Always wash your sweaters before storing them away, as moths are attracted to food and sweat residues. Store them folded in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags with cedar wood blocks or lavender sachets to keep pests away.

Ready to upgrade your cozy season wardrobe? Below, we have linked our curated Knitwear Edit filled with premium wool and cashmere pieces.