How to Keep Your Flannel Feeling Like New
Flannel is a favourite cold weather fabric of ours. It's soft, breathable, and keeps you warm and cozy. Proper flannel care is key to maintaining that softness and extending the life of your favourite pieces. Whether it’s a nightie or shirt, a little thoughtful care can make all the difference in how your flannel looks and feels over time.
The good news? Flannel care doesn’t require anything complicated. Just a few simple habits that protect the fabric and preserve that brushed softness you love.
1. Wash Cold and Go Gentle
Flannel fibres respond best to cooler temperatures. Washing in cold water helps prevent shrinkage, fading, and unnecessary wear. Always choose a gentle or delicate cycle to reduce friction, which can cause pilling over time.
Care tip: Use a mild detergent and avoid overloading the machine, your flannel needs room to move.
2. Turn It Inside Out Before Washing
Before washing, turn your flannel pieces inside out. This simple step helps protect the outer surface of the fabric, keeping it soft while minimizing pilling. It’s especially helpful for brushed flannel, where the cozy texture lives on the outside.
3. Skip the Heat When Drying
High heat is flannel’s biggest enemy. Hot dryers can break down fibres, cause shrinkage, and dull that plush feel over time. Instead, tumble dry on low heat or ideally lay flat to dry. It takes a little longer, but your flannel will thank you.
4. Wash Less to Keep Flannel Soft Longer
Flannel doesn’t need to be washed after every wear. Over-washing can shorten the life of the fabric. If it’s still fresh, let it air out between wears. This not only helps preserve softness but also supports a more mindful, long-lasting wardrobe.
5. Store Flannel Properly Between Wears
When flannel is clean and fully dry, store it folded rather than hanging to avoid stretching. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain colour and texture.
Cozy, Season After Season: Long-Lasting Flannel Care
With the right care, flannel only gets softer, more comfortable, and perfectly lived-in with wear. These small steps help ensure your favourites stay in rotation year after year, feeling just as cozy as the day you first put them on.
Take care of your flannels and they'll last you forever.
