Quick answer

Gentle hand washing or a delicate machine cycle, followed by flat drying, keeps knitted pants soft and prevents shrinking or pilling.

Why knitted fabrics need special care

Knit pants are made from interlocking loops of yarn, which makes them stretchy and cozy but also prone to distortion, pilling, and shrinkage if handled roughly. Wool blends, like those in the LAPIS PANTS, are more sensitive to heat and agitation, while organic cotton knits, such as the MANIS PANTS, are durable but can lose their shape if not dried flat.

Step-by-step care routine

  1. Check the care label: Always read the sewn-in label first. For wool blends like LAPIS PANTS, you'll typically see a hand wash or delicate cycle symbol. For organic cotton like MANIS PANTS, machine wash on gentle is usually fine. Ignore the label only if you're prepared for possible shrinkage or texture change.
  2. Wash in cool water with a mild detergent: Fill a basin or sink with cool (not cold) water and add a small amount of wool-friendly or baby-safe detergent. Submerge the pants and gently swish them for 2-3 minutes. Avoid scrubbing or twisting. Hot water or regular detergent can strip natural oils from wool and cause organic cotton to shrink.
  3. Rinse and press out excess water: Drain the soapy water and refill with cool water. Rinse until no suds remain. Lift the pants out and gently press them between two clean towels to remove water—never wring or twist. Wringing breaks the knit loops and can stretch the elastic waist out of shape.
  4. Dry flat on a mesh rack or towel: Lay the pants flat on a drying rack or a dry towel, smoothing out wrinkles and reshaping the legs and waistband. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Hanging knitted pants can cause them to stretch unevenly; always dry flat.
  5. Store folded, not hung: Once completely dry, fold the pants and store them in a drawer or on a shelf. Hanging can stretch the shoulder or waist area over time. For long-term storage, add a cedar block or lavender sachet to deter moths without chemicals.

Product facts

  • LAPIS PANTS WOOL - dino vert: Jacquard knitted pants in a relaxed fit with a flexible elastic waist, made in a soft cotton and wool blend. Wool blends need cool water and minimal agitation to avoid felting; the elastic waist should be handled gently to maintain its stretch.

    LAPIS PANTS WOOL - dino vert

    LAPIS PANTS WOOL - dino vert

  • MANIS PANTS - antique stripe: Soft knit pants made from GOTS-certified organic cotton with an elastic waistband and cuffed ankles. Organic cotton is breathable and gentle, but it can shrink in hot water; cuffs help the legs stay put but should be reshaped after washing.

    MANIS PANTS - antique stripe

    MANIS PANTS - antique stripe