Acrylic is the synthetic that imitates wool, and it pills more than any other common fibre because the short staple fibres work loose easily.
How to wash acrylic
| Garment | Wash | Dry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | cool, 30°C (86°F) | flat; never tumble | mild |
Use a gentle cycle and mild. It holds heat but not moisture, so it feels warm and then clammy — the reason acrylic jumpers are uncomfortable in real cold.
Drying and ironing
Dry flat; never tumble. For ironing: do not — it melts at low heat.
Heat is its weakness. It distorts permanently in a tumble dryer at temperatures cotton shrugs off.
How long it should last
One to three years before pilling makes it look tired.
Quick reference
Acrylic at a glance
- Wash: cool, 30°C (86°F)
- Cycle: gentle
- Detergent: mild
- Dry: flat; never tumble
- Iron: do not — it melts at low heat