Learning how to wash and care for your Gigi and Bloom superfine Merino wool jumper is something I get asked about all the time. It's Gigi here and before Gigi & Bloom even came into being, my Uncle Leo, a dashing Maltese lead the way with his own elegant wool dog jumpers before I was born.
Uncle Leo left a legacy of care and love for his woollen sweaters and I have the same affinity for anything made of wool, cotton or even linen.
Leo taught me that wool is more than warm, it’s has so many beautiful properties. It moves with you, breathes with you, and lasts when you care for it properly. Here are my top tips on how to wash and care for your dog’s wool jumper.
Wool is Magic (and Better Than Polyester Dog Jumpers)
Unlike polyester or acrylic dog jumpers, wool doesn’t trap heat or smells. It’s breathable, biodegradable, and as a poodle or Oodle variety it's gentle on our curls. Leo once wore a synthetic dog jumper on a muddy walk and came home smelling like a wet sponge. He never made that mistake again. Wool, on the other paw, keeps me comfy all day. I can roll in on the carpet, nap in sunshine outdoors, and still smell fresh and dreamy.
Let Your Wool Dog Jumper Breathe
Don’t overwash your dog’s wool jumper. Wool naturally resists odours, so after a big day out, just lay the jumper flat near an open window to air out. By morning, it’ll be ready for another stroll, café date, or garden zoom.
How to Wash a Dog Wool Jumper Gently
If your wool jumper gets really mucky (I once found a fishy surprise near the dock in Hobart), handwash it in cold water with a wool wash or gentle shampoo. Swish softly, rinse well, and wrap in a towel to soak up excess water. No twisting, wool doesn’t like drama.
Always Dry Wool Jumpers Flat
Lay your dog’s wool jumper flat on a clean towel and reshape it while it dries. Never hang it or place it near a heater. We don’t want the jumper turning into a stretched out dress or a scarf for the cat.
Fold and Store Wool Jumpers Carefully Between wears, fold your dog’s wool jumper neatly and store it somewhere cosy. Add a lavender sachet or cedar balls to keep moths away and it’ll smell lovely too.
Mending is a Love Language
Little snags happen. Mine once caught on a rose bush while mum was smelling some petals. She ended up mending it with the same natural coloured thread, and now it’s my favourite jumper. Repair is part of its story and keeps it ready for more adventures.
Wool Dog Jumpers are for Life
At Gigi & Bloom, there's no doggy fast fashion here. Our wool dog jumpers aren’t just pretty, they’re practical beauty made to run, leap, nap, and be loved in. With proper care, they’ll last for years. And if they get passed down to another little love, even better.
With a wag and a nose bump,
Gigi
Chief Cuddle Officer 🐾
