No one does sumptuous, cosy knitwear quite like Workshop Denim or sophisticated sister brand Helen Cherry. Workshop Denim Designer Rory Docherty tells us what to look out for when buying knits and how to make them last the distance.

What are the key things to look out for when buying knitwear?
I always look for the wool content and what, if any, other fibres are blended with it. We use a lot of superfine merino as well as cashmere and mohair blends in our collection as they add a touch of luxury.

How should knitwear be stored?
Always folded, do not hang knitwear as it will stretch out of shape.

Should knits be washed or dry-cleaned?
Most knitwear can be washed or dry-cleaned, but always read the care label. Hand-wash knits delicately, gently squeezing the water through the garment. If you rub it together it will matt like dread-locking your hair. I use Woolmix – my mum used to wash my jumpers with it, and besides cleaning and keeping the shape perfectly, the smell of eucalyptus always reminds me of winter at home. Several styles in the Workshop Denim collection can be machine washed using a delicate cycle, but again, always read the label.

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Should different wools be cared for differently?
Yes, whether it is a fine or chunky knit and what the wool may be blended with depends on the level care that needs to be taken with the garment.

Is there any reason to avoid acrylic fibres in knits?
Modern acrylic sometimes has its place, but can be hard to care for. When wool pills the little bobbles are easily removed leaving your knitwear looking and feeling new. Wool, as a natural fibre, is also more breathable than acrylic fibres.

Are there any particular wools that Workshop Denim uses every season?
Every season the collection features a range of knitwear in pure wool, superfine merino and boiled merino jersey. For winter ’14, the collection also features wool cashmere and wool mohair blends for both men and women.