Sherpa Cardigan and Gilet Care: Wash and Dry Tips
By Nouvelle collection - Hiver 26 – Bonton Paris | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to wash and dry sherpa cardigans and gilets for kids. Keep the fleece soft, avoid pilling, and maintain the iconic Bonton print.
Quick Answer
To keep a sherpa cardigan or gilet soft and fluffy, wash it gently in cold water and air-dry it flat. Avoid heat and wringing to prevent matting and shrinkage.
Why Sherpa Needs Special Care
Sherpa fleece is prized for its plush, cozy texture, but it can mat, pill, or lose its loft if treated like regular cotton. The synthetic fibers are sensitive to high heat and aggressive agitation, which can crush the loops and ruin the soft feel.
Kids' sherpa pieces, like the Beti Milk Sherpa gilet, often feature a printed lining that needs protection too. Turning the garment inside out during washing helps preserve both the outer fleece and the iconic Bonton print.
What to Avoid
Never use hot water or a hot dryer on sherpa. High temperatures can cause the fibers to shrink, melt, or become stiff. Also avoid fabric softeners; they coat the fibers and reduce the fleece's natural softness over time.
Skip the wringing or twisting motion when removing water. Instead, press the garment gently between towels to absorb moisture without stressing the fibers.
Step-by-Step Sherpa Care
- Pre-treat stains: Spot-clean any stains with a mild detergent and a soft cloth before washing. Gently dab, don't rub, to avoid working the stain deeper into the fleece. Check the care label first; some sherpa may be dry-clean only.
- Turn inside out and zip up: Turn the cardigan or gilet inside out to protect the outer fleece and any printed lining. Fasten buttons or zippers to prevent snagging. Use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection if your machine allows it.
- Wash in cold water on gentle cycle: Use cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. Never use hot water—it can shrink or mat the sherpa fibers.
- Remove and press out excess water: Take the garment out promptly and press it between clean, dry towels to absorb water. Do not wring or twist. Reshape the garment while it's still damp to maintain its original silhouette.
- Air-dry flat: Lay the sherpa piece flat on a dry towel or drying rack, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Flip it occasionally to ensure even drying. Never use a tumble dryer—even low heat can damage sherpa.
- Fluff and store properly: Once completely dry, gently shake the garment to restore loft. Store it folded in a breathable bag, not on a hanger, to prevent stretching. Avoid storing in damp areas to prevent mildew.
Products That Need This Care
- Cardigan - Lilet Bouquet Coco: The Cardigan Lilet Bouquet Coco features fine knit and ribbed edges, designed for all-day comfort. Gentle washing and flat drying help maintain the fine knit's shape and prevent the ribbed edges from stretching.
Cardigan - Lilet Bouquet Coco - Gilet - Beti Milk Sherpa: The Gilet Beti Milk Sherpa is a sleeveless gilet lined with the iconic Bonton print, part of the Fish & Chips theme. Turning it inside out before washing protects both the ultra-soft sherpa outer and the printed lining.
Gilet - Beti Milk Sherpa
