Why do my wool pants go shiny on the knees?

thecentennial · Oct 19, 2010

I've bought 2 suits recently, both fairly decent, standard work suits (1 boss and 1 burberry) - they are only 4-5 months old, both 100% wool. I've noticed the knees are starting to get a sheen to them under certain light conditions. Is this normal? Does wool behave this way? Is it because I cross my legs when sitting?

Strange.

bellyhungry · Oct 19, 2010

On your knees a lot?

ter1413 · Oct 19, 2010

Taks pants off before servicing!

thecentennial · Oct 19, 2010

Only on a weekend, and I always drop 'em before commencing activities.

Nicola · Oct 19, 2010

Originally Posted by bigt

I've bought 2 suits recently, both fairly decent, standard work suits (1 boss and 1 burberry) - they are only 4-5 months old, both 100% wool. I've noticed the knees are starting to get a sheen to them under certain light conditions..

This thread isn't going to end well. Are they black?

ter1413 · Oct 19, 2010

Seriously...how do you press your pants???

thecentennial · Oct 19, 2010

I know - I left myself wide open for this...(another spin-off?)

One pair navy blue, one pair charcoal.

ter1413 · Oct 19, 2010

Originally Posted by bigt

I know - I left myself wide open for this...(another spin-off?)

One pair navy blue, one pair charcoal.

Do you iron directly on the material?

bleachboy · Oct 19, 2010

Don't iron your wool pants; steam them. And for God's sake, hang them up after you wear them, don't leave them crumpled up in the corner.

ter1413 · Oct 19, 2010

If you do iron them, place a handkerchief on the area that you are ironing! Never directly on them!

Sanguis Mortuum · Oct 19, 2010

Wool does tend to develop a shine, usually the elbows of jackets are the first place to do so. It is a possibility that crossing your legs a lot could shine the knees faster than usual.

You can try removing the shine by pressing through a damp press cloth.

Northampton Novice · Oct 19, 2010

Given that both the suits you mention are of a decent quality they really shouldn't be 'ageing' in this way. Are they perhaps are very fine wool 180s or above?

In any case it's evident that you need to take measures to mitigate any further shine. The shine is caused by the tiny woollen fibres becoming compacted or crushed. Regular brushing of the fabric will help prevent this particularly if coupled with steaming every so often. It's important to let the wool as a natural fabric to rest inbetween wears, so I'd recommend rotating the suits and not wearing on consecutive days. It is also helpful when dealing with wool pants to hang them up by the cuff - this prevents the ballooning that often affects the knee area as a stress point for the wool. Hanging them up upside down, as it were, help the fibres to return and retain their shape better!

Hope that helps

thecentennial · Oct 19, 2010

No dont iron, and the dry cleaners probably use a steam press. Sheen is isolated to the knees, where I cross my legs - no doubt this the reason, though I wouldnt have expected this after only a few months. The wool is super 100's.

I'll try brushing and light steaming - see what happens. Thanks guys.

KingOfTheForum · Oct 19, 2010

....Because you spend too much time on them....I won't suggest a reason why *cough, cough* "queer" *cough*

alliswell · Oct 19, 2010

Originally Posted by KingOfTheForum

....Because you spend too much time on them....I won't suggest a reason why *cough, cough* "queer" *cough*

Meathead.

Why do my wool pants go shiny on the knees?

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