Drying flat on a towel

Short answer: Flat drying is the gentlest method for knits, because no part of the garment carries its own weight. A towel underneath draws water out from below at the same time, so drying goes quicker than many expect.

The weight spreads across the whole surface

When the garment lies flat, no point is pulled harder than another. Shoulders, knees and waistband keep their original shape because nothing hangs and stretches. This keeps women's bamboo joggers exactly in shape, both in length and fit, even after many washes.

The towel does some of the work

A dry towel under the garment draws water from the underside on contact. It is the same effect as pressing a towel against wet hair. Swap the towel after about an hour, once it is saturated, so it keeps absorbing. The same applies when you dry women's bamboo tops.

Roll it first

Before laying it flat, roll the garment up in a dry towel and press lightly. That squeezes out a good deal of water without wringing. Never wring knits, as it stretches the fibres and can twist the shape. Unroll it and place it on a fresh, dry towel.

Lay it in shape

While the garment is damp, you can shape it with your hands. Straighten the sleeves, sides and hem, and line up the seams where they belong. The shape you give it now is the shape it dries in. Take a moment over it and you will not need to fix crooked edges later.

Turn it once along the way

After three to four hours, turn the garment so the underside gets air too. Otherwise the top dries quickly while the underside stays damp against the towel. Change the towel at the same time. This also goes for bamboo socks for men and women, which dry faster when turned onto a dry surface.

Location matters

Put the garment somewhere with air movement, ideally a room with a window open or a door ajar. A mesh drying rack is best because air reaches it from below. Without one, a bed or table with a towel works. Avoid direct sun, which can fade colours over time.

What not to do

Do not lay the garment on a radiator or near a heat source. Heat stiffens the fibres and can leave marks from the ribs. Do not stack wet items on top of each other either, even with towels between, as they dry slowly and may start to smell. One item per surface is the rule.

When it is worth it

Flat drying takes a bit more space and time than hanging. In return, knits and soft fabrics hold their shape longer. It is most worthwhile for heavy items like sweats and knits, while light items such as T-shirts can hang. Use it for the things you want to look after.

Frequently asked questions

How long does flat drying take

About a day in a room with air movement and up to two days in a closed room. Thick items take longest, especially at waistbands and seams.

Can you flat dry on a radiator

No, the heat stiffens the fibres and leaves marks from the ribs. Place the garment a little away from the radiator so it benefits from the warm air instead.

Does all knitwear need flat drying

It is always the gentlest option but not always necessary. Light items can hang, while heavy ones keep their shape better lying flat.