Jersey is the easiest hijab fabric to live with. It does not need pins, it does not crease in your bag, and it survives a full day without being retied. The one thing that shortens its life is the washing machine on the wrong setting. Here is how we care for our own Liquid Jersey hijabs.
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
Hot water is what breaks down the stretch in jersey and leaves it limp. Wash in cold water on the gentle or delicates cycle, and wash with similar colours. A mesh laundry bag stops the scarf wrapping itself around heavier items and stretching at the ends.
Skip the softener and the bleach
Fabric softener coats the knit and makes it slippery, which is exactly what you do not want on your head. Bleach weakens the fibres and fades deep shades like Cocoa and Black. A small amount of mild detergent is all it needs.
Hang to dry, never tumble
The dryer is the fastest way to shrink and twist a jersey scarf. Squeeze out the water gently, do not wring, and hang it over a rail or a hanger in the shade. It dries in a few hours and comes out smooth enough to wear without ironing.
If you have to iron
Most of the time you will not need to. If a fold has set, use the lowest heat with the steam off, or hover a steamer over the fabric. Direct high heat leaves a shine on jersey that does not come out.
How often should you wash it?
A hijab worn against the hairline picks up oil and product, so a wash after two or three wears keeps it fresh. Between washes, airing it on a hanger overnight is enough.
Storage
Fold it loosely or hang it. Tight rolls and rubber bands leave creases at the ends that take a wash to lift.
Looking for a jersey that holds up to this routine? Our Liquid Jersey comes in ten colours, 170 by 70 centimetres, and is designed in Montreal.