The actual finishing procedure carried out is dependent upon the type of wool knitwear, and the requirements of the retailer or buyer, which in turn is dependent upon the requirements or expectations of the consumer.

Generally, knitwear produced from wool can be classified into two main types: These include “Woollen spun knitwear” and “Worsted spun knitwear”.

Woollen spun knitwear includes Lambswool and Shetland type wool products knitted from yarns spun on the woollen system. These types of knitwear in the final state after finishing are characterised by having a slightly raised and fuzzy surface appearance due to the garments having received a “milled” finishing during the finishing operation.

In the case of worsted spun knitwear, popularly referred to in some cases as Merino, which is wool knitwear produced from yarns spun on the worsted system. This type of knitwear is characterised by having a very smooth surface appearance and texture, with very clear definition of the knitted stitches. Therefore it’s essential during the finishing operation to avoid any disruption of the knitted fabric surface. Therefore if wet finishing or “washing” is carried out it tends to be very gentle, thus avoiding any milling action.