Hvid

Hvid: merino wool baby textiles from Belgium

Hvid is a Belgian brand with a Danish name: hvid means white. The collection includes wool booties, hats, clothing, blankets and comforters. Designer Caroline Camerlynck works with knitwear made in Belgium and finished by hand. The main differences between products are the knit structure, thickness and how you use them.

The merino wool

Many Hvid items are made from extra-fine Italian merino wool. The fine fibre makes the knit supple and soft. Wool traps air and can absorb and release moisture. These are properties of the material; how warm a garment or blanket feels also depends on its thickness and the other layers used with it.

The product information specifies mulesing-free and Oeko-Tex-certified wool. Check the exact type of wool as well. The larger Gaston blanket, for example, uses merino lambswool rather than the extra-fine merino wool found in many other items.

Differences in the knit

An openwork pattern creates a different texture from a thick rib knit. Even when two blankets have the same dimensions, they can feel different. Bibi has an openwork pattern, while Ivy has a thicker ribbed texture. Stretch and finishing also matter in clothing: the Harvey slipover, for example, has an elastic neckline that stretches during dressing.

The Hvid collection

• Booties and hats. Hvid baby booties have a knitted heel and ties. Dolly is a bonnet with ties; Fonzie is a different hat style.
• Comforters. Teddy Tokki is a wool comforter with a cuddly head.
• Cocoon. The Hvid Cocoon is a knitted wrap for moments together, such as feeding or holding your baby. It is not a conventional sleeping bag.
• Clothing. The Harvey slipover, Georgette jumper and Inga cardigan differ in shape and coverage. Harvey is sleeveless and can be worn over other clothing.
• Blankets. Bibi, Dora, Gust, Ida, Ivy and Harry each have their own knit and dimensions. At 100 × 140 cm, Gaston is larger than most baby blankets in the collection.

Size and use

For booties and clothing, compare the measurements with the length and fit you need. For a blanket, consider both its dimensions and knit structure. A model name alone says little about thickness. The Cocoon needs separate consideration: Hvid describes it for supervised use, not as an overnight sleeping bag.

Washing and drying

Wool items do not need washing after every use. Airing can be enough for ordinary everyday odours. When washing is necessary, use wool detergent and follow the individual item’s label. Hvid stresses that a delicate cycle is not the same as a wool cycle. Avoid vigorous wringing and dry knitwear flat to help it retain its shape.

Frequently asked questions about Hvid