Real stories · The jumper that survives the wash

Every favourite jumper of mine has died in the washing machine — this one keeps coming back

A jumper that comes out of the wash like new — I'd honestly stopped believing in those. I'm 67, and my washing machine has murdered better jumpers than most shops sell: shrunk them, bagged them, felted them into pet blankets. The rule of my wardrobe has always been simple — the more I love a jumper, the shorter its life.

What I wanted was a favourite that could survive being a favourite.

Then I found the Veliriannea from a British label called York Boutique — an oversized poncho-style jumper in soft cream with wide easy sleeves, a graceful drape and proper pockets. I chose the cream; there's brown, grey and black as well.

The wearing is lovely — but the washing is the miracle. It's a soft, breathable blend made to keep its softness and its shape wash after wash — which is why, twelve washes in, it still falls exactly as it did on day one: draped, flattering, no bagging at the elbows, no creeping shortness. Oversized without ever looking like a mistake, and the pockets take my glasses and a tissue.

Wash after wash it comes out soft and falls exactly as it did on day one — which is why, for the first time in years, my favourite jumper and my washing machine are on speaking terms.

It was £39.95, half the usual £80, and I did the grim arithmetic over the jumpers the machine has claimed at £30 or £40 apiece. One survivor for the price of one victim. A fortnight to send it back and free delivery closed the case.

It has since done three weeks of near-daily wear, four washes and one line-dry in a stiff breeze, and come back perfect every time. Sandra, who once shrank a lambswool cardigan into doll's clothing, examined it after wash four and said, with feeling, 'that's not natural'.

If your favourites also keep dying young, do have a look. The Veliriannea is rated 4.6 out of 5 by more than 220 women, it comes in four colours, in UK sizes 6/8 to 18/20 — and at half price the cream goes first.