The Ultimate Care Guide For Coat And Jacket

They often say cleanliness is next to godliness, but moderation is key in all things. While dry cleaning is more beneficial for preserving your garments than machine washing, overusing it can wear down the fabric. Since jackets and coats don't directly touch your skin, it's advisable to clean them once per season. However, if one of your coats gets stained or needs a quick refresh, it's better to act sooner rather than later.

"Soiled items should be cleaned promptly," emphasizes Karen Tierney, excellence center manager at Jeeves of Belgravia. "Stains left for too long can cause permanent damage to the fabric and dyes through oxidation."

For leather and suede garments, a specialized cleaning process is required. Always consult your dry cleaner about this and never attempt to remove stains using DIY methods found on social media or home remedies. To manage odors between dry cleaning sessions, turn your outerwear inside out and air it outdoors after extended wear.

While wool, shearling, and leather outerwear should be left to the professionals, other styles can benefit from a thorough cleaning. "For your waxed jacket, first remove any loose dirt or mud with a soft brush, then wash it by hand in cold water and air dry it to preserve its waterproof coating," Tierney advises. "Avoid machine washing or using hot water, as this can damage the wax coating."

A waxed jacket should never be tumble dried or dry cleaned, as the heat and solvents can compromise its weatherproof properties. "If your coat is in poor condition, take it to a wax garment specialist for proper care," Tierney suggests.

Many down jackets are machine washable and can even be tumble dried, but always check the care label first. "Dry down outerwear naturally or use a low heat setting if the label allows," Tierney notes. "Adding two tennis balls to the drum will help agitate the down and prevent clumping."

Just like a well-maintained car, your outerwear needs tender loving care to stay in top condition. Wool coats may develop pills over time, which can be removed using a de-pilling machine—a small, handheld device resembling a shaver. This device can also be used on fuzzy sweaters.

While you could cover buttons before cleaning to protect them, a reputable dry cleaner will address such issues if they arise. Jeeves of Belgravia inspects for loose threads, seams, holes, and damaged or missing buttons when garments come in and repairs them as part of its standard cleaning service. "If you notice a seam stretching or splitting, mention it to your cleaner, who can have a tailor strengthen it and check for other potential weak points," Tierney explains.

For waterproofs and waxed jackets, if you notice that rainwater no longer beads up and runs off, it may be time for recoating. This should be done by a specialist. Other waterproof garments can be treated with a spray easily found online, at a haberdashery, or dry cleaner.