How to care for your winter jackets and coats
Released: 07-09-2026
Photo: PWT Group
A great jacket is one you’ll want to wear on repeat. And with the right care, you can keep it looking good and performing as it should for longer.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to jacket care. Down, wool, synthetic insulation and technical fabrics all have different properties – and need to be treated differently when it comes to washing, drying and everyday care.
In this guide, we cover the essentials for taking care of your jackets and coats, from keeping down insulation in shape to maintaining technical fabrics and refreshing a waxed finish.
Always check the care label before washing or treating your jacket. Not all jackets are washable, and some may require professional cleaning instead. The advice in this guide covers general care for different materials and types of outerwear, but construction, fabric blends and finishes can vary from one style to another. The care instructions for your specific jacket should therefore always come first.
Before you wash your jacket
Not every mark or sign of wear calls for a full wash. Often, airing out your jacket or removing a small stain with a damp cloth is enough to freshen it up. Washing less frequently can also help preserve the fabric, colour and any functional finishes for longer.
When it is time for a wash, empty the pockets, close zips and buttons, and remove any detachable parts if recommended on the care label. Use a detergent suited to the material and avoid adding products such as fabric softener unless the care instructions specifically allow it.
Drying matters just as much as washing. Some jackets are best left to air dry, while others require a specific drying method to maintain their shape, insulation or performance.
How to care for a down jacket
Down is lightweight, warm and highly insulating, but it needs the right care to stay that way. A down jacket doesn’t need frequent washing, so if you’re only dealing with a small stain, try cleaning the area gently with a damp cloth first.
When your jacket does need a wash, use a detergent suitable for down and skip the fabric softener, as it can affect the performance of the filling. Empty the pockets and close all zips and buttons before washing. Give the jacket plenty of room in the machine and choose a gentle cycle at a low temperature, as long as this matches the care instructions.
Getting the down back in shape
Don’t worry if your jacket comes out of the machine looking flat or uneven. Wet down naturally clumps together, and the drying process is what helps bring back its volume and shape.
If tumble drying is allowed, dry the jacket at a low temperature with a couple of dryer balls. Take it out occasionally, give it a good shake and gently break up any remaining clumps with your fingers. Keep going until both the outer fabric and the down are completely dry.
Once dry, give the jacket a final shake to distribute the down evenly and bring back its volume.
Between washes
If your down jacket gets wet, let it dry completely before putting it away. For longer-term storage, give it room rather than keeping it compressed in a bag or tightly packed with other clothes. This helps the down maintain its loft and insulating properties.
How to care for a parka
A parka is made for colder days, but not every parka is built the same. Depending on the style, it can have synthetic insulation, a water-repellent outer fabric or other functional details. That means the right way to care for a parka depends on the materials and construction.
Small stains and splashes can often be removed with a damp cloth, saving the jacket from an unnecessary wash. Pay extra attention to the collar, cuffs and areas around the pockets, where dirt and oils tend to build up.
If your parka can be machine washed, close all zips and buttons and remove any detachable parts as stated on the care label. Use a detergent suited to the materials and avoid fabric softener if the jacket has a water-repellent finish or other functional properties.
Keep the outer fabric performing
Some parkas have a water-repellent treatment that helps water bead up and roll off the surface. Over time, this finish can wear down. If the outer fabric starts absorbing water rather than repelling it, the treatment may need to be reactivated or renewed, depending on the jacket.
After wearing your parka in rain or snow, let it dry completely before putting it away. Give it enough space in your wardrobe rather than leaving it damp or tightly compressed.
How to care for a wool coat
A wool coat doesn’t need frequent washing to stay fresh. Wool naturally resists odours and dirt, so regular airing and a little everyday care can go a long way.
Use a clothes brush to remove dust, hair and surface dirt, brushing gently in the direction of the fabric. For small stains, try spot cleaning rather than treating the entire coat, and dab rather than rub to avoid unnecessary friction.
If your coat gets wet, let it dry naturally at room temperature and away from direct heat. Hang it on a wide, sturdy hanger to support the shoulders and help it keep its shape.
Dealing with pilling
Small pills can appear over time, particularly in areas exposed to friction, such as under the arms, along the sides or where a bag rubs against the fabric. This is a natural result of loose fibres working their way to the surface and isn’t necessarily a sign of poor quality.
Use a fabric comb or fabric shaver suitable for wool to gently remove the pills and keep the surface looking neat.
Can you wash a wool coat?
Not necessarily. Even if the outer fabric contains wool that can be washed, a coat can also include lining, interlining and other components that require different care.
If the care label specifies professional dry cleaning, don’t wash the coat at home. If washing is allowed, follow the instructions for temperature, cycle and drying carefully, as too much heat or agitation can cause wool to shrink or lose its shape.
How to care for a puffer jacket
Not every puffer jacket is filled with down. Many styles use synthetic insulation, such as polyester, which requires slightly different care. Check the filling as well as the outer fabric before deciding how to clean your jacket.
If machine washing is allowed, empty the pockets, close all zips and buttons and use the cycle and temperature stated on the care label. Avoid fabric softener, particularly if the jacket has a water-repellent finish or other functional properties.
For small stains, a damp cloth may be all you need. If the jacket gets wet from rain or snow, let it dry completely before putting it back in your wardrobe.
Drying a puffer jacket
Synthetic insulation doesn’t typically clump in the same way as down, but it still needs to dry thoroughly and stay evenly distributed.
Depending on the jacket, it may be suitable for air drying or tumble drying at a low temperature. If air drying, give the jacket a shake every now and then and gently redistribute the filling if it has gathered in certain areas.
Make sure the jacket is completely dry before wearing or storing it.
How to store your jackets and coats
When the season changes, make sure your jackets and coats are clean and completely dry before storing them. Dirt and stains can become harder to remove over time, while trapped moisture can lead to unwanted odours.
Hang coats and jackets on sturdy hangers that support the shoulders, and give them enough room in your wardrobe. Avoid packing them too tightly or storing them in plastic bags for long periods.
Down jackets and puffers with synthetic insulation should be stored with enough space to maintain their volume rather than being tightly compressed.
A little care before putting your outerwear away makes it easier to bring your favourite styles back into rotation when the temperature drops again.