How to Take Care of Coats (So They Last for More Winters)

There’s something iconic about strolling into town in beautiful winter coats (instant Gossip Girl or Sex & The City vibes). So, it makes sense to keep them looking their best.  

But sometimes, they lose their shape, or something goes wrong when washing them.

Luckily, my mother has always cherished and preserved her clothes for decades and taught me to do the same.

So, here are some tips on how to take care of coats and jackets.

Why is it important to care for coats and winter jackets?

It’s important to care for coats and winter jackets because:

• They’re usually exposed to harsher weather, dirt, and moisture
• They’re made from multi-layered or delicate materials (like wool, down, and waterproof coating) that can easily be damaged when washing or drying them

So, by taking care of your coats, you help them last longer, reducing waste and saving money.

How many years should a winter coat last? 

While fast fashion ones are designed to fall apart after a few wearings, a good-quality winter coat lasts 3-5 years (although it depends on lots of factors, from materials to how often you wear it).

If you take care of your coat properly, it can last you +10 years.

Common mistakes when (not) taking care of coats

• Putting your coat in the wardrobe right after using it, especially when still damp. This can cause mildew and mould and attract merciless moths
• Never cleaning it, doing it without checking the label, or washing and dry-cleaning it too often, which contributes to fabric wear
• Tumble-drying it or drying it on a radiator, which can damage its fibres and coating
• Storing it with flimsy hangers or in crammed, unventilated wardrobes

How to take care of coats and jackets (overall jacket and winter coat care tips)

Right after wearing your coat

• Let your coats and jackets air – Do this before putting them back in your wardrobe or onto crowded hooks, especially if they’re still damp. Ideally, turn them inside out and air them outdoors
• Watch your hooks – Wearing the same coat every day? It might be more practical to keep it out of the wardrobe. However, make sure your hooks are away from direct sunlight, radiators, and other heat sources. Otherwise, your coats might fade or shrink

Storing your winter coats 

• Keep your wardrobe uncluttered – Store your coats in a dry wardrobe away from heat sources and where air can circulate (it might be time to declutter it?)
• Use good hangers – Don’t skimp on this. Coats are heavier than most garments! So, they need broad, supportive hangers to maintain their shape 

Cleaning and washing your coats and jackets

• Avoid unnecessary washing or dry-cleaning – Don’t chuck your winter coat in the laundry basket “just because”. Letting it air after each use will keep it mildew-free and smelling nice. A little bit of dirt? Simply spot-clean that section
• Check the label, and wash it carefully – When your coat actually needs cleaning, read the label, as it might not be suitable for the washing machine. If it is, follow those instructions. Also, make sure you empty its pockets (I always find something in there!), close all buttons and zips, and remove belts and detachable parts
• Deal with spills and stains promptly – Beware of TikTok remedies. The safest thing you can do? Blotting the stain with two paper towels (one on either side of the fabric) and taking it to the dry-cleaner ASAP 

Putting your coats away after winter

I started having a yearly coat-care day and 100% recommend it (no, it won’t take an entire day. And yes, it will be worth it. So, put some music on, and remember: “next winter you” will thank you)

• Check your coats and jackets – Are they completely dry? Any damaged buttons, loose threads, or holes? 
• Reproof or wax them – Follow my specific coat care tips in the next section
• Store them properly – If you’re removing them from your main wardrobe to make room for spring and summer clothes:
  - Avoid vacuum-sealing wool or leather coats and down-filled jackets
  - Don’t store them in cardboard boxes (they can discolour some fabrics)
  - Use sturdy hangers and, if possible, breathable covers, especially for woollen coats
  - Use anti-moth sachets or natural repellents, like cedar wood hangers or lavender bags

Specific tips on how to care for coats and winter jackets

How to take care of wool coats

Take care of your woollen coats by airing them after each wear and using a clothes brush in the direction of the fabric to remove dirt or hair. If it bobbles, use a de-pilling machine.

Can you wash a wool coat?

You can’t always wash a wool coat, as it might ruin it. 

So, check its label to find out if you can wash that specific wool coat at home (if so, follow those instructions) or if you should dry-clean it instead.

How to care for a leather coat

Care for your leather coat by spot-cleaning it whenever needed, restoring its natural oils by applying leather conditioners or balms at least once a year, and storing it on padded hangers.

How to care for a down jacket or puffer jacket

Care for your down jacket by checking its label. If it can be machine-washed and tumble-dried: use a detergent suitable for down, avoid conditioners, shape it back (it’s normal for wet down to clump together!), and tumble-dry it at a low or no-heat setting with clean balls. Ensure it has enough wardrobe space to keep its volume.

How to care for a wax jacket 

Care for a wax jacket by spot-cleaning it, cleaning the inner cotton lining separately (dampen a cloth or sponge in white vinegar, apply it, and let it sit for max 10 min), letting it dry naturally, and rewaxing it every year. 

How to take care of a waterproof jacket 

Take care of your waterproof jacket by spot-cleaning it, following the label’s instructions if it can be washed, air-drying it, and reproofing it a couple of times a year (or whenever you notice that the rain’s seeping through the fabric).

Find the right ethical winter coat or jacket for you on Project Cece 

Knowing how to take care of coats helps them last for many more winters, but:

• It can’t work magic on low-quality fast fashion coats designed to fall apart
• If you buy them mindlessly or chase temporary trends, you’ll fall out of love with them

So, consider investing in fewer but higher-quality winter coats that were made ethically, to last, and matching your timeless style.

Shop winter clothes (mindfully)