Ultimate Guide to Caring For Winter Coats

Providing warmth and style throughout the colder months, winter coats are essential for every wardrobe. To make sure your coat lasts for many winters to come, it’s important to know how to care for it properly. Whether you’re dealing with wool, wax, tweed, or a high-tech synthetic, every coat has its own specific needs. In this guide, we’ll talk you through the best ways to clean, maintain, and store your coat to keep it looking as good as new year after year.

Preserving Your Winter Coat: Why Care is Essential

Taking proper care of your winter coat is more than just keeping it clean. It helps maintain the coat's quality, appearance, and longevity. When you follow the right cleaning and storage practices, you’re not only preserving your investment but also ensuring you’re always prepared for those chilly days. Let’s dive into how to care for several types of materials commonly used in winter coats.

Know Your Fabric: Essential Care Tips for Each Coat Type

Whether you have tweed, wax, wool, waterproof, or fleece jackets, understanding how to wash, dry, and maintain them will help you enjoy their quality for years to come.

Tweed

Tweed is a wool-based fabric that requires gentle handling, as it is typically not machine washable. Here are the steps to care for your tweed coat:

• Hand Washing: Use lukewarm water (no hotter than 30 degrees) with a mild non-biological detergent or a specialised wool shampoo. Gently squeeze the water through the fabric; do not wring it out, as this can damage the fibres.
• Drying: Lay the coat flat on a towel to dry. Never use pegs to hang wet tweed, as the weight of the soaked fabric can stretch and distort its shape.
• Machine Washing Exception: Some brands, like Schöffel, offer machine-washable tweed jackets, but always follow the specific instructions on the care label.
• Avoid Heat: Do not tumble dry tweed, as high heat can damage the fabric.

Hoggs Of Fife Tummel Tweed Field Coat

The Hoggs of Fife Tummel Tweed Field Coat is enhanced with technical fibres for added strength without compromising the insulating and protective qualities of traditional tweed, which reflects the brand’s Scottish heritage. This field coat features all the essentials for shooting, including elegant faux suede detailing on the collar and bindings for a refined touch. It is made of 35% wool and 65% technical fibres, with a branded polyester satin lining. The coat is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, and has a Teflon coating for added protection. Designed with action back tailoring for ease of movement, it includes handwarmer pockets, 2 bellows pockets with drainage vents, a zipped phone pocket, and an additional internal pocket.

Wax

Wax jackets are known for their robust and weatherproof qualities, but they require particular care to maintain their waterproof coating:

• Hand Washing Only: Clean your wax jacket by hand using cold water and a sponge. Avoid soap, detergent, or hot water, as these can strip the wax coating.
• Drying: Let the jacket air-dry in a well-ventilated area. Do not tumble dry, as this can damage the wax.
• Re-Waxing: To maintain the jacket's condition and restore its waterproof properties, it's recommended to reapply wax annually. Barbour Thornproof Wax Dressing is an excellent choice for this task. Whether your jacket needs some extra care and re-waxing after extensive use, or you prefer to be proactive from the beginning, this wax will help preserve the fabric's appearance and maintain its waterproof protection.

Barbour Ladies Classic Beadnell Wax Jacket

A modern update to the iconic women's Beadnell design, the Barbour Ladies Classic Beadnell Wax Jacket features brushed Sylkoil wax and the classic Barbour tartan. This versatile jacket is ideal for everyday wear, with shaped front and back panels that create a relaxed, feminine fit, making it perfect for layering over knitwear during winter. Suitable for year-round use, the Classic Beadnell is fully compatible with Betty zip-in liners and detachable hoods for added warmth and protection. Inspired by Barbour's heritage archive, the jacket features a traditional corduroy collar, a stormfly front closure, moleskin handwarmer pockets, and large patch pockets, combining timeless style with practical details.

Wool

Wool coats provide warmth and style but need special attention to avoid damage:

• Washing: Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent designed for wool or use the washing machine's delicate cycle. Make sure the water is cold, and the spin is gentle.
• Drying: Lay flat to dry, reshaping the shoulders and arms as needed to maintain the coat’s original shape.

Barbour Wool Beaconsfield Jacket

The Barbour Wool Beaconsfield Jacket is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy the British landscape year-round. Made from 100% natural wool, it provides superior warmth and effectively shields against the cold. The jacket features a concealed zip fastening and a press-stud placket, along with spacious bellow pockets equipped with retainer straps for securing valuables. The interior is lined with 100% polyamide, while the collar is crafted from genuine leather for a refined touch. Plus, the jacket is finished with a Barbour brown leather badge on the front pocket flap and a larger leather badge at the back of the neck. It is recommended to wash on a delicate or wool cycle to maintain its quality.

Waterproof Coats

Waterproof coats are typically made from synthetic materials like nylon, and keeping them in good condition involves:

• Preserving the Waterproof Finish: Use cool water and a gentle detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach.
• Drying: Air dry only—do not expose the coat to direct heat, which can damage the waterproof coating.

Seeland Ladies Woodcock Advanced Jacket

Offering a modern take on the classic shooting jacket, the Seeland Ladies Woodcock Advanced Jacket features a feminine cut and traditional English game-shooting style. Crafted from stretch fabric, the jacket allows for excellent freedom of movement, making it easy to take aim even at challenging targets. Despite its timeless outer appearance, it incorporates a windproof and waterproof membrane to shield against harsh weather, ensuring protection from both wind and rain. Created with practicality in mind, the jacket includes large cartridge pockets with a QuickLoad function and drain holes, perfect for rainy shooting days. Ideal for those who want to look fashionable while enjoying a day of shooting, the Woodcock Advanced jacket maintains a balance of elegance and usability. For improved performance and durability, we recommend the use of Grangers cleaner, conditioner, and proofer products.

Fleece

Fleece jackets, made from lightweight synthetic materials, offer warmth and moisture-wicking properties:

• Frequent Cleaning: Fleece can accumulate sweat, so wash it more often than other coats.
• Gentle Care: Use a mild detergent and wash on a delicate cycle, then air dry to maintain its soft texture.

Deerhunter Chasse Fleece Jacket

Crafted from soft microfleece, the Deerhunter Chasse Fleece Jacket is an ideal layering piece for extremely chilly days or a versatile outer layer for late summer and early autumn evenings. The jacket features two front pockets with zip closures for secure storage, as well as two inner pockets for valuables. Designed for comfort and flexibility, the fleece incorporates a two-way stretch fabric, while elasticated edging tape in a contrasting colour adds a stylish touch to the cuffs, completing this classic design.

Top 5 Tips for Keeping Your Coat in Great Shape

1. Check the Tag for Care Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the best results.
2. Pre-Treat Stains: Tackle any stains before washing to avoid setting them in.
3. Fasten All Buttons and Zippers: This prevents the coat from catching on other items or getting damaged during cleaning.
4. Wash Similar Materials Together: Avoid mixing heavy fabrics with lighter ones to prevent wear and tear.
5. Mend Loose or Ripped Seams Before Cleaning: This helps retain the coat’s shape and structure.

Smart Storage Solutions for Off-Season Coat Care

Storing your coat properly during the off-season is crucial for keeping it in good condition:

• Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat Sources: Exposure to heat and light can cause fading and shrinkage.
• Use Sturdy Hangers: Weaker hangers can bend under the weight of a heavy coat, causing it to lose its shape. If your coat looks saggy or crumpled, it’s time to upgrade your hanger.
• Avoid Vacuum-Sealed Storage for Delicate Fabrics: For coats made from materials like lambswool, vacuum-sealed bags can damage the fibres. Instead, store them in a sealed garment bag with natural cedar balls to deter moths.
• Cover When Not In Use: Use breathable plastic covers or garment bags to protect your coat from dust while in storage.

Which Winter Jacket Is Right For You?

Choosing the right winter coat depends on your lifestyle, the climate you live in, and your personal preferences. At John Norris we offer a variety of high-quality coats, from rugged wax jackets to sophisticated wool overcoats, each designed to keep you warm and fashionable throughout the winter months. Whether you’re looking for a practical waterproof jacket for outdoor activities or a classic tweed for a more elegant look, John Norris has something for everyone. Visit John Norris today, either in-store or online, to explore our curated range of premium country clothing and accessories.