How to Properly Care for Your Down Jackets?

With our unpredictable (and sometimes unforgiving!) Quebec winters, every prudent man should have at least one down-filled jacket and warm accessories. If you’ve decided to acquire a puffer jacket this year, it’s time to learn how to properly care for it so it remains beautiful and comfortable for many cold seasons. In this article, our team at Ernest shares its recommendations for washing, drying, and general maintenance of your winter jacket.

How to wash a down jacket

First, it’s best not to wash your puffer jacket too often, only when necessary, as each wash reduces the insulating properties and fluffiness of the feathers. Is your coat smelling unpleasant, dusty, or dirty? Is it less voluminous than before? It’s time to clean it! To do so, you have two options: hand washing or machine washing. Here’s how to proceed depending on the option you choose.

Handwashing

- Start by zipping up all zippers and fastening any Velcro straps.

- Fill your bathtub (or a large container) with lukewarm water, adding a small amount of mild detergent or a product specifically designed for cleaning down.

- Submerge your puffer jacket in the water and agitate it to create foam.

- Let it soak for a few minutes.

- Drain the dirty water, then rinse the jacket until the water runs clear.

- Let it drain as much as possible without twisting or squeezing.

Machine washing

- Zip up all zippers before putting your down jacket in the washing machine with a few other garments (front-loading machines are less likely to damage it than top-loading ones).

- Add a few tennis balls to the drum to help prevent the wet feathers from clumping together.

- Then, start a delicate cycle at 30°C with your usual detergent or, even better, a soap specifically designed for down.

- Rinse the load thoroughly, ideally twice, and let it spin gently.

What Should You Avoid Doing?

Men who haven’t taken the time to learn how to care for their down jackets properly risk making mistakes, such as the following:

- Storing it for months in its storage pouch.

- Lifting it abruptly while it’s soaking wet (this could tear it).

- Wash the entire jacket when there’s only a tiny stain that’s easy to remove.

- Forgetting to shake it frequently to prevent feather clumps.

- Dry cleaning it (the chemicals used can damage your jacket).

As the saying goes, “Forewarned is forearmed!”

How to Dry It?

As with washing, there are two ways to dry your down jacket: air drying or using a dryer.

Air Drying

1- Lay it flat on a drying rack in a dry area.

2- Occasionally, shake your puffer jacket during drying to prevent clumps of feathers from forming.

3- Remember that air drying can take several days and may promote mold growth. For this reason, finishing the drying process in a dryer is recommended.

Using a Dryer

1- Gently place your wet jacket (which will be very heavy) in the machine and add a few tennis balls.

2- Select the lowest temperature setting and run as many cycles as needed.

3- After each cycle, pat and shake your jacket to redistribute the feathers evenly.

How to Restore Its Water-Repellency?

There’s nothing worse than a winter jacket that lets moisture through in freezing temperatures! A high-quality down jacket should come with a water-repellent coating. However, this ability to keep water on the surface, known as water-repellency, can diminish over time. Simply soak your jacket in water (in a basin or washing machine) with a water-repellent reactivation product added to restore it.

How to Repair Your Down Jacket?

Did you damage your puffer jacket during a winter outing, leaving it torn or with holes? You can fix it! Depending on the severity of the damage, you can close a small hole using thread in the same color as the fabric or seal it quickly and easily with a self-adhesive repair patch. If you don’t have the skills or materials needed for these repairs, don’t worry—a skilled tailor can restore your jacket to its former glory. Every Ernest store has its tailor ready to help you!

How to Store Your Down Jacket?

To keep your down jacket fluffy and comfortable for the next winter, follow these tips:

- Hang it on a hanger in a well-ventilated area without cramming it, among other clothes. It’s that simple!

- If you must compress it to pack it in your luggage, keep it compacted as quickly as possible. Once you arrive, take it out and shake it to help it regain its entire volume.

Visit Ernest to Get Ready for Winter!

Looking for a winter coat (down or not), socks, gloves, or a scarf for your city or outdoor adventures? Need tips on caring for your favorite clothes? Stop by an Ernest store! Our team will be delighted to show you our stunning collections from brands renowned for their quality. See you soon!