Down jackets are a firm favourite among those looking for an outerwear piece that is guaranteed to keep you warm in the coldest of temperatures. Typically worn by mountaineers, hikers and outdoorsy types, down fabric is a lightweight material, usually filled with animal feathers. It is used as an effective, insulating layer for all kinds of outdoor activities, to provide an endless amount of warmth whilst still allowing for functional manoeuvrability.
Due to its delicate nature, washing down is often a task that people are afraid to do for fear of destroying an expensive jacket. For many years professionals have advised not to wash a down product unless it is a last resort. However, for those looking to de-fumigate their garments and get rid of any unwanted bad odours, we have the right information you need to take the plunge when cleaning your down jacket for the first time.
Can I wash a down jacket in the washing machine?
Yes, down jackets can be easily cleaned using a washing machine, despite the common misconception that it will “ruin” your item. Cleaning a down jacket at home is simple and requires no previous experience, just a level of care and attention to instructions. Here are the five simple steps to refreshing your down jacket:
- Read the care label. Every down product is different, depending on the brand, style and materials used, how you wash your jacket will be depicted on the inside manufacturer’s care label. It’s important to read this carefully before proceeding with the following steps as the care label for your jacket may be different.
- Ensure the jacket is fully zipped before washing. Fastening all zips, velcro and buttons before placing the jacket in the washing machine will help make sure the jacket does not get damaged and will keep the integrity of the structure.
- Use non-biological detergent and wash at a medium temperature. Making sure you use a down-specific cleaner or non-biological laundry detergent will ensure that the jacket is washed correctly without weighing down the loft or leaving behind any residue. Wash on a medium temperature and after the first wash, we would recommend putting it on a second rinse and spin cycle to ensure as much water as possible and all detergent is drained from the jacket.
- Dry on a low heat and re-puff. When it comes to properly drying your down jacket, we recommend tumble drying it on low heat with dryer balls or tennis balls to help it re-puff. The weight and shape of the balls with the movement of the tumble dryer helps to break up clumps of down inside the jacket that may have difficulty regaining loft on their own. The more your jacket dries, the easier it will be to remove any clumps of down and re-puff it back to its original shape. It can take up to 2-3 hours for a down jacket to dry completely.
- Reproof your jacket. Most down jackets will have a water-repellent coating on the outside. After lots of wear or too much washing, this coating will fade and start allowing water to absorb into the down layer. To prevent this we suggest reproofing your jacket after washing to ensure it’s restored to its full water resistance. A popular product used to reproof down jackets is Nikwax.
How often should I wash my down jacket?
How frequently you wash your down jacket will depend on how much wear it gets. Typically we would suggest washing your down jacket once per season, however, if it gets heavy use, particularly in less favourable weather conditions and it is exposed to mud, rain etc. we would recommend washing it once per month.
It’s important to keep in mind the risks that can come with washing your down jacket too frequently. Every wash of your jacket has the potential to affect the performance of the fabric, therefore you should limit the frequency of washes only to when it is necessary. If your jacket is dirty on the outside but has not been worn a lot, you can always spot-clean it using a damp cloth to get rid of any stains or dirt.
How do you freshen a down jacket without washing it?
To maximise the longevity and performance of your down jacket, there are ways you can freshen up your jacket without washing it. One of the easiest ways to do this is to air it out. If your jacket has any unwanted smells clinging to it, you can hang it up in a well-ventilated area such as by an open window or outside to allow the odour to dissipate.
Another simple way is to ensure you are brushing off any dirt after each wear. With consistent care and maintenance, you can keep your down jacket looking as good as new. Simply wipe away any dirt using a cloth and warm water and hang up to dry in a ventilated area.
How do you wash a down jacket without ruining it?
You can successfully wash your down jacket without ruining it by following the steps above. However, there are two key things you need to keep in mind when washing your down product.
- Don’t overheat the jacket. Down jackets contain a lot of synthetic components in the outer shell fabric, hoods, trims etc. so ensuring you wash at a low temperature is vital to preventing damage. Therefore it may take a couple of low-to-medium temperature drying cycles until your jacket is completely dry – your down must be fully dry as if not, it can affect its insulation functionality.
- Don’t wash with other garments. All technical clothing like down jackets should ideally be washed alone or with similar garments. This is to avoid harming the structure of your jacket as all technical clothing items require different types of care and maintenance. This is also to avoid any zips, buttons, velcro etc. from catching on your down jacket and causing tears.
How do you fluff up a down jacket after washing it?
If you’re worried that your jacket doesn’t appear to be as puffy as it once was after washing, don’t worry as there are ways you can fluff up your down after washing. The key to restoring the down back to its original loftiness is to shake out your jacket after drying and use dryer balls or tennis balls in the drying process. These balls cause movement and space between your jacket which lets in more air, leading to drier, fluffier clothing.
Another way to ensure your down jacket stays fluffed up is to store it properly. The key here is to is to let it breathe. Down is compressible and will eventually lose its loftiness is compressed too much over time. Therefore we recommend avoiding the temptation to pack away your jacket in the warmer months in a way that compresses it. The best way to preserve the function of your down jacket is to store it loosely by hanging it from a rail or in a closet.
Men’s Designer Down Jackets
Here at Standout, we have a wide range of men’s designer down jackets available to suit an array of fashion needs. From lightweight Berghaus down jackets for your big outdoor adventures to longline down parka jackets from Tommy Hilfiger for a more stylish outerwear solution, we’ve got you covered.
Berghaus Urban Pravitale Hybrid Jacket and Tommy Jeans Essential Down Parka Jacket
The Urban Pravitale Hybrid Down Jacket from Berghaus is filled with superior hydro-loft synthetic down insulation for a lightweight, breathable jacket that has expert heat retention. Featuring classic puffer-coat panels, a convenient hood and zip pockets this jacket is perfect for everyday outdoor adventures, from walking the dog to weekend hikes.
The Tommy Jeans Essential Down Parka Jacket offers a more stylish approach to down insulation, with a longline style, large detachable hood and synthetic down filling in a sophisticated black colourway. Featuring hand-warming pockets, elasticated cuffs, an adjustable hem and a simple chest logo, it is perfect for those wanting a reliable, functional down jacket that also keeps you looking effortlessly on-trend.
Refresh your designer down jacket with Standout
Give your outerwear a new lease of life with our helpful tips and tricks on how to properly clean and take care of your down jacket. If you’re looking to invest in a new outerwear piece that is guaranteed to keep you simultaneously warm and stylish, shop the full collection of men’s designer jackets and coats to find the perfect option for you.
