This comprehensive care guide will talk you through how to care for your tweed jacket and help it remain in perfect condition in years to come. Tweed jackets are designed to be durable and high-quality garments offering a sense of traditional country style and comfort. It is advised to regularly care for your tweed jacket, this includes storing it correctly, and cleaning when necessary.
Storing Your Tweed Jacket
Here are some simple steps to ensure your tweed jacket stays in pristine condition when storing it for long periods of time. Using the correct storage for your tweed jacket is essential for maintaining the quality of your garment:
1. It is advised you use a strong, wide-shouldered hanger: Wide-shouldered, padded coat hangers are essential for hanging up your tweed jacket, this ensures the collar, and shoulders of the garment keep their shape. Wired and poor-quality coat hangers are to be avoided.
2. Allow for air circulation: To prevent creasing avoid storing your tweed jacket between other clothing inside your wardrobe. We advise you store your tweed jacket in an area which allows it to breath and is well-ventilated.
3. Use a clothing bag: If you’re storing your tweed jacket for a long period of time, whether this is during the warmer months, we recommend using a breathable cotton storage bag. This will ensure your tweed jacket stays clean and protected while it is not in use. Avoid using clothing bags which aren’t cotton as others may trap dust and moisture creating mildew.
4. Use lavender sachets or ceder blocks: Adding lavender sachets to your wardrobe can help to keep your tweed jacket smelling fresh and new. We advise you replace these every so often to maintain the smell of the garment.
5. Before storing your tweed jacket: Use a soft bristled brush to carefully brush off your tweed jacket before storing it for long periods of time. This will ensure any dust or dirt is removed before storing your jacket which will ensure the quality of the fabric.
6. Don’t store your tweed jacket in direct sunlight: Avoid storing your tweed jacket in direct sunlight as this can cause the colour of the fabric to fade over time. Ensuring your jacket is stored away from the sunlight will prevent the weakening of the fabric fibres.
Cleaning Your Tweed Jacket
To prevent the quality and luxury appearance of your tweed jacket from fading, it is recommended that you regularly maintain your jacket by following these simple cleaning instructions:
1. Brushing your jacket regularly: After you have finished wearing your tweed jacket, you should use a soft-bristled brush to remove any dust or dirt which is visible. Carefully brush in the direction of the fabric and focus on the sections of the garment which are likely to see the most dirt i.e. cuffs, collar, pockets.
2. Cleaning small spots of dirt: Promptly follow these following steps to address small stains or spots of dirt:
- Gently pat the area with a clean white cloth to gather up any excess liquid.
- Mild, PH-neutral detergent mixed with cool water can be used
- Gently pat the stained area using a soft-bristled brush and the detergent solution.
- Clean the area with a clean damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Allow the area that’s been cleaned to completely dry before the jacket is worn again.
3. Dry cleaning by a professional: It is recommended that your tweed jacket is professionally cleaned once a year. This is best done by a professional who is experienced in tweed garments. Ensure you research dry cleaners who are capable of dry cleaning your tweed jacket to the highest standard and request they use the appropriate cleaning methods.
4. How often should your jacket be cleaned: Depending on how often you wear your tweed jacket depends on how often it should be cleaned. Generally, your jacket should be professionally cleaned at least once a year. More often if you wear your jacket frequently.
5. Avoid washing your jacket at home: Do not attempt to machine wash your own tweed jacket at home. This can cause your tweed jacket to shrink, damage the fabric or distort the shape and texture of the jacket.
6. Keep your tweed jacket fresh: Deodorizing your jacket is a great way to ensure your tweed jacket stays in a like new condition. You can use a freshener spray which is designed for wool fabric or hang our garment outside on a fresh day.
Additional Care Tips:
- Steaming your tweed jacket: You can use a handheld steamer on your tweed jacket to remove and creases or wrinkles. However, it is recommended that you keep the steamer at least 4 inches away from your jacket and use the steamer on a low heat setting. If you use high levels of heat on your tweed jacket the fibres may become damaged.
- Repairing your tweed jacket: If you come across any loose threads, it is recommended that you take your garment to a professional who is experienced in repairing tweed jackets. To prevent further damage to your tweed jacket, make sure missing buttons and tears are fixed straight away before the jacket is warn again.
- If you own more than one tweed jacket: Rotating your tweed jackets is a handy way to allow your other tweed jackets time to breath and remain it’s shape before it is warn again.
- Avoid wearing accessories which may damage your jacket: Wearing rough-edged jewellery and accessories that may damage your tweed jacket should be avoided. This includes bag with brass buckles.
- Looking after your tweed jacket in wet conditions: Tweed jackets are made from a wool blend; wool is naturally water-resistant. However, this should be treated with caution as they’re not fully waterproof and can only withstand so much. If you’re wearing your tweed jacket during heavy rain falls it is recommended to wear a fully waterproof coat over the top of your tweed jacket to protect it from damage
If you strictly follow this comprehensive care guide for your jacket, quality and life span will stay as expected. Whether your tweed jacket is for men, women or children, these rules apply to all tweed jackets. Regularly getting your tweed jacket professionally cleaned and storing it in the correct way can ensure the quality of your tweed jacket stay like-new. Preserving your tweed jacket is important, guaranteeing you will have a luxury tweed jacket perfect for all those country occasions.
Remember, a well-cared-for tweed jacket is not just a garment; it's an investment in timeless style and quality craftsmanship. With the right care, your Rydale tweed jacket will continue to be a reliable companion for all your outdoor pursuits and country living adventures.