Check the sewn-in care label before washing. Follow its wash and dry instructions separately. Use the table below to find the method your jacket’s label allows. It tells you what the finished garment can tolerate, including its outer fabric, insulation and trims. A jacket that allows a gentle machine wash and a jacket labeled hand wash only need different treatment, even if both contain synthetic fill.
Find your care instructions
| What the label says | What to do |
|---|---|
| Machine wash permitted | Use the listed cycle and temperature. Follow the garment maker’s cleaner guidance. |
| Hand wash only | Use a basin, rinse thoroughly and gently press out water. |
| Do not tumble dry | Air-dry in the position indicated on the label. |
| Tumble dry low permitted | Use low heat and check the jacket as it dries. |
- Washing
- Look for “machine wash” or “hand wash,” plus any temperature or cycle limit.
- Drying
- Look for “line dry,” “dry flat” or “tumble dry low.” Follow any stated restriction.
Illustrated with common label wording. Check the instructions sewn into your own jacket.
Prepare the jacket
Read both the washing and drying instructions before you start. Empty the pockets, secure hook-and-loop tabs and follow any instructions for zippers or removable parts. If the only dirty spots are the cuffs or collar, gently blot those areas with a damp cloth and a cleaner allowed by the label. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, especially on coated fabric.
Check the detergent compartment for traces of softener or other products before a machine wash. Use the cleaner recommended by the garment maker and dose it according to the directions. Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
Wash according to the label
When machine washing is permitted, select the cycle and temperature stated on the label. If the jacket still feels soapy after the wash and the garment permits it, run an extra rinse without adding cleaner.
For hand-wash-only garments, use a basin and follow the indicated temperature. Gently press the water through the fabric, rinse thoroughly and support the jacket as you lift it. Squeeze out excess water gently without twisting the garment.
Dry completely before storing
Use the drying method on the label. If the label says to air-dry flat, reshape the jacket and lay it where air can circulate. If it says to line-dry, hang it as directed. Keep it away from direct heat unless the garment’s directions specify a particular heat treatment. Check the thicker seams, cuffs and pockets for dampness before putting the jacket away.
If your jacket has a water-repellent finish, read the care instructions for that treatment before using heat or applying a new product. See Alpargali’s guide to coated fabrics for more about the finish and its role.
Frequently asked questions
Can I machine-wash any synthetic puffer?
Check the care label. Machine wash only if the garment label allows it, and use the listed settings.
Can I use fabric softener?
Skip fabric softener. If the garment maker specifies a cleaner, follow that recommendation.
Should I follow the same instructions for a down jacket?
Use the down jacket’s own care instructions. Cleaner and drying requirements can vary by garment.
What if the online care directions and my label differ?
Follow the sewn-in label and contact the manufacturer with the model and a photo of the label if anything is unclear.
Further reading: Manufacturer’s guide.
