How to properly store down jackets out of season?

Down jackets combine comfort, functionality and style, which makes them a popular choice for many people. Natural down retains heat well. Down jackets do not create a feeling of weight on the shoulders. They are lighter than all other options for winter outerwear. All this makes them very comfortable to wear and almost ideal outerwear for very cold climates. At the same time, down jackets have their own "Achilles heel" - when wet, down loses its thermal insulation properties. A water-repellent coating or membrane solves this problem, but only partially. Another unpleasant point is that down jackets require special care, and improper washing or storage can damage the down.

Therefore, care and storage of down jackets require careful handling and compliance with the manufacturer's instructions. This helps to maintain the thermal insulation properties of clothing and extends its service life. And if the manufacturer provides sufficiently detailed care instructions on the product label, then information on how to properly store down jackets out of season is not indicated on the label. With this publication, we decided to fill this gap. We are talking about the following:

• The importance of proper storage of down jackets to preserve their properties and appearance.
• Tips for preparing a down jacket for storage: cleaning, drying and repairing if necessary.
• Optimal storage conditions for down jackets: temperature, humidity, ventilation.
• Using covers and hangers to store down jackets.
• How to avoid damage and deformation of a down jacket during storage?

The importance of proper storage of down jackets to preserve their properties and appearance.

Proper storage of a down jacket is important for several reasons:

1. Maintaining thermal insulation - proper storage allows you to maintain uniform distribution of fluff in the chambers and its volume. This provides clothing with full thermal insulation in cold weather.
2. Extending the service life - proper storage of down jackets helps prevent wear and tear and damage to clothing. And considering that down jackets are often much more expensive than other types of winter clothing - this will save the family budget.
3. Maintaining the appearance - proper storage of a down jacket will help to maintain the shape of the garment and its attractive appearance.
4. Preventing odors - proper storage and use of a down jacket will help avoid unpleasant odors. Keep in mind that down absorbs odors strongly - spend half an hour in clothes near a barbecue, and the smell of smoke will haunt you until the next wash.

Tips for preparing a down jacket for storage: cleaning, drying and repairing if necessary.

Correct use of a down jacket is also about caring for the item. With all the desire, it is not always possible to protect clothes from bad weather, therefore, wet snow and rain do their job. When you come home, hang the clothes on a hanger or the back of a chair, and let them dry in the natural conditions of the home.

Drying a down jacket naturally after washing.

1. Take the down jacket out of the washing machine, squeeze it out a little with your hands and let the remaining water drain naturally. At this stage, we do not recommend hanging the down jacket on a hanger - the fluff will bunch up at the bottom of the jacket.
2. Lay the down jacket on a flat horizontal surface. A convenient option would be a mesh clothes dryer.
3. Shake periodically. Shake the down jacket periodically throughout the day to distribute the down evenly and speed up the drying process.
4. Avoid direct sunlight as UV rays may damage materials.
5. Ensure good ventilation. Place the down jacket in a well-ventilated area. This will help remove moisture from the filler faster.

It is enough to clean a down jacket once a season. If you are not confident in your abilities, contact professionals - they know how to restore the thermal insulation properties and neat appearance of the jacket. In addition, the fur decor, which is often used to decorate down jackets, is subject to proper treatment.

To avoid future damage, try to protect your down jacket from mechanical impacts. If your clothes have a hole or tear, you can glue or sew them up using a suitable material. If you have no experience in repairing clothes or the damage is too serious, it is better to contact a professional clothing repairman or a studio. They will be able to perform high-quality repairs.

Optimal storage conditions for down jackets: temperature, humidity, ventilation.

It is best to store down jackets in a dry and cool closet or wardrobe, away from direct sunlight. Store them on hangers to preserve the shape of the clothes. Avoid compressing the down jacket for a long time, as this can lead to a loss of insulation volume and deterioration of the thermal insulation properties of the jacket. To protect against insects, you can use appropriate means.

• Temperature. Down jackets are best stored at a constant temperature in the range of 18° - 28 °C. Avoid extreme temperature changes in either direction - this can affect the condition of the down and the outer material.
• Humidity. The optimal humidity for storing down jackets is approximately 50-60%. High humidity can lead to mold and odors, and low humidity will make the down less elastic. You can maintain the required level of humidity in the room with a humidifier.
• Ventilation. Down absorbs foreign odors well. To prevent this and keep your down jacket fresh, air it regularly.

Using covers and hangers to store down jackets.

You can hide the down jacket for long-term storage only after it has completely dried. Do not put the down jacket under other things. Down cannot be compressed for a long time, otherwise it will lose its ability to recover and, accordingly, its thermal insulation qualities. In a closet or dressing room, the jacket is placed as straight as possible. Using covers and hangers for storage can significantly extend their service life and the appearance of clothing. Here are some tips on this matter.

Cases.

• Use a down jacket cover to protect it from dust, dirt and exposure to light.
• The cover should be large enough for the down jacket to fit inside freely, but not too tight to avoid creases and pressure on the down.
• It is preferable to use a cover made of breathable materials to avoid moisture accumulation inside the cover.

Hangers: Use a hanger with wide shoulders to maintain the shape of the down jacket and prevent creasing.

How to avoid damage and deformation of a down jacket during storage?

To avoid damage and deformation of your down jacket during storage, follow these recommendations:

1. Prepare the down jacket. Fasten all zippers, buttons, and Velcro.
2. It is best to store down jackets in breathable cotton or linen bags/covers.
3. Avoid strong compression. Down jackets should be stored in a loose form to preserve the volume and elasticity of the insulation.
4. Avoid high humidity and temperature changes. Store your down jacket in a cool, dry place to avoid mold or odors. Avoid sudden temperature changes as well.
5. Air regularly. It is important to take out your down jacket and air it out from time to time.
6. Store accessories properly. If your down jacket has a detachable fur collar or hood, remove and store them separately.