How to care for outerwear so it lasts a decade

Good outerwear should last ten years minimum. Most of ours will last longer, but only if you care for it properly. The investment isn't just in the purchase — it's in the maintenance.

Waxed cotton needs re-waxing once a year, or whenever the fabric starts to absorb water instead of beading it. Use a natural wax (we recommend Otter Wax) and apply it with a clean cloth in circular motions. Hit the seams and high-wear areas twice. Then use a hair dryer on low to melt the wax into the fibers.

Shell jackets with DWR (durable water repellent) coatings lose their effectiveness after repeated washing. You can restore the coating with a spray-on treatment like Nikwax TX.Direct. Apply it to a clean, damp jacket and tumble dry on low for 20 minutes to activate.

Down jackets need special care. Wash infrequently — spot clean when possible. When you do wash, use a down-specific detergent (regular detergent strips the natural oils from the down clusters). Dry on low with two clean tennis balls to break up clumps and restore loft.

Storage matters as much as cleaning. Hang structured jackets on wide, shaped hangers. Never compress down into a stuff sack for long-term storage — use a breathable garment bag instead. Keep everything in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.