How to Wash and Care for Synthetic Insulated JacketsUpdated 4 hours ago

To preserve the loft and thermal efficiency of your synthetic insulated jacket, machine wash it sparingly—ideally no more than once or twice a year. Washing on a mild, breezy day helps speed up natural air-drying.

Washing

1, Prep the jacket: Empty all pockets and close every zip, Velcro flap, and snap fastener.

2, Use a technical cleaner: Use a specialist liquid detergent designed for outdoor insulation or synthetic technical wear, without overdosing. We recommend Nikwax Tech Wash® (or Nikwax Down Wash Direct® for hybrid fills). Never add fabric softener or bleach, as softeners coat synthetic fibres and ruin breathability.

3, Select a gentle cycle: Choose a synthetic cycle at 30°C maximum with a low spin speed (capped at 600 rpm to avoid clumping the insulation).

4, Drum tip: Place 2 to 3 clean tennis balls or laundry balls into the drum to help keep the synthetic fill moving and aerated during the cycle.

Drying

Ensure the insulation is thoroughly dry before wearing or storing and choose between:

• Air-drying (recommended): Lay the jacket completely flat on a clothes drying rack in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Shake and gently pat the baffled sections regularly to separate the fibres as they dry.
• Tumble drying: Use a gentle, low-heat synthetic cycle. Keep clean dryer balls or tennis balls in the drum to continuously fluff up the loft.

Once dried, gently tap and massage the baffles to evenly redistribute the synthetic fill.

Storage

• Dry completely: Never pack or fold your jacket away damp, as trapped moisture creates mildews and lingering odours.
• Store uncompressed: Hang it on a wide coat hanger or keep it loosely folded in a dry wardrobe. Avoid leaving it compressed in its stuff sack over long periods, as compression gradually damages the loft.

Looking for more maintenance tips? Download our complete Synthetic Insulated Jacket Care Guide (PDF).

Need advice on caring for your technical jacket? Our team is ready to help at [email protected].