Always Wash Before You Re-proof – Here's Why

Why a dirty jacket cannot be proofed

The proofing (DWR) has to bond to clean fibres to lie evenly and bead water. Dirt, body oils and detergent residue form a layer between the fabric and the product, so the proofing bonds poorly and unevenly. A clean jacket takes the treatment; a dirty one does not.

Wash correctly first

Use a wash made for technical garments, and avoid anything that leaves a film.

1. Close zips and hook-and-loop fastenings, and empty the pockets.
2. Wash with a technical wash – not ordinary detergent with additives.
3. Skip fabric softener entirely: it clogs the pores and counteracts the proofing.
4. Run an extra rinse to clear all residue before you proof.

Then you proof

On a clean jacket you can use wash-in (in the machine) or spray (on the outside), then activate with a little heat – a short tumble on low heat or ironing with a cloth in between. See the separate guide on re-proofing a shell jacket for the details.

Never use fabric softener

Fabric softener is proofing's worst enemy. It forms a film, clogs breathability and stops the DWR from bonding. Always use a technical wash for shell garments.

We wash and re-proof in the right order

If you would rather not do it yourself, we clean and re-proof the jacket according to the garment and its care label – in the right order, with the right products. You order online, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions