Caring for Fleece, Sherpa and Wool Outerwear

Outerwear fails in the wash far more often than on the street. Fleece that has gone flat, sherpa that has matted into clumps, and a wool blazer that has lost its shape have usually met the wrong temperature, the wrong detergent, or the tumble dryer. Each of these fabrics wants something slightly different, and the differences are easy to remember once you know why they exist.

Fleece

Fleece is a synthetic pile. Its warmth comes from the loft of that pile, and heat flattens it permanently, so wash cool and keep it out of the dryer. Fabric conditioner coats the fibres and cuts the loft as well, so leave it out. Wash fleece on its own or with other synthetics; it attracts lint from towels and cotton. Turn a zip-up inside out and close the zip so the teeth do not snag the pile.

Sherpa

Sherpa is a deeper, curlier pile than fleece and matts more readily. A gentle cycle, cool water, and no conditioner apply here too. The important step is afterwards: while the piece is still damp, tease the pile back up with your fingers or a soft brush, then air-dry it flat. Skipping that step is what turns a soft collar into a felted one within a few washes.

Wool blazers

A wool blazer is structured with canvas and shoulder padding that a washing machine will distort, so it does not go in one. Brush it after wearing to lift dust from the surface, air it overnight rather than washing it, and steam rather than iron. When it does need cleaning, that is a dry-cleaner's job, and once or twice a season is plenty. Hang it on a broad, shaped hanger so the shoulders keep their line.

Fleece-lined and padded jackets

A jacket with a fleece lining under a woven shell can usually be machine washed cool, zipped closed, on a gentle cycle. The lining then needs the same treatment as any fleece: no heat and no conditioner. Padded pieces benefit from being shaken out several times while drying so the fill does not settle into lumps.

How often is often enough

Less than most people think. Outer layers are not worn against the skin, so a season of wear may need two or three washes at most. Spot-clean marks as they happen, air pieces after a damp day, and save full washes for when they are genuinely needed. Each wash you skip adds measurably to the garment's life.

Storing between seasons

Clean everything before it goes away, since moths and mildew both prefer worn fabric. Store fleece and sherpa folded, blazers hanging, and keep all of it dry and out of sealed plastic. If something arrives with a flaw, tell us within the return window and see our Return and Refund Policy; care questions are welcome through the Contact Us page or the FAQ.