What Not To Do With A Puffer Jacket?
Puffer jackets are an essential item in your winter wardrobe that’s both warm, comfortable, and lightweight. However, improper handling or care can severely compromise their performance and survival. Here’s a detailed rundown of what you can’t do with your puffer jacket to ensure it remains in top shape.
1. Don’t Wash It Carelessly
What You Need To Know: Puffer jackets (especially down jackets) need slow treatment. Wash incorrectly and it will ruin the fabric, insulation, and loft.
What to Avoid:
- Normal detergent: It will deodorize feathers, depleting their natural oils and thereby decreasing their insulation.
- Heating the water: High temperatures can scorch the fabric and solidify the insulation.
- High-speed movements: These can cause tearing or misalignment of the filling.
2. Don’t Skip Proper Drying
What’s Important: If you don’t dry well, the insulation can lump up and leave the jacket less able to trap heat.
What to Avoid:
- Air-dry alone: Down jackets require fluffing in a low-heat dryer to bring the loft back.
- High dryer temperature: Can melt synthetic fibers or harm the exterior shell.
3. Don’t Store It Incorrectly
Why It’s Important: Over time, compressing your puffer jacket flattens the insulation and makes it less lofty and warm.
What to Avoid:
- Put it in small spaces: Do not put it in a sealed bag or a closed drawer for too long.
- Hanging it wrong: Over time, hanging the jacket can bend the jacket’s shape.
4. Don’t Expose It to Prolonged Moisture
Why It’s Important: Although most puffer jackets resist water, prolonged moist exposure can compromise insulation (particularly in down-lined models).
What to Avoid:
- Not waterproofing it during the heavy rain.
- Toll-free spot avoidance: Don’t leave wet patches on your jacket after you’ve fallen or had rain.
5. Don’t Overpack It for Travel
Why It’s Important: If you over-pack your puffer jacket, it will deflate the insulation, making it less conducive to heat.
What to Avoid:
- Packing it tight for extended trips and not allowing it to reclaim its loft.
6. Don’t Expose It to Open Flames or High Heat
Why It’s Important: The vast majority of puffer jackets are constructed of synthetic materials that burn or melt when heated.
What to Avoid:
- Don’t stand too close to fires or heaters.
- Ironing or drying at high heat.
7. Don’t Ignore Small Tears or Holes
What Does It Affect: Tiny tears can loosen insulation and decrease the jacket’s capacity to hold on to heat.
What to Avoid:
- Repetitive repairs: Apply repair patches or have them repaired professionally.
- Uneven layers: Feathers or synthetic fill can leak out through the holes and cut insulation.
8. Don’t Skip Reapplying Water Resistance
Why It’s Important: In the long run, your jacket’s Durable water-repellent (DWR) coating can degrade and perform less effectively when wet.
What to Avoid:
- Failure to maintain regularly: Use DWR treatment every other week.
- Using the wrong sprays: Use waterproofing sprays that are made specifically for your jacket’s material.
9. Don’t Choose the Wrong Fit
Why It’s Important: A poor-fitting puffer jacket can reduce its insulation and comfort.
What to Avoid:
- An overly baggy jacket: Flattens the insulation, and makes you lose heat.
- A loose jacket: Let cool air flow inside.
10. Don’t Overuse It Beyond Its Purpose
Why It’s Important: Puffer jackets are built for a purpose and being put in an unrecommended environment can degrade them quickly.
What to Avoid:
- Wearing a cozy puffer in the wrong weather.
- Using an arty puffer for rough hiking.
Conclusion
The best way to keep your puffer jacket warm, stylish, and practical is not to unintentionally wash it, store it improperly, or expose it to excessive moisture or heat. Make sure to take care of your puffer jacket and treat it gently so that you’ll stay in great shape for a long time.
FAQ
Q: Can I wash a puffer jacket by machine?
A: Yes, but use a gentle cycle, cold water, and detergent specifically for down or synthetic insulation.
Q: Should I dry my puffer jacket?
A: Turn down the heat on a dryer using tennis balls or dryer balls to add loft. Avoid high heat.
Q: Can I patch a hole in my puffer jacket?
A: Yes, patch gears or call professionals for permanent fixes.
Q: How often should I replace waterproofing?
A: Re-application of DWR once or twice a season.
Q: Is it safe to carry a puffer jacket in a compression bag?
A: Compressing is fine for temporary storage but not for a longer time in compressed spaces to keep loft insulation intact.
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