Technical jackets like our models at VEST PARIS are much more than just clothing: they embody durability, versatility, and innovation. However, even the best materials require careful maintenance to ensure their longevity.
Discover our practical advice for maintain your technical clothing, keep it performing well and extend its life.
The importance of good maintenance
Investing in a technical jacket is a sustainable choice. But to maximize this investment, it's crucial to take care of your garment. Technical jackets, often made from innovative fabrics 2 or 3 layers equipped with membranes (like Gore-Tex), nylon or recycled materials, are designed to be resistant, waterproof and breathable.
However, a poor maintenance routine can impair these qualities over time.
Why maintain your technical clothing?
- Preserve waterproof and breathable properties.
- Avoid the accumulation of dirt that can damage the fibers.
- Reduce environmental impact by extending the life of your jacket.
First instinct: refer to the care label
All clothing comes with labels that tell you what it is made of and how to care for it.
The first thing to do is to refer to it. If we take the example of VEST PARIS technical jackets, we specify not to drop them off at the dry cleaners but to wash them in the washing machine because the products used by some dry cleaners can alter the performance of membrane fabrics by detaching the membrane or the sealing strips that seal the seams of the jacket.
It is therefore important to follow the instructions given to you.
Washing: best practices
Washing your technical jacket is essential to remove dirt, body oils, and environmental pollutants. However, improper washing can damage sensitive materials.
Steps to wash your technical jacket
- Read the label : First and foremost, check the care instructions specific to your jacket. Each model may have different recommendations.
- Close all closures : Zips, Velcro and buttons must be closed to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Remove motorcycle or bulletproof protection if you have any
- Use a gentle detergent : Choose a liquid detergent specially designed for technical clothing, such as NikWax. Avoid fabric softeners, which can clog breathable membranes.
- Set your machine : Wash at a low temperature (30°C) with a delicate cycle to protect the fibers.
- Extra Rinse : A second rinse may be necessary to remove all traces of detergent.
To absolutely avoid:
- Powder detergents, which leave residue.
- Intensive spin programs.
- Tumble dry, unless otherwise indicated on the label.
Waterproofing life span
Over time, the waterproofing capacity of your jacket will deteriorate and this is a normal process, especially when the garment is used intensively. Like any material exposed daily to the elements, pollution, shocks etc., the lifespan of the membrane is limited in time. This is why its maintenance is essential.
No membrane in the world can guarantee unlimited waterproofing, but the longevity of its effectiveness varies depending on the quality of the membrane fabric chosen by the brand of your jacket and the care you take of it.
Among the high-end membrane materials, Gore-Tex stands out, but this manufacturer is not alone in the market. VEST PARIS uses Italian technical fabrics equipped with South Korean membranes considered to be the best and most efficient currently on the market.
Restoration of water repellency
"Waterproofness" and "water repellency" should not be confused. These two concepts are complementary, but unlike waterproofness, which is a performance directly integrated into the material, water repellency is a treatment that disappears over time.
This treatment, called DWR - Durable Water Repellent - has the main mission of evacuating moisture (rain) deposited on the material and therefore plays an additional role in protecting against rain. This water repellency will therefore weaken over time, but fortunately, it is possible to temporarily restore it.
How do I reactivate DWR?
- Heat method : After washing, tumble dry your jacket on a low heat setting (if recommended by the label) or lightly iron it with an iron on a low setting, using a cloth to avoid burning the fabric. This reactivates the water-repellent treatment.
- Specialty Products : Use a re-waterproofing spray or detergent suitable for technical clothing, such as NIKWAX. Apply these products either after washing while the jacket is still damp or as a detergent.
Repair: give your jacket a second life
Even the most durable jackets can suffer snags, tears, or wear. Repairing them is a sustainable alternative to replacing your garment.
Repair a tear or hole
- As a priority, contact the brand to ask for their opinion.
- The brand can sometimes provide you with scraps of the damaged material to carry out the repair. We sometimes do this at VEST PARIS
- Specialty adhesive tapes : Fabric patches or adhesive tapes designed for technical clothing can quickly seal a tear.
- Reinforced stitching : For a permanent repair, call a professional or use a thread suitable for technical fabrics.
- After-sales service : Some brands, including VEST PARIS , offer repair services to extend the life of your jackets.
Zipper Maintenance
Zippers are often put under a lot of strain. In fact, they're the first accessories to suffer damage (unless the other materials in your jacket are of poor quality). When your jacket is used intensively, it's normal for your zipper, however strong it may be, to become damaged over time and for a tooth to pop out one day. We recommend contacting the brand to see if they can help you repair this accessory.
Quick tip: Clean the zippers regularly with a soft brush to remove dust and apply a lubricant to prevent blockages.
At VEST PARIS, we use double-slider zippers, which avoids the need to tighten the zippers (by lifting the bottom slider) and increases their longevity.
Precautions for use to extend the life of a jacket
Maintenance doesn't stop at washing. Everyday actions play a crucial role in preserving your jacket.
Practical advice:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays : Technical fabrics can weaken under constant exposure to the sun. At VEST PARIS, we experienced many inconveniences during our launch. The light protection index of our first fabrics was low, but now this index is optimal, and the color of our jackets remains intact throughout their life.
- Do not fold the jacket as this damages the membrane
- Clean stains quickly : A stubborn stain may require aggressive cleaning that will damage the fabric.
- Store your jacket properly : Do not leave your jacket compressed in a bag for long periods. Hang it in a dry, ventilated place.
- Avoid unnecessary friction : When wearing a backpack, place a protective layer between the jacket and the shoulder straps to prevent wear.
Storage: how to store your technical jacket properly
Proper storage can prevent unnecessary damage.
- Clean before storing : Wash and dry your jacket completely before storing it to prevent mold and mildew.
- Use a hanger : Hang your jacket to preserve its shape and avoid wrinkles.
- Avoid humid environments : Store it in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Adopt a sustainable approach
By taking care of your technical clothing, you are adopting an eco-responsible approach by reducing the frequency of replacements. This corresponds to the values of VEST PARIS , which promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly products.
Environmental impact of maintenance
- Limit washing : Washing less often, but efficiently, saves water and reduces wear and tear on materials.
- Environmentally friendly products : Choose biodegradable detergents to limit the impact of waste on the environment.
- Repairs rather than replacement : Every jacket repaired means one less jacket in landfills.
Why choose VEST PARIS jackets?
At VEST PARIS , we design jackets that combine timeless style , technical performance , and durability . By following these tips, you can ensure that your jacket will remain a faithful ally for many years to come.
Our promise : We don't just sell clothes. We offer you a philosophy of life: to live better, with less, and more sustainably.
Our opinion
Taking care of your technical jacket isn't just a matter of practice, it's also a commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle. By adopting simple maintenance routines and repairing rather than replacing, you help reduce your environmental footprint while enjoying a garment that remains high-performing and stylish over the years.
To learn more about our products and discover our commitment to sustainability, visit vestparis.com . Because a well-maintained jacket is a jacket for life.