How to Care for Technical Clothing

It is important to properly care for your technical clothing to ensure maximum performance as long as possible. For ski jackets, pants or base layers, these washing instructions apply to most fabrics and materials. However, it is still better to follow the instructions on the care label inside the garment.

·       Close all Velcro fasteners and zippers. Empty every pocket.

·       Machine wash (front-loading washer recommended).

·       Always wash in cold water on a gentle cycle.

·       Do not dry clean.

·       Treat heavily soiled areas (collar, cuffs) with a stain remover (such as Grangers stain remover, available at Oberson) before washing.

·       Wash technical garments separately.

·       Avoid overloading the washing machine.

·       Use a mild liquid soap or a detergent designed for technical fabrics.

·       Avoid powdered detergents, which can leave residue in the fabric’s pores and hinder moisture wicking.

·       Never use fabric softener—it clogs the fabric’s pores and reduces the effectiveness of waterproof and breathable membranes.

·       Rinse thoroughly because soap residue can affect the fabric’s performance.

·       Do not wring out the garment.

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How to dry technical clothing?

·       Hang the garment promptly in a dry place to prevent colour transfer from sitting too long in the washer.

·       Hang the garment in a dry area away from direct sunlight.

·       Once dry, place it in the dryer for 5 minutes on low heat to remove wrinkles and revive the water-repellent finish.

·       Renew the original DWR treatment after several washes using a product added to the wash cycle or sprayed directly onto the garment.

·       Do not expose the garment to direct heat.

·       Tumble dry shell jackets on low heat or gently iron them on warm to reactivate the durable water-repellent (DWR) finish.

·       Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions, as some waterproof garments should not be exposed to heat.

Eco-Friendly Care

Washing technical clothing in cold water is already a good way to reduce energy use, but there are other ways to make their care more eco-friendly.

How to reduce microfibre shedding?

Microfibres are tiny plastic filaments released by synthetic fabrics (such as polyester or nylon) during washing. Because they’re too small to be caught by most filtration systems, they end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they contribute to microplastic pollution. Using a mesh laundry bag helps reduce friction between garments, which limits fibre shedding. There are also specialized filter bags available that capture microfibres during washing.   

Which eco-friendly cleaning products to choose?

Many brands now offer biodegradable, PFAS-free care products that effectively remove dirt while remaining gentle on waterproof membranes. For example, Grangers Performance Wash cleans technical fabrics without leaving residues that could affect breathability, while Clothing Repel restores water repellency with a fluorocarbon-free formula. (Fluorocarbons—often called “forever chemicals”—don’t break down in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, including humans.) Both products are bluesign® certified, ensuring strict environmental and safety standards from ingredient selection to manufacturing. They also come in recycled plastic bottles and are designed to extend the life of your garments, reducing the need to replace them.    

How Can You Extend the Lifespan of Your Technical Clothing?

Instead of replacing a jacket when it starts showing signs of wear, you can often have it repaired. Many major outdoor brands now offer repair programs to extend their products’ lifespan. This, of course, reduces waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing new garments. For example, Arc’teryx’s ReBIRD™ service provides professional repairs for GORE-TEX and other technical pieces. The North Face offers warranty repairs and has recently expanded its service network. Sustainability pioneer Patagonia also encourages customers to mail in garments for repair.

FAQ — Caring for Technical Clothing

How should you wash merino wool clothing?

Wash merino wool base layers and other natural fibre garments by hand or on a gentle machine cycle in cold water to preserve their breathability and natural resistance to odours.

How should you wash a down jacket or garment?

Wash it as you would a regular garment, using a detergent made for down. Tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls to restore loft, and make sure it’s completely dry to prevent mildew and odours. 

How should you re-waterproof technical clothing?

Over time, the durable water-repellent (DWR) finish wears off, and water no longer beads on the fabric’s surface. Start by placing the garment in the dryer on medium heat for about 30 minutes to reactivate the coating. If water still doesn’t bead, apply a re-waterproofing product—either added to the wash or sprayed onto the clean, damp garment—following the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also reinforce high-wear areas, such as the shoulders and thighs, with a spray designed for breathable membranes.