Having great outerwear is important during the cold months. These garments, due to their composition, size or delicacy, can generate doubts during washing. The trench coat is one of them.
Therefore, it is convenient to implement a series of suggestions which help to prolong its useful life. Read on and find out what a trench coat is and how to wash it.
The idea is not to deteriorate, stain or wrinkle them. While some garments are comfortable to hand wash, such as trousers, all gabardine garments are machine washable. You just need to know the above steps and care tips.
What is trench coat and how to wash it?
Coats, overcoats or jackets that protect from the cold and rain, ideal trousers for outdoor work or rigid and resistant shirts. All of these garments can be made with gabardine, a fabric as resistant as it is durable.
Some are made with wool fabrics, others with cotton or synthetic fibers, but all share the characteristic of producing great resistance. In addition, they have a high degree of waterproofing, so they are ideal for humid and rainy climates.
Another of its peculiarities is that they usually have a smooth face and another with diagonal fabrics.usually ribbed. It has a firm and compact consistency, the result of hard work during preparation. Therefore, garments made with this material are functional for various activities, mostly outdoors.
Origin of the trench coat
Gabardine fabrics have a curious origin, based on the research of its inventor, the Englishman Thomas Burberry. The businessman wanted to create a fabric that could withstand rain without letting it seep inside. Around 1880 she met a pastor who wore special jackets.
The man made waterproof clothing using a product originally intended for bathing sheep. Burberry took the idea and created the trench coat, experimenting with cotton threads. He waterproofed the thread at a stage prior to weaving the fabric and was able to achieve the desired effect of dripping onto the garment.
This way, patented his creation in 1888. It should be noted that the initial formula with the waterproofing product is applied to this day. Also, the brand Burberry still going strong and is one of Britain’s most stylish fashion houses.
Features of the trench coat
This fabric stands out for several reasons. For example, its strength, firmness and durability.
Depending on the quality of the garment, it may even keep the same shape for a long time. Also, it doesn’t crease easily.
Like all fabrics, it exists in different qualities. It can be made from cotton, a blend of cotton and polyester, silk, or made entirely of textured polyester.
The composition will determine its weight and fiber quality. In any case, gabardine is today one of the most used and functional fabrics.
Different uses of the trench coat
Over the decades the trench coat has gone from being a functional work garment to a fashion accessory exhibited in the most important fashion shows. Today it is presented as an accessible and widely used fabric, especially in the winter months. Hence the importance of daily washing.
- Gardening and rural work. Its peasant origin meant that the raincoat began to be used for all types of rural and outdoor work. Mainly, due to its waterproof condition.
- Maintenance. Garments made from this fabric, especially shirts, have become very popular with factories, warehouses and maintenance personnel.
- WWI. British authorities have asked Burberry to create gabardine uniforms for the war started in 1914.
- presence in the cinema. Starting with Humphrey Bogart and his use of the raincoat White HouseHollywood movies began to apply it, especially in gangster characters.
- youth fashion. Those who really made this fabric fashionable were The Beatlesafter making appearances with it in the mid-1960s.
- News and features. Today it is a fabric extended to millions of people, very useful in the cold months and, above all, on rainy days.
- Variety. The material can be found in various garments such as suits, jackets, dresses, coats and even shoes.
Find out what raincoat is and how to wash it step by step
Although gabardine is a fabric with good resistance to water and the passage of time, it needs some washing tips. This way, it is possible to extend its useful life and preserve its quality and brilliance. You just have to take the following steps into consideration.
1. Check the label
The safest thing to do at the time of gabardine treatment is Read the manufacturer’s specific instructions. There it is suggested whether it is better to dry clean, with cold water, in the washing machine or by hand.
2. Remove the accessories
If the trench coat is a coat or coat, it is likely to carry a belt or other internal accessories. It is important to remove each of them before washing.
3. Treat stains
The specific stains on the raincoat are treated with a liquid solvent suitable for colored fabrics. It should be applied to the affected area, previously moistened with cold water, and left to act for 30 minutes. Then, remove and wash thoroughly.
It is recommended to apply the stain remover to an inconspicuous area of ​​the garment before using it on the affected area. This checks whether the product does not discolor or damage the fabric.
4. Insert into washing machine
Gabardine is a fabric which, in general, can be sanitized in the washing machine. However, it must not be mixed with clothing such as towels or others that release lint.
The items that can be washed together are those of similar colours. Once on the machine also place the belt and accessories. Program a wash with a hot-cold cyclehot-hot or cold-cold.
5. Dryer safe
Is it possible to process gabardine in the dryer, as long as a low-temperature delicate cycle is set. Remove immediately at the end of the program to avoid creasing. On the other hand, it can be dried in the open air, avoiding wire hangers.
6. Check and iron
If the garment was stained, it is necessary to verify that the product has worked after washing and drying. The gabardine can then be ironed at a low temperature and on the reverse side of the fabric to avoid damaging it.
7. Save
The best way to store these garments once sanitized is by hanging them on a hanger and protecting them with a sheet of paper.
What is trench coat and how to wash it in pants?
Almost all gabardine garments can be sanitized by these washing actions. This is a method that extends the life and quality of the fabric.
However, some manufacturers suggest hand washing black gabardine trousers, placing them in a bucket with cold water and laundry detergent. The garment should always be turned inside out to wash it inside out.
Avoid creasing inside the bucket and leave to soak for 40 minutes. Then remove, rinse and hang. This is a specific method for the first few washes when the garment is new. Then you can use the washing machine according to the steps described.
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