Jacket Care: How to Keep Your Irish Jacket Lasting Through Rain, Wind, and Years
When you live in Ireland, a jacket, a weatherproof outer layer designed to shield against Atlantic storms and damp chill. Also known as a waterproof coat, it’s not fashion—it’s survival. Your jacket isn’t just something you throw on. It’s the barrier between you and the rain that comes sideways, the wind that cuts through wool, and the mud that clings to your boots. And if you don’t care for it, it won’t care for you.
Not all jackets are made the same. In Ireland, you’ll see waxed cotton, a traditional, breathable fabric treated with paraffin to repel water on fishermen’s coats and hikers’ jackets. Then there’s technical shell fabric, a modern, lightweight material with waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex, used by runners and commuters who need to move fast and stay dry. And let’s not forget the Aran wool jacket, a thick, naturally water-resistant knit passed down through generations—warm, heavy, and perfect for cold mornings on the coast. Each type needs different care. Wash a waxed jacket like a shirt? You’ll strip its protection. Tumble dry a technical shell? You’ll melt the coating. Ignore the care label, and your jacket turns into a soggy, useless layer.
Simple habits make all the difference. After a rainy walk, hang your jacket in a dry, ventilated space—not in a damp hallway or a hot dryer. Brush off mud while it’s still dry. Re-wax your cotton jacket every 6 to 12 months, depending on use. Use a proper wax, not candle or paraffin from the kitchen. Clean technical jackets with a gentle detergent made for membranes, not regular soap. Rinse twice. Never use fabric softener. Store it loosely on a wide hanger, not crammed in a closet. These aren’t luxury steps—they’re the reason your jacket lasts five years instead of two.
And it’s not just about the fabric. Zippers get stiff in salt air. Hoods fray from wind. Pockets tear from heavy boots. Check the seams. Lubricate the zippers with beeswax. Sew loose threads before they unravel. A little attention every few weeks saves you hundreds in replacements. In Ireland, where the weather doesn’t wait and replacements are expensive, your jacket is an investment. Treat it like one.
Below, you’ll find real advice from Irish people who live with these jackets every day. Whether you’re fixing an old waxed coat, cleaning a hiking shell, or wondering if your Aran jacket needs special treatment, the posts here give you exactly what works—not theory, not marketing, just what’s been tested in rain, wind, and Irish winters.
