I can't find a label on my jacket... You know, the kind that would typically say dry clean only, or 70% cotton, 30% polyester...
I have had this jacket for a while and have only ever dry cleaned it. It's a suit jacket. For work.
I suspect it's meant to only be dry cleaned but I'm considering throwing it in the washer on cold, the gentle cycle.
What's the worst that could happen?
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
The lining could shrink and the jacket material not. Or the jacket material shrink and the lining not. Either way, fabrics shrink at different rates, and if they weren't washed before the fabric was sewn into the jacket, you will have a problem with the lining vs. the jacket not matching up.
And I have seen fabric shrink 25% when washed, and that was cold delicate.
In other words, I would seriously advise against this. Unless you don't care if you can't ever wear it again.
Sorry!
Posted by TL (Member # 8124) on :
Hmmm, it would actually be a great thing if the jacket material shrunk. I've lost a little weight.
Maybe if they end up not matching I can just take the lining out and keep wearing the jacket anyway.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Well, whatever works for you. At least you've been warned, so if it all goes wrong, you'll be prepared for it.
If you're at all handy with a sewing machine, you could re-line it with new material that you've washed before sewing into a finished garment.
Good luck!
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Dry cleaning one item is usually not THAT expensive. There are home dry cleaning kits (Dryel is one brand) that work okay too.
Before I took a chance a ruining a beloved jacket, I would at least try the home dry cleaning approach.
Depending on the fabric, this thing may just become unwearable after you send it through the washer.
Posted by MandyM (Member # 8375) on :
In my experience, if you water wash anything that has been previously dry cleaned, it ruins it. Maybe it was just my particular clothing. I agree about the lining problem as well. I think you will ruin your jacket if you wash it.
Posted by TL (Member # 8124) on :
Well, I washed it and it came out perfectly. Score one for the risk-takers. Thanks for the advice everyone (even though I ignored it).
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
I have water washed certain items that had been previously dry cleaned, with good results, but I wouldn't have taken bets on the jacket coming out okay. Glad it worked for you.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Wow. Glad it worked, but yeah, my bets weren't for it working out. Coolness for you. Posted by Zotto! (Member # 4689) on :
Rats. I was hoping it would explode or something.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I would NOT do that again....the lining isn't made for it, and neither is the workmenship. The felt in th coller is going to be runied, as will the interior.
BTW< I sell suits for a living.
Posted by TL (Member # 8124) on :
Right, well, took a chance. The felt is fine, the lining is fine. All is well.
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