Technical Clothing: Why Caring for Your Kit is Just as Important as Choosing It
Matthew Holland
High Quality Fabrics, High Quality Care
Choosing the right piece of country clothing is no light decision; we take our time, consider all options, and pick the best qualities we want from our gear. But sometimes, when life gets busy and priorities take over, we can all be guilty of slipping a little in the care and attention department a few months down the line- when the once new and gleaming jacket turns into a mucky, let's face it, additional task to tackle.
These days, country sports gear is a far cry from the old tweeds of yesteryear. It’s built with clever technical fabrics designed for protection, no matter what the great British weather conjures up. But here’s the kicker: these top-quality fabrics require top-quality care. Treat that technical jacket like your everyday laundry, and it won’t last a season.
That’s why, while investing in top-tier gear is essential, how you look after it matters just as much. In this blog, we’ll show you how to care for your technical clothing properly, so whether you’re just in need of a refresh, or you’re new to caring for your technical kit, you’ll have a go-to guide- because looking after your clothing is every bit as important as choosing it.
Know Your Fabrics
Your country sports clothing is designed to keep you dry, warm, and on the go from dawn until last light, and technical fabrics should be cared for in a way that limits damage and prolongs use. So, the best place to start is by getting to know your technical fabrics:
GORE-TEX® or waterproof membranes
- As we all know, the British weather can be slightly wet at the best of times, meaning waterproof membranes are common in the construction of country clothing. GORE-TEX® is one of the most trusted and well-known waterproof membranes used in technical country sports clothing. It is windproof, 100% waterproof, and highly breathable, making it ideal for garments such as shooting jackets, smocks, breeks, overtrousers, and boot liners.
Softshells and stretch panels
- When you need to move freely without sacrificing function, softshell fabrics and stretch panels are your best friends in the field. Unlike hard, rustling waterproof layers, softshells are often wind-resistant, breathable, and water-repellent (note, not waterproof), and are commonly found in mid-layers or hybrid jackets.
Insulated layers (down, synthetic)
- Insulated layers are designed to keep you warm without the bulk. From classic down-filled jackets to modern synthetic insulation, they can be found in cold-weather clothing, ranging from jackets and gilets to layering pieces - anything designed to be insulated, toasty warm, and keep the cold at bay!
Moisture-wicking base layers
- When you're layered up for a day on the hill or in the woods, what you wear next to your skin matters more than you might think. Moisture-wicking base layers are often merino wool, polyester, or blends, designed to pull sweat from the body and regulate body temperature, preventing chills from damp clothing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waterproofing fades, insulation flattens, and breathability gets blocked, making your trusty outer layer feel more like a sponge than a shield. Standard washing can actually cause your gear to underperform when you need it most, so here are some common mistakes to avoid when wash day comes around:
- Avoid Regular Detergent: Firstly, using regular household detergent might seem harmless, but it can actually strip away coatings and clog up breathable membranes, leaving your jacket about as effective as a wet sponge.
- Tumble Drying: Then there’s the tumble dryer. Great for some technical fabrics, but a total disaster for others, as high heat can melt or warp synthetic fibres, ruining insulation or stretch panels in a single cycle.
- Not Reproofing: And finally, the easily forgotten reproofing. After a few washes, even the best waterproofs start to lose their water-beading magic. Failing to reproof when needed, that rainproof jacket turns into little more than a windbreaker.
Kit Care 101: Cleaning Your Technical Gear
So, we’ve guided you around the pitfalls, and now it’s time we gave you the keys to technical TLC. Here, we’ll guide you through the proper care and maintenance of your technical kit, as extra care now means many more seasons in the field.
Waterproof Jackets and trousers
Before washing your waterproofs, brush off any dirt. Replace normal detergent with a technical wash, and use a gentle setting at 30 degrees, avoiding fabric softener (as this can reduce breathability). To keep them performing, use a wash-in reproofer like Nikwax TX Direct every 2–3 washes.
Softshells & Fleece Midlayers
Softeshells and fleece midlayers, while machine washable, should still only be cleaned using a mild technical detergent, and a reproofer like NikWax Polarproof for fleeces, on low heat. Only tumble dry if the label allows, and done right, they’ll stay soft and ready for action.
Base Layers (Thermal & Moisture-Wicking)
Base layers should be washed frequently to manage sweat and odour. Use a specialist Basewash detergent to maintain their stretch and moisture-wicking performance, and always air dry to avoid shrinkage or fabric damage.
Insulated Jackets (Down or Synthetic)
For insulated jackets, use a down-specific detergent, such as Nikwax Down Wash, which is suitable for both down and synthetic fills. Tumble dry on a low heat setting with dryer balls to restore loft. You can even add a Down Proofing treatment to enhance water repellence for extra protection.
Post-Cleaning Storage and Top Tips
We’ve washed, dried, reproofed, and treated, but the care doesn’t stop there. It may sound obvious, but how we store our technical clothing and the ongoing care after its big clean are just as important.
If hanging your clothing, make sure to keep them in a cool, dry cupboard, avoiding sealed plastic bags, as although they are handy for seasonal storage, they can trap moisture and cause mildew. Breathable storage allows fabrics to stay fresh and ready for action.
If your outer layers are due for a reproof, it’s a good idea to treat them before long-term storage, so they’re rain-ready next time you need them. To keep your waterproofing in top form, we recommend reproofing 2–3 times a year (depending on your field activity).
As for continued cleaning, a rule of thumb to go by is: Jackets should be washed every 4–6 outings or when visibly dirty, base layers should be washed after every significant use, and insulated gear should be washed just 1–2 times per season, unless it has seen significant wear.
Keep Your Kit Field-Ready
Whether you’re out on the peg, stalking across windswept moorland, or preparing for a day in the field, your kit is your best friend and first line of defence. Caring for your technical gear is an essential part of keeping your kit performing at its best and with the right care, your waterproofs stay dry, your insulation stays warm, and your base layers stay breathable and comfortable- for years to come.
You can explore our full range of technical care products, base layers, and waterproof clothing on our website. So go and give your hard-working gear the care it deserves, with some technical TLC!
About The Author
Matthew Holland
Matt Holland is passionate about sharing tips on enjoying the British countryside. From field sports to woodland walks, Matt is a proud enthusiast of all country pursuits, with a keen interest in country sports and the heritage, traditions, and tales they offer. Living and working in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Matt combines his love for rural life with practical advice, helping others make the most of the seasons while embracing the thrill of country sports and the beauty of country life.