Coat Care Tips: Keep Your Irish Coat Looking New Longer

When you live in Ireland, your coat, a essential outer layer built to handle rain, wind, and sudden temperature drops. Also known as a trench coat, wool coat, or waterproof outerwear, it’s not just fashion—it’s survival gear. A good coat can last ten years or more if you treat it right. But leave it crumpled in a damp hallway after a walk in Galway rain, or toss it in the washer like a t-shirt, and you’ll be buying a new one by next winter.

Most Irish coats are made from wool, tweed, or technical fabrics designed to repel water and hold heat. That means they need different care than your summer jacket. You don’t wash them often—maybe once a year. Instead, brush off dirt with a soft-bristle brush after every wear. Hang them on a wide wooden hanger so they keep their shape. Never hang them by the shoulders if they’re heavy—that stretches the fabric fast. And if it rains? Let it air dry naturally. No heaters, no hairdryers. Heat kills the natural oils in wool and cracks waterproof coatings.

Stains are the real enemy. Mud from the Burren, salt from Dublin sidewalks, or wine from a pub dinner—each needs a different fix. For mud, let it dry completely, then brush it off. For salt, wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. For oil or grease? Sprinkle cornstarch on it, leave it overnight, then brush it away. If you’re unsure, take it to a local dry cleaner who knows Irish weather fabrics. Chains like Dry Clean Ireland or small shops in Cork and Limerick have years of experience with tweed and waterproof layers.

Storage matters just as much as cleaning. Don’t shove your coat into a plastic bag. It traps moisture and invites moths. Use a breathable cotton garment bag, and tuck in a cedar block or two. Moths love wool, and they don’t care if your coat cost €300 or €80. If you’ve got a long wool coat, hang it where it won’t drag on the floor. Fold it loosely if you must store it in a drawer—never cram it.

And what about waterproofing? Most modern Irish coats come with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. That wears off after a few seasons. You can revive it with a spray-on treatment designed for outerwear. Look for ones labeled for wool or technical fabrics. Avoid cheap silicone sprays—they clog the fibers and make your coat sweat. Apply it outside, on a dry day, and let it cure for 24 hours before wearing.

There’s no magic trick. Coat care is just consistency. Brush it. Air it. Store it right. Treat stains early. Skip the washing machine. These small habits add up. You’ll notice the difference when your coat still looks sharp after five winters, while your friend’s new one is already frayed and stained.

Below, you’ll find real advice from Irish women and men who’ve learned these tips the hard way—through rainy commutes, stubborn mud, and moth holes in their favorite coats. Whether you own a classic trench, a heavy wool overcoat, or a modern waterproof shell, there’s something here that’ll help you keep it looking good, working well, and lasting longer.