Ways To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Winter Coat

Winter is coming, and it's time to break out the cosy coats! But what if your beloved jacket no longer fits as it should? Fear not, for there are ways to stretch out your winter coat and make it comfortable again. From leather to denim and wool to synthetic materials, each type of fabric has its own unique stretching requirements. It's important to note that there are risks involved, and your garment could be ruined, so proceed with caution! In this guide, we will explore the dos and don'ts of stretching your winter coat, ensuring a perfect fit for the chilly season ahead.

Soak in cold water, then gently pull at the sides to stretch it out

Stretching a winter coat can be a tricky process, and there is always a risk of ruining the garment. If your coat is made of wool, soaking it in cold water and then gently pulling it at the sides is a potential method for stretching it out. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

First, check that your coat is made of wool. Wool is famous for its ability to shrink and stretch, but it is doubtful that it will stretch to the desired shape. It is a good idea to get measurements for how much you want to stretch the coat beforehand. Soak the coat in cold water for 15-20 minutes, or until it is completely saturated. Then, allow the excess water to drain while the jacket is laying down, and lay it flat on a towel or table.

Now it is time to start stretching. Gently pull at both sides of the body or sleeve to achieve your desired shape. Make sure you are pulling uniformly to avoid distorting the shape of the jacket. You can use pins, clips, books/weights, and other items to hold the jacket in its proper shape as it dries. After it is dry, steam out any wrinkles, let it sit, and then try it on again. If you are not satisfied with the results, repeat the process.

While this method can be effective for wool coats, it is important to note that many wool jackets, particularly suit jackets, have liners made of polyester, acrylic, silk, or other materials that will not stretch. This can cause odd bunching at the inside hems and negate the stretching of the wool. If this is the case, there are a few ways to deal with it: split the liner at the back to ease up tension, cut out the entire liner with a knife, or take the jacket to a tailor and have them take out the seams.

Wear it in the shower, then stretch and move in it while it dries

If your winter coat is feeling a little snug, you can try wearing it in the shower and then stretching and moving while it dries. This method works best on non-stretch coats made of natural materials, such as 100% cotton or leather.

First, put on your coat and get it slightly damp by either stepping into the shower with it on or spraying it with room-temperature water. If you choose to spray it, you can do so before or after putting it on. Next, perform some gentle stretches and movements to loosen the fabric. You can try crossing your arms or pushing them forward to feel tension in the coat, or do some lunges to stretch out the legs. Continue these movements until the coat is dry, which should take around 30 minutes.

If you're stretching a leather coat, be sure to wear it until it's completely dry to prevent mould from forming. Keep it indoors or out of direct sunlight in mild or cool weather to maintain the best results. Avoid exposing leather to extreme temperatures, such as freezers, hair dryers, washing machines, or flat irons.

While this method can be effective, it's important to note that there is always a risk of ruining your garment. Weak seams can pop, knits can distort, and fabrics can lose their colour. If your coat is irreplaceable or has sentimental value, you may want to proceed with caution.

Hang it up, soak it, then tug it downwards

Stretching out a winter coat can be done in several ways, but one of the most effective methods is to "hang it up, soak it, then tug it downwards". Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Hang It Up:

Start by hanging your coat on a sturdy hanger. This could be on a hook, a shower rod, or anywhere else that can support the weight of a wet coat. Ensure that you have ample space to work around the coat and that the area can accommodate some dripping water.

Soak It:

Using a spray bottle, gently mist the coat with room temperature water until it is slightly damp. Do not oversaturate the fabric, as this may affect its colour or integrity. If your coat is made of leather, be cautious and test a small area first, as some leathers may react poorly to water.

Tug It Downwards:

Now, gently tug at the bottom hem of the coat, pulling it downwards. You can also attach weights to the hem and sleeves to aid in the stretching process. This technique helps lengthen the coat, making it slimmer in the arms and torso. Continue tugging or applying weights until the coat feels slightly looser.

It is important to note that this method may not work for all coat materials. Natural fibres like cotton or wool are more amenable to stretching, while synthetic fabrics like nylon may not stretch at all. Additionally, some coats with liners may not stretch evenly due to the different materials used. Always exercise caution and test a small area first if you are unsure about the coat's material or its reaction to water.

Wear it damp and do housework/chores

If your winter coat is made of denim, you can put it on and spray it with room-temperature water until it is damp. Then, do some housework or chores while wearing the coat until it is dry. This method may cause unsightly points of excessive stretch on the coat if it fits too slim, but it is a good way to make the coat conform to your body.

If your coat is made of leather, you can try a similar method. Saturate the jacket with room-temperature water, zip it up, and do gentle, basic stretches to get rid of tight areas. Wear the jacket until it is completely dry. Keep it indoors and out of the sun for the best results.

If your coat is made of wool, suit material, or another type of blazer, you can soak the jacket in cold water for 15-20 minutes, or until it is completely saturated. Then, lay it flat on a towel or table and gently pull at both sides of the body or sleeve to stretch it out. Make sure you are pulling uniformly and not distorting the shape of the jacket. You can use pins, clips, books, or weights to hold the jacket in its proper shape as it dries.

If your coat is made of duck canvas, it is not recommended that you attempt to stretch it.

Soak it, lay it flat, then tug at the edges to stretch it out as it dries

Stretching a winter coat can be a tricky process, and there is always a risk of ruining the garment. If your coat is irreplaceable or holds sentimental value, it may be best to leave it be and find a replacement. However, if you are willing to take the risk, one method to stretch out a winter coat is to soak it, lay it flat, and then tug at the edges as it dries. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Soaking the Coat

Before you begin, make sure your coat is made of a natural fibre such as wool or cotton, as these are the best materials for stretching. Do not attempt this method with synthetic fibres or leather. Fill a basin or tub with cold water and submerge the coat completely. Allow the coat to soak for 15-20 minutes, or until it is fully saturated. Do not agitate the coat while it is soaking.

Step 2: Draining and Laying Flat

After soaking, remove the coat from the water and allow excess water to drain. Do not wring or twist the fabric, as this may damage the fibres. Gently lay the coat flat on a towel or table, taking care not to distort its shape.

Step 3: Tug at the Edges

Once the coat is laid flat, it's time to start stretching. Gently tug at the edges of the coat, focusing on the areas you want to stretch out. For example, if you want to widen the coat, tug at the sides. If you want to lengthen it, tug at the bottom hem. Be sure to pull uniformly and avoid distorting the coat's shape. You can use pins, clips, books, or weights to hold the coat in the desired shape as it dries.

Step 4: Drying and Steaming

Allow the coat to air dry completely. Once dry, use a steamer or iron to remove any wrinkles. Be careful not to apply direct heat to the fabric, as this may cause shrinkage or damage.

Step 5: Trying on the Coat

Finally, try on the coat to see if it fits as desired. If not, repeat the process as needed until you achieve the desired fit.

Remember, this method may not work for all coats, and there is always a risk of damaging the garment. Always exercise caution and consider having a professional tailor make alterations if you are unsure about the process.

Frequently asked questions