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Waterproof Clothing

  • Yes, as you optimise the moisture and dirt-repellent properties of your garment by impregnating the outer fabric of your clothing. Moisture simply beads off, which leads to improved breathability as well as feeling more pleasant and comfortable to wear.

    Waterproofing at home:
    To ensure proper, professional-quality waterproofing, we recommend only using the care products from Jack Wolfskin on our products APPAREL CLEAN & PROOF 60. Apply the impregnating agent to the garment according to the usage instructions. After leaving to dry, the impregnating agent can then be activated with heat by using a tumble dryer or iron (both on the lowest temperature level). The beading effect described above is achieved when drying the garment in a tumble dryer or by ironing it on the outside (without steam) at a low heat. The heat reactivates the impregnating agent.
    Please follow the care instructions sewn into the product!

  • A repair which is professional and visually perfect can only be achieved using original materials by our repair department.

    Please note that the complaint procedure varies depending on where you bought the item.
    If you purchased the article from our online shop, then you can find all the necessary information on how to proceed here.

    If you purchased the article from a retailer or in-store, then you should proceed as explained here.

    Important: Apparel that is sent to be repaired or returned should always be received freshly washed. Thank you!

  • Wash your apparel in the washing machine!

    Washing detergent:
    It is best to use mild detergents or mild detergents specially formulated for sportswear. It is particularly recommended to use special detergents for outdoor functional clothing, which wash without leaving a residue APPAREL CLEAN & PROOF 300 and APPAREL CLEAN & PROOF 60. This means: it is better to wash often, using a small amount of detergent, than wash rarely and use a lot.

    Important: Do not use fabric softener under any circumstances.
    Beware! Some liquid detergents contain fabric softeners.

    Before washing:
    Close all zips and Velcro fastenings, and select the gentle cycle.\Do not use conventional stain removers for stain removal, as this may affect the functionality of the material. You can treat heavily soiled areas (collars, cuffs, pockets) with a soft brush and bile soap before washing. Please also note the care instructions sewn into the product!

  • Conventional stain removers can affect the functionality of the material. Instead, apply a little undiluted liquid detergent or bile soap directly to the stain before washing.

  • Washing a ski jacket: wash programme and detergent

    Before washing your ski jacket, stop and ask yourself: is this really necessary? Generally speaking, functional clothing should be put into the washing machine as little as possible, so that the sensitive materials are not damaged. However, if you feel that your ski jacket is in need of a good wash, first of all carefully read the instructions on the care label.
    It is generally best not to put items like a ski jacket into the washing machine together with other laundry. The zip on your ski jacket could, for one thing, damage your favourite blouse. Moreover, you would be wise to choose a special detergent for waterproof functional items, so that your ski jacket is washed properly. This will ensure that your ski jacket remains breathable and water-repellent but it is not the detergent you would otherwise choose for everyday washing. If you have a down jacket, then choose a detergent that is specifically geared towards down. It preserves the natural loft of down.
    Furthermore, irrespective of whether you intend to wash a new ski jacket or one that has already been worn, avoid, whatever you do, the use of either a fabric softener or bleach, as these will clog the pores in the membrane. Moreover, select a programme for delicates and a slow spin when washing your ski jacket.

    Instructions: how to wash correctly

    Step-by-step guide to washing a ski jacket:

    • The ski jacket should be washed separately from other items (apart from other functional wear).
    • Clear out the pockets and fasten the zip and Velcro fastenings of your ski jacket.
    • Carefully read the instructions of your care label and follow them. Unless otherwise specified, continue as follows:
    • Treat any soiled parts of the jacket with a damp sponge.
    • Turn your ski jacket inside out and put it into the washing machine.
    • Add the detergent for functional wear. Make sure that you do not overdo the detergent.
    • Select a wash programme for delicates and nothing higher than 40 degrees.
    • Spin only briefly and slowly.
    Drying a ski jacket

    Either lay a ski jacket flat on a clothes horse or place on a hanger to dry. Check the manufacturer’s care label for the item to see if it is suitable to put in a tumble dryer. If in doubt, let the ski jacket dry naturally in the open air as this is the gentlest method.

    Waterproofing a ski jacket

    Before heading to the slopes again, you should look to reproof your ski jacket, so that it remains breathable and water-repellent in the future. You can quite easily add a waterproofing product to the wash cycle. Alternatively, you can use a waterproofing spray and waterproof your ski jacket while it is still damp.
    For more details on waterproofing functional clothing, please go here.

  • Yes, you can – and should do too! Washing your rain jacket regularly is important especially if you wear it often, as this is the only way you can be sure to get rid of dirt, grease residue and sweat. If you do not wash your rain jacket, the pores of the protective membrane will ultimately become clogged, which will impair the breathability of your jacket. As a rule of thumb: if you wear your rain jacket every day, wash it once per month.

    Washing a rain jacket: by hand or in the washing machine?

    Generally speaking, there is no reason why you cannot put your rain jacket in the washing machine. Nevertheless, choose a programme without a spin cycle or one with a brief and slow spin. If in doubt, check the care instructions on the sewn-in label.
    Treat the areas that are more prone to getting dirty (e.g. collar, cuffs, pockets) first of all with a soft brush and using gall soap and water before popping it into the washing machine.

    What is the best detergent to use for washing a rain jacket?

    Above all else: do NOT use an all-purpose detergent, fabric softener or bleaching agent on your rain jacket. Furthermore, liquid detergents are more suitable than powder, as the latter can clog the pores. Butplease be careful, even with liquid detergents: some liquid detergents contain a fabric softener. Mild detergents or ones especially geared towards outdoor functional clothing are best of all since the detergent washes out easily.
    Do not overdo the amount of detergent for washing your rain jacket. In general, it is better to wash often, using a small amount of detergent, than to wash rarely and use a lot of detergent.

    Washing a rain jacket: step-by-step guide

    Most waterproof jackets can be washed in the machine at 30 degrees. Please read the instructions in the care label first of all.Easy steps to washing your rain jacket:

    • Pretreat those areas of the jacket that are prone to getting dirty with a soft brush and gall soap.
    • Fasten all zips and Velcro fastenings, then put the jacket into the washing machine.
    • Select a wash programme for delicates.
    • Select the temperature depending on the membrane – 30 to 40 degrees – as long as nothing else is stated on the care label.
    • Use a liquid detergent for outdoor functional clothing and follow the instructions.
    • Rinse the jacket several times with fresh water, in order to remove any detergent that is still in the material.
    • Then hang out your jacket to dry naturally.
    Waterproofing a rain jacket

    You should not only wash your rain jacket regularly but waterproof it, too, if you wish to be permanently protected against the wind and rain. A simple test would be to put it under the tap after you have washed it. If the tap water simply runs off, you do not need to do anything else. If, however, this is not the case, then you should look to reproof the jacket with the respective spray or a waterproofing detergent. Alternatively, you can get your jacket waterproofed professionally. A jacket that has been waterproofed is more breathable too – and, thus, the best companion for your next trip.

  • No matter whether it is a rain jacket, softshell, ski jacket or even a down jacket, we have all seen how great it is to see water simply pearl and run off the jacket, which lets us withstand adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, this layer of protection needs to be looked after on a regular basis. Jackets lose their breathability and ability to repel water over time as a result of dirt, sweat and washing. Consequently, you should waterproof your rain jacket and softshell on a regular basis. As a rule of thumb, it is time to waterproof your items after three to four washes.

    An extra tip: if you are unsure whether your jacket needs to be waterproofed again, carry out the following test. Hold your jacket briefly under a jet of water. If water simply runs off the jacket, it still provides sufficient protection. If the material soaks up the water, then you know it’s time to waterproof it again.

    Step by step: how to waterproof your jacket correctly

    You can quite simply ensure that your jacket is weatherproof once again in the comfort of your own home with a wash-in waterproofing product. What do you need for this? A washing machine, a waterproofing product and heat.

    Step 1: Put the contents of the waterproofing product into the detergent drawer. Put the item of clothing (e.g. rain jacket) that is to be waterproofed into the washing machine. Set the machine programme to wash and rinse (temperature, where possible, at least 30 degrees). Check the clothing item’s care label beforehand.
    Step 2: The waterproofing is activated by heat, so this is the next step in the process. That is the reason why the rain jacket or softshell needs to go into the tumble dryer after the wash cycle. If you don’t have a tumble dryer, you can activate the waterproofing by either ironing the item of clothing or blow-drying it using a hairdryer. Once again, please remember: check the care label beforehand.

    Alternatives: waterproofing spray for your jacket

    If you prefer not to wash your jacket before you set off on your next trip, simply use a spray to waterproof your jacket. A waterproofing spray is perfect for ski jackets and down jackets that have an insulating layer. Benefit of this waterproofing method: you can pinpoint and treat areas that are very soiled.

    How to waterproof an item using a spray:

    • Place the jacket on an even surface or put on a coat hanger
    • Waterproof the item using a spray from a short distance (please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on whether to spray onto a dry or damp surface)
    • Leave the item for a few minutes so that the waterproofing process begins to work
    • Remove the excess from the jacket’s surface
    • Activate the waterproofing of the jacket by applying heat. This can be done either in a tumble dryer, with an iron or hairdryer – depending on the instructions on the clothing label.

    If you haven’t yet bought your waterproofing product, take a look at our care products.

  • The advantages of wash-in waterproofing


    Your favourite outdoor jacket always kept the rain out but your jumper underneath felt damp after the last downpour. Consequently, it’s about time that you waterproofed the jacket again. This is really easy with wash-in waterproofing.
    Not only that, it also has distinct advantages over other methods such as a spray, including the following:

    • Wash-in waterproofing ensures that every part of your item of clothing is evenly covered.
    • You won’t miss a spot.
    • You won’t breathe in any unpleasant fumes.
    • The fabric absorbs the waterproofing treatment better when it is wet rather than dry.
    • Wash-in waterproofing is quite simply easy and convenient.
    Wash-in waterproofing: please bear in mind the following

    Before you buy a wash-in waterproofing product, please take time to read the manufacturer’s information on the item of clothing in question. Why? It goes without saying that the item of clothing will be completely immersed in the wash-in waterproofing solution when this is done in the washing machine, including the inside of your jacket. Nevertheless, not all fabrics are suitable for wash-in waterproofing. In some cases, moisture stemming from sweat will quite simply run off on the inside of your clothing item instead of, as intended, being absorbed by the fabric and the moisture wicked away to the outside.
    You won’t need to worry about this if your jacket’s material is TEXAPORE, which is a material used by Jack Wolfskin for outdoor jackets. You can safely use wash-in waterproofing on our TEXAPORE jackets. By the way, our jackets featuring a Texapore Ecosphere membrane are especially sustainable. They are made from 100% recycled material.
    Very important: please ensure you take a look at what is included in the contents of wash-in waterproofing before buying it. Some of the products are based on per- and polyfluoride chemicals (PFCs). These are controversial and harm the environment. Consequently, we – at Jack Wolfskin – have decided to avoid these chemicals completely. Our wash-in waterproofing product is entirely PFC-free. You do not have to worry that you may be harming the environment with our wash-in waterproofing products and other Jack Wolfskin care products.

    Application: how to apply wash-in waterproofing correctly

    Have you got the right wash-in waterproofing product to waterproof your rain jacket? Then off you go:

    • Fasten all buttons and do up all zips.
    • Put the prescribed amount of waterproofing detergent into the detergent drawer.
    • Turn the setting to a full wash at 30 degrees plus rinse cycle. Check the ‘washing instructions’ label in the item of clothing once more.
    • The waterproofing is activated by means of heat. This means that you either need to put your item of clothing in the tumble dryer for 50 minutes on a medium heat or refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, you can iron the jacket or pair of trousers until completely dry.

    You will then see that your jacket can withstand wind and rain no matter what outside activity you have in mind.

  • The beauty of nature is wild and raw in the winter. Luckily, your ski pants and ski jacket will protect you against the snow and the icy winds, Yet, at the same time, lets your skin breathe. This is achieved thanks to the use of modern hi-tech fibres. If you go skiing often, you will probably have sensed that sweat and oils are absorbed by the fabric. Dirt and salt on the roads settle on the surface of the material. In order to get rid of this yet protect the special attributes of the material, you should look to wash and waterproof your ski pants.

    Instructions: how to wash your ski pants the right way

    If you intend washing your ski pants, please take heed of the following: the functional fabric needs special care.

    Read on to find out how to wash your ski pants:

    1. Check the care label: Firstly, read the instructions on the care label if you intend to wash your ski pants. It will tell you how best to wash your ski pants, whether or not to use a spin dryer and/or tumble dryer.

    2. Check the pockets: Go through all the pockets – not forgetting the back pockets and those on the legs of the ski pants. Take everything out, then make sure all the fastenings are closed.

    3. Check all fastenings: Ensure that all the fastenings – Velcro, zips and press studs – are closed. This also goes for the snowskirt. Then you know that there is less danger of metal parts getting caught up inside of the drum and causing seams to tear.

    4. Turn inside out: The inside of your ski pants normally consists of a soft fleece and the outer material is a waterproof functional fabric. Therefore, to protect the outer fabric, always turn your ski pants inside out before putting them into the washing machine.

    5. Detergent: Choosing the correct detergent is important if you intend washing your ski pants! Whatever you do, ensure that you use a special detergent for washing outdoor clothing. Normal washing powder is not suitable for functional fibres.

    6. Washing machine programme: Some washing machines have a specific programme for sportswear and outdoor clothing. Alternatively, choose a programme for delicates at 30 degrees and a slow spin. Take a tip from us: Give your ski pants an extra rinse to make sure that any detergent has been thoroughly washed out

    7. Drying: If the care label says that you can tumble-dry your ski pants, choose a gentle programme. Alternatively, simply hang up your ski pants on a hanger to dry. However, you should waterproof them beforehand.

    How to waterproof ski pants when washing them

    Look to waterproof your ski pants, waterproof trousers or softshell trousers after washing them. This will keep them at their best, so that their breathability is maintained and the water pearls off.

    How to waterproof your ski pants after washing them:

    • Read the instructions on the waterproofing bottle/spray carefully and follow them.
    • Make sure there is no washing powder still in the detergent drawer of the washing machine; clean the drawer if necessary.
    • Thoroughly shake the bottle containing the waterproofing product and add the recommended amount to the detergent drawer.
    • Chose a wash programme (including rinse) with a temperature of 30 degrees and wash your ski pants with the waterproofing product.
    • Heat is imperative, in order to activate the waterproofing. Then put your ski pants in the tumble-dryer on a low to medium heat for 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can also iron the ski pants. Set the iron to a temperature of 110 degrees. Please ensure that you follow the care instructions on the ski pant’s care label.
    More tips for looking after your ski pants

    Itching to wear them out on the slopes? Then your ski pants should be ready for action! If you intend washing your ski pants, please take care not to fall into the following traps.

    You will avoid any mishaps if you follow these tips:

    1. No bleach: White ski pants are particularly prone to showing the dirt. Use gall soap and water to pretreat stubborn stains when you intend washing a pair of white ski pants. Bleach should never be used to wash functional clothing.

    2. Not too often: You should only wash your ski pants when it is really necessary. After all, each wash stresses the fabric.

    3. No fabric conditioner: Avoid fabric softener at all costs if you wash functional clothes like winter jackets, rain jackets, ski pants or hiking trousers. The cationic tenside contained in fabric softener envelops the fibres and can damage the breathability.

    4. Do not wash the item at the last minute: Never leave washing your ski pants until the last moment before setting off on your next trip. They will need to air for a day or so after drying. Airing will allow the remaining dampness to evaporate.

    As you can see: It’s not that difficult to wash your ski pants in the right way. If you care for your ski pants, you’ll get plenty of wear out of them And if you do decide to buy yourself new ski pants, why not take a look at our interactive Jack Wolfskin trouser guide!

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