Does rain ruin a woolen coat?

Question

In the recent deluge I think my nice fitting mostly woolen coat has lost it's shape a bit and maybe a bit of it's quality. I only bought it a couple of months ago and loved its slim shape but now its starting to bulge out a bit and look slightly worn. Did the heavy rain affect it? It's sort of blazer type wool/plyester mix?

Answer 1

Not normally, you should have gently pulled the coat back into shape when it was wet. Water does not harm wool - you wash your jerseys and cardigans don't you? The polyester mix should also help to protect the coat . Try having it dry cleaned as that process will help to put it back in shape.

Answer 2

Wool is usually very good at sheding rain. In fact, in a recent trans-Atlantic crossing by Norse-reenactors in a longship, the guys who wore wool over linen were more comfortable than those who wore modern Goretex.

That said, the combination of heat and agitation (movement) can distort wool (that's why you should never put wool garments in the washer and dryer). If you were running or doing over heavy labour in the rain, that combination may have contributed to the bulging.

Take it to a good dry cleaner. They'll have the equipment to re-block the shape of your coat.

Answer 3

No, water usually shrinks wool, not bulk it out. Try taking it to the dry cleaners, see if theres anything they can do to steam it back into shape.

Answer 4

doesnt ruin unless the dyes used are not perminate or cheap. Now having high temperatures can shrink the material so it's a reason for the dry clean only tag.

Answer 5

Go on a reverse diet and eat alot of food, you will fit right in. Burp!!!!

Answer 6

Do sheep shrink? There ya go!

Answer 7

yes it does

Answer 8

no