Care guide
How to care for a parachute jacket.
Parachute jackets are easy to look after, but a few small habits can wear out the water-resistant coating and the zippers. Here is how to wash, dry, and store yours so it lasts.
Before you wash
Empty the pockets, close every zipper and velcro strap, and remove the hood if it detaches. Open zippers can snag and damage the fabric.
Washing
- Use cold or lukewarm water.
- Use a mild detergent. Skip bleach and fabric softener, which can weaken the water-resistant coating.
- Wash by hand, or use a gentle machine cycle with the jacket in a laundry bag.
- For small stains, just wipe with a damp cloth and a little soap.
Drying
Don’t wring it hard. Press the water out gently, then hang it on a hanger in the shade. Long hours in direct sun can fade the color. Avoid hot tumble dryers.
Ironing
Parachute fabric is sensitive to heat, so it is best not to iron it. If you must, use the lowest setting with a cloth on top, and keep the iron off prints and rubber patches.
Storing
Make sure the jacket is completely dry before you put it away, so it doesn’t smell or grow mold. Hang it in the wardrobe, or fold it loosely when you travel.
Looking after the zippers
Brush sand and dirt out of the zipper teeth with a soft brush. If a zipper sticks, rub a little wax or a dry bar of soap along the teeth.
Water resistance fades. The water-resistant coating on a parachute jacket slowly wears down with washing and wear. Gentle care helps it last longer.
