I can live with a jacket being dry-cleaned infrequently — or not at all
Trousers are a different matter entirely. Wear them long enough and they become uncomfortable, there’s no way around it. With no decent dry cleaner nearby, I decided to take the plunge and start washing my woollen trousers at home. That was about a year ago.
Not a single casualty so far.
Fabrics I’ve put through it
Fine worsted · Flannel · High-twist / heavy weight · Cavalry twill All came out in good order.
What you’ll need
- A machine with a wool or delicates cycle
- Wool and cashmere detergent
- A good iron
Do use a detergent specifically designed for wool and cashmere — don’t be tempted to use regular laundry detergent out of convenience. Their formulations are completely different (for example, ordinary detergents often contain harsh enzymes and alkaline agents that can damage wool fabrics). Wool and cashmere detergents may be a little more expensive, but they are worth it.
The process
- Run the wool or delicates cycle, cold wash, minimal spin.
- Air-dry, inside-out, upside down if possible. Do no use dryer or radiators.
This is where wool does something rather remarkable: most of the shape comes back of its own accord as it dries. - Once fully dry, press the trouser creases back in with an iron. Use a pressing cloth.
For a proper guide to pressing trousers, Mr Patrick has an excellent video tutorial that’s well worth your time. The technique he demonstrates makes a significant difference to the end result.
Will it match what a skilled presser produces? No, of course not. For daily wear, though, I find it perfectly adequate.
A note of caution
My sample size is small. This is nothing more than a personal account, and I’m not suggesting anyone follow my lead without a degree of caution. If you do want to try it, consider testing first on a remnant or offcut from the same cloth before risking a finished pair of trousers.
Do not attempt to machine-wash a suit jacket. Jackets are an entirely different story — a bespoke jacket should go to a proper, higher-end dry cleaner.
Personal experience only · Results may vary by cloth and machine
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