A Complete Guide on How to Wash a Bomber Jacket

Understanding Bomber Jacket Materials

Understanding the material of a bomber jacket is the first step before you think about washing it. Each fabric whether leather, or nylon reacts differently to water and cleaners. Take a minute to identify the jacket's construction because it will help you pick the right method to wash it.

• The classic bomber jacket is made with nylon or polyester which is both adaptable and durable.
• The Satin bomber jacket is known for its smooth and shiny surface, and also demands special care.
• Leather bomber jackets have classic style and rough durability.
• The nylon bomber jacket is lightweight, durable and ideal for casual wear.
• The polyester bomber jacket is common and simple to care for everyday wear.
• Bomber Shearling Jacket has a soft and warm inner which makes it perfect for colder areas.

Read the Care Label

After understanding the jacket’s material, read the label carefully. The label on your jacket will tell you whether your jacket is machine washable or if it needs to be hand-washed. It will also offer a temperature guide and other important care instructions. Here's an simple overview to understand care labels

• Machine Washable
• Hand Wash
• Dry Clean Only
• Cold Water
• Gentle Cycle

Spot Stains Before Washing

Before you start washing the jacket, find any stains or spots. Next, use a soft brush or a cloth and add a detergent to gently clean the area. Do not rub with hard hands because this may damage the fabric. For leather or any other sensitive fabrics, use a specialized cleaner.

Pre-Wash Preparation

If your jacket is machine washable, turn it inside out. This will protect the outside fabric and zippers. For hand washing, fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Gently mix the water to create suds then wash the jacket with soft hands.

Washing Machine Method

If the jacket’s care label says you can wash your jacket in a machine, set the machine to a gentle cycle with cold water. No bleach or any detergents. Best to wash it alone or with similar colors to avoid bleeding. For extra protection, put it into a mesh laundry bag so it does not snag during wash.

Hand Washing Method

For hand washing, put the jacket in a basin with soapy water and soak it for 10 to 15 minutes. Use your hands to move the water around and check the stained or dirty areas while washing it. Remember, avoid wringing, as it stresses the fabric and ruins the shape.

Make Sure to Rinse Well

Once you’re done washing, the next step is to rinse your bomber jacket. If hand washing, drain the soapy water, refill the basin with cold water and swish the jacket around until no suds remain. If machine washing, add an extra rinse cycle to make sure all detergent is gone.

Dry the Jacket

Don’t dry your bomber jacket with the dryer as the heat will shrink the fabric or damage it. Instead, press it gently between two towels to get out excess water. Once that’s done, let it air dry in a ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heaters. If you want, you can also hang it on a wide hanger to help keep its shape.

Post Drying Care

Once your jacket is dry, give it a quick look for any wrinkles. People often ask, do bomber jackets need to be ironed? In most cases, yes. A handheld steamer or an iron on the lowest setting is enough to smooth things out without harming the fabric. If you are dealing with a leather bomber jacket, never use heat, instead use a leather conditioner to keep the material soft.