How to Stop a Jacket from Shedding

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Most jackets are susceptible to shedding, but that doesn't make it any less annoying! Luckily, you can minimize shedding by handling, washing, and storing your jacket properly. It also helps to have a second jacket in rotation so you can alternate them, but if a second jacket isn't in your budget, no biggie! Stick to the tips on proper care and you'll be good to go.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Fleece

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  1. Agitation causes shedding, so turn your jacket inside out before loading it in the wash and use the "gentle" or "delicate" setting with cold water. Wash the jacket by itself since rubbing up against other fabrics, especially fabrics that produce lint, can make shedding worse. [1]
    • Use mild powder laundry detergent for this! Avoid strong detergents, bleach, and liquid fabric softener. [2] To prevent detergent residue, mix the powder with a little water before adding it to the machine. [3]
    • Hot water can damage and loosen fleece fibers, so stick with cold water. [4]
    • If you prefer, handwash the jacket to avoid agitation from the washing machine.
  2. Heat from your dryer can damage fleece fibers and the tumble-dry setting creates friction that causes shedding. To avoid that, hang up your jacket to air-dry. [5]
    • Never iron a fleece jacket since the heat can cause the fibers to degrade. [6]
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  3. Dust tends to collect in fleece fibers, so hang up the jacket by itself in a protected area, like a closet. Place the jacket where it can hang by itself so it won't rub up against other materials. [7]
    • If you’re putting the jacket into long-term storage, consider using a garment bag or putting the jacket in a drawer by itself. The bag protects the jacket from dust and fleece-munching moths. [8]
  4. Quickly and easily get rid of lint and shedding by running a fabric shaver over the surface of the jacket. Be gentle! After shaving the fabric, run a lint roller over the jacket to remove any pesky remains. [9]
    • If you don’t have a fabric shaver, a regular disposable razor works, too.
  5. Your best bet is to have 1-2 other jackets that you can rotate with your fleece jacket so you aren’t wearing it every day. There are no strict rules for how often you can wear fleece, but the more you wear it, the more friction it's exposed to and the more shedding you’ll experience. [10]
    • Frequent wearing also means you have to wash it more often to keep it clean, and washing can cause shedding.
    • Layering another jacket on top of your fleece jacket can protect it from getting dirty when you’re out in the elements.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Down

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  1. If you spot any feathers sticking out of the jacket, resist the urge to pull them out! Repeatedly pulling out feathers can deplete the jacket’s filling. Poke the feathers back into the jacket with your finger. [11]
  2. If your down jacket's liner is shedding feathers, you probably have a small tear, rip, or loose seam. Once you locate the damaged area, hand-sew the opening closed with a needle and thread. Use small, tight stitches to keep the feathers inside. [12]
    • If the seams have large stitches, consider hand-stitching over them with tighter stitches to prevent feathers from coming out.
  3. In a pinch, you can cover the damaged area with a piece of Scotch tape or painters tape until you get a chance to properly mend it. For a more permanent solution, patch it with a piece of duct tape. [13]
    • Since duct tape is super sticky, it will probably cause more damage if you try to pull it off later. It's best to just leave duct tape in place if you use it.
    • Applying a patch can also work in a pinch. Cut the patch in an oval shape or curve the edges to prevent additional damage.
  4. Expose the jacket’s liner and coat the material thoroughly with regular hairspray. The hairspray seals the liner and keeps the feathers inside. Be sure to let the hairspray dry completely before you put the jacket back on. [14]
  5. Frequent washing can stress the seams of the jacket and cause shedding. Limit how often you wash the jacket to 1-2 times a year to keep the liner strong. Since every down jacket is different, check the care label for instructions when it's time to wash it. [15]
    • If the label is missing or you feel nervous about washing the jacket yourself, take it to a dry cleaner instead. The peace of mind might be worth it!
  6. If your down jacket is shedding a lot and looks a bit limp, put it in your dryer with a few tennis balls. Use the lowest heat setting and let it run for just a few minutes. The heat expands and fluffs the feathers so they’re less likely to leak. [16]
  7. Use the jacket as a template to measure the new liner pieces. Mark the measurements on the liner fabric, cut the pieces out, and sew them together with the right sides facing each other. Remember to use tiny stitches! Then, sew the second lining into the jacket with a sewing machine or by hand using a whip stitch. [17]
    • If you know how to sew, this can pretty much solve the shedding issue altogether.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Real and Faux Fur

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  1. Since friction causes fur to shed, try to avoid it when you’re wearing the jacket. When you hang the fur up in your closet, isolate it from the other garments so it isn’t rubbing up against them. [18]
    • For example, take the jacket off before you sit down so the fur isn’t rubbing against your chair. Your purse strap can also cause friction.
  2. Chemical sprays cause fur to get dry and brittle quickly, and brittle fur tends to break and shed. Apply your scents and sprays before you put on your fur jacket, or take the jacket off if you need to reapply anything. [19]
    • Wait for the spray to dry completely before putting the jacket back on.
  3. 3
    Brush faux fur weekly to prevent buildup and tangles. You don't have to do this when the jacket is in storage, but it's a great idea in the winter when you're wearing your jacket a lot. Run a firm bristle brush or pet hair brush in the direction of the fur once a week to prevent matting and get rid of tangles. [20]
  4. Exposure to sunlight can loosen the fur and change its color, so hang it up in a dark, cool place away from humidity. Real fear is quite an investment, so a specialized temperature, humidity, and light-controlled storage facility is the safest option. [21]
    • If you’re storing your fur in a closet, avoid cedar closets. Cedar doesn't protect fur from dust, dirt, or insect damage.
    • Never store real fur inside of a plastic bag, especially a dry cleaning bag. Instead, invest in a linen cloth garment bag, which will help preserve and protect the coat. [22]
  5. Moth balls react with moisture in the air to create a harmful chemical gas that can damage fur beyond repair. The gas also smells pretty awful and the unpleasant odor is tough to remove! [23]
  6. Don’t attempt to clean real or faux fur on your own. If you have a faux fur jacket, take it to a dry cleaner for a cleaning. [24] Avoid dry cleaners if you have real fur, though—the chemicals they use dry out real fur. Instead, take it to a fur professional when it's time for cleaning. [25]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How should I store a fur coat?
    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Fashion Stylist
    Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.
    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Fashion Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Invest in a linen garment bag to preserve and protect the fur. Don't store it in a plastic bag, especially not a dry cleaning bag—they'll degrade the fur quickly.
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      Tips

      • Washing tends to encourage shedding, so be careful. Always read the care label and follow the instructions exactly.
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      • Store your jacket in a cool, dark, dust-free place to prevent shedding and damage.
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      Warnings

      • When you put the jacket in long-term storage, don't put it next to other garments. Rubbing up against other fabrics creates friction that causes shedding.
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      • If you aren't sure how to wash your jacket, take it to a professional cleaner.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://survival-mastery.com/skills/camp/wash-fleece-jacket.html
      2. ↑ https://oureverydaylife.com/how-to-keep-a-fleece-lined-jacket-from-shedding-9763428.html
      3. ↑ https://survival-mastery.com/skills/camp/wash-fleece-jacket.html
      4. ↑ https://hikingmastery.com/diy/how-to-wash-fleece-jacket.html
      5. ↑ https://oureverydaylife.com/how-to-keep-a-fleece-lined-jacket-from-shedding-9763428.html
      6. ↑ https://hikingmastery.com/diy/how-to-wash-fleece-jacket.html
      7. ↑ https://survival-mastery.com/skills/camp/wash-fleece-jacket.html
      8. ↑ https://oureverydaylife.com/how-to-keep-a-fleece-lined-jacket-from-shedding-9763428.html
      9. ↑ https://survival-mastery.com/skills/camp/wash-fleece-jacket.html
      1. ↑ https://hikingmastery.com/diy/how-to-wash-fleece-jacket.html
      2. ↑ https://www.outdoorresearch.com/blog/article/how-to-care-for-a-down-jacket-so-it-lasts-longer
      3. ↑ https://oureverydaylife.com/how-to-keep-a-goose-down-and-feather-jacket-from-shedding-12601325.html
      4. ↑ https://www.outdoorresearch.com/blog/article/how-to-care-for-a-down-jacket-so-it-lasts-longer
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l94U9rZ0U9A&feature=youtu.be&t=16
      6. ↑ https://www.outdoorresearch.com/blog/article/how-to-care-for-a-down-jacket-so-it-lasts-longer
      7. ↑ https://oureverydaylife.com/how-to-keep-a-goose-down-and-feather-jacket-from-shedding-12601325.html
      8. ↑ https://oureverydaylife.com/how-to-keep-a-goose-down-and-feather-jacket-from-shedding-12601325.html
      9. ↑ http://denverleather.net/blog/13230/How-to-Keep-Fur-Coats-in-Denver-From-Shedding
      10. ↑ http://denverleather.net/blog/13230/How-to-Keep-Fur-Coats-in-Denver-From-Shedding
      11. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/a46463/how-to-clean-faux-fur-collars-coats-bobbles/
      12. ↑ https://www.fur.org/caring-for-your-fur/
      13. ↑ Kathi Burns, CPO®. Board Certified Professional Organizer. Expert Interview. 19 March 2020.
      14. ↑ https://www.fur.org/caring-for-your-fur/
      15. ↑ https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/how-to-clean-faux-fur
      16. ↑ http://denverleather.net/blog/13230/How-to-Keep-Fur-Coats-in-Denver-From-Shedding

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