How do you dry a wool jacket?

Drying a wool jacket properly is all about patience and the right technique. Wool is a natural fibre and can easily lose its shape or shrink if it’s dried incorrectly, so avoiding heat is key.

First, never put a wool jacket in a tumble dryer. The heat and tumbling action can cause irreversible damage. After washing or spot-cleaning, gently press out excess water using a clean towel. Don’t wring or twist the jacket, as this can stretch the fibres.

Next, lay the jacket flat on a dry towel, ideally on a bed, table or drying rack. Carefully reshape it to its original form - pay attention to the shoulders, sleeves and lapels. This step helps the jacket keep its structure as it dries. If the towel becomes damp, replace it with a dry one to speed things up.

Allow the jacket to air dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, radiators or heaters. Depending on thickness, this can take 24-48 hours, but rushing the process can ruin the garment.

If you’d rather not risk it, a professional laundry cleaning service like Hello Laundry can handle wool care safely, with the added convenience of free pickup and delivery in London, the UK.