Patagonia's Duty of Care programme is an integral part of the company's philosophy and goes beyond simply selling products. It is based on the idea that sustainable apparel is created not only through responsible manufacturing, but also through conscious and regular care by the consumer. Patagonia aims to maximise the life of its products and offers a range of resources including care guides, repair services and special care products. The programme aims to reduce waste, protect the environment and enable users to keep their equipment in top condition for a long time. The Duty of Care programme makes it clear that caring for your garments is as important as making them - and the responsibility lies with us.
Taking responsibility for sustainability
Patagonia's goal is not only to deliver sustainable products, but also to take responsibility for their care. Regular care will not only keep your performance garments working longer, it will also ensure that you can count on them to perform in the most challenging weather conditions. Patagonia provides comprehensive instructions, care products and videos to help us get the most out of our jackets and other functional gear. Regular care will extend the life of your gear, which means less resource use and less landfill waste.
Shell jackets: More than just protection from the elements
The raincoat is a prime example of the importance of proper care. Many of us ask ourselves: Can I wash my shell at all? The clear answer is: Yes, absolutely! Dirt, sweat, sunscreen and other residue can affect the waterproofing. But with the right care, you can not only remove these residues, but also reactivate and prolong the water-repellent properties of your jacket.
Keep your shell well: The care guide for your technical shell
With a simple step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your jacket stays in top condition for as long as possible. Here are the key steps:
Step 1: Remove dirt & debris
Before you wash your shell, remove any big dirt blotches and stains with a brush or cloth.
Step 2: Prepare Your Waterproof Jacket
Zip up your main zippers all the way and check the pockets for items such as crushed snacks or tissues. You can leave small pockets open to prevent dirt accumulating.
Step 3: Machine or hand wash
Most rain jackets can be washed in the washing machine, best in a front-loader washing machine without agitator. Follow the care instructions on the label of your jacket. Alternatively, you can wash the jacket by hand in warm water.
Step 4: The right detergent
Use a special detergent for rain wear, such as pH neutral Storm Clothing Wash, to maintain the functionality and longevity of your shell. Avoid conventional detergents, powders or fabric softeners as they can damage the water-repellent finish of your jacket.
Step 5: Adjust washing machine settings
Choose a gentle wash cycle at 30 to 40 degrees and make sure that your jacket is only spun gently or don’t use the spin function at all. An extra rinse cycle helps to remove any detergent residue.
Step 6: Tumble dry on low heat
To reactivate the water-repellent finish of your shell, dry it in the tumble dryer at a low temperature. If you don't have a tumble dryer, you can air dry the jacket and then iron it on a low heat without steam. Put a thin, dry cloth between the garment and the iron.
Patagonia's mission: Longevity for products and the environment
'Duty of Care’ shows that sustainability is not just about production, but also about use. When we take care of our clothes, we contribute to the environment and extend the time we can wear our favourite pieces.
Give your functional clothing the care it deserves - and you will experience many more adventures with it.
