Swanndri Clothing Care Guide – How to Look After Your Outdoor Gear

Swanndri Clothing Care Guide – How to Look After Your Outdoor Gear

Swanndri clothing is made from high-quality natural fibres and durable fabrics that are breathable, comfortable, and rugged. Everyday wear, dirt, and incorrect washing can reduce performance, shrink fibres, and shorten the life of your garments. Regular airing, spot cleaning, and gentle washing help reduce environmental impact, save energy, and keep fabrics at their best.  Below is a full, up-to-date care guide based on Swanndri's own recommendations.

Laundry Basics - Start with the Label

Before anything, check the care label on your garment - it tells you exactly how that item is meant to be looked after. 

--SHOP CARE PRODUCTS

General tips for all garments:

  • Air and spot clean first before washing to reduce washing frequency.
  • Use cold or cool water - great for saving energy and protecting natural fibres.
  • Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and harsh detergents - they can strip natural oils and damage performance.
  • Dry in the shade - sunlight and heat can fade colours and weaken fibres.

Casual Wool Jackets & Bush Shirts

Warm, breathable, and iconic - these classic wool pieces do not need frequent washing.
Care Instructions:

  • Spot clean and air when possible.
  • Hand wash in cold water with a wool-specific detergent.
  • Rinse well, gently squeeze out water - do not rub or wring.
  • Lay flat to dry in the shade.
  • Warm iron inside-out only.
  • Do not bleach, tumble dry, or machine wash on heavy cycles.

Tailored Wool Coats

Heavier and more structured than casual wool, these are best left to professionals.
Care Instructions:

  • Dry clean only to maintain fabric quality and shape.

Knitwear & Merino Layers

Soft knitwear and merino are comfortable next-to-skin layers that benefit from gentle care.
Knitwear:

  • Spot clean; hand wash cold with wool detergent.
  • Rinse, squeeze gently, then lay flat to dry.
  • Warm iron inside out only.
  • Pilling is natural - remove gently with a comb or fabric shaver.
  • Store folded in a cool, dry place to avoid distortion and moth damage.

Merino Base Layers:

  • Machine wash inside out on a cold, gentle cycle with wool wash.
  • Do not rub, bleach, or wring.
  • Dry flat in shade; warm iron inside only.

T-Shirts & Casual Tops

Everyday woven cotton tees deserve simple, gentle care.
Care Instructions:

  • Machine wash cold with similar colours.
  • Avoid soaking, bleach, or wringing.
  • Line dry in shade - turning inside-out protects colours.
  • Warm iron inside only; avoid ironing over printed details.
  • Do not tumble dry.

Fleece & High-Performance Fleece

Fleece layers are durable and cosy - but soft fibres need care.
Care Instructions:

  • Spot clean when possible.
  • Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle.
  • Do not use fabric softener.
  • Line dry in shade.
  • Avoid tumble drying, bleach, and ironing.

Outer Rainwear

water-resistant outerwear protects you from the elements but deserve specialised care.

  • Spot clean or hand wash cold.
  • Do not use fabric softeners.
  • Line dry in shade; no tumble dry or ironing.

Great outdoor gear deserves great care. With the right washing techniques and maintenance products, you can keep your Swanndri clothing looking and performing their best season after season. Regular care protects water repellency, preserves breathability, and improves durability, giving you more value out of every piece. 

--SHOP SWANNDRI

--SHOP OUTDOOR

--SHOP ARDMOOR

NOTE: These tips are general advice only - every item is a bit different. ArdMoor can’t take responsibility for any mishaps, so always patch-test products first and follow Swanndri's own care guidance where you can.

Continue reading

Chris Jones

Swanndri - From ugly duckling to a beautiful 'Swanni'

Swanndri was born in 1923 when, two days before Christmas, William Broome, of Taranaki, New Zealand, patented the first ‘Swanni’, a short sleeve wo...
Holly Mitchell

ArdMoors Best Trousers under £80

Finding durable, comfortable, and affordable outdoor trousers doesn’t have to be a challenge. At ArdMoor, we’ve rounded up the best trousers under ...
ArdMoor Team

What's in a name? A glossary of clothing technologies

An A-Z guide of the fabrics, materials, treatments and technologies used in the manufacture of your favourite outdoor clothing and equipment Every ...