A wool or cashmere coat is a long-term investment. To keep its shape, hand and colours season after season, a few simple steps are enough, provided you apply them regularly. Here is the complete care guide for your coat in wool, cashmere or a wool-cashmere blend.
Don't wash it too often
The first rule: wool and cashmere are not washed like a t-shirt. These natural fibres have self-cleaning properties - they regulate odours and naturally repel dirt thanks to their scales. A wool coat worn over a jacket or jumper is washed on average 1 to 2 times per season, not after every wear.
Between washes, air your coat outdoors (not in direct sunlight) for 30 to 60 minutes after each wear. That is enough to remove light odours and refresh the fibres.
Brushing: the fundamental step
After each wear, brush your coat with a soft-bristled clothes brush (preferably boar bristle). This step:
- Removes dust, lint and particles lodged between the fibres
- Lifts the nap and restores volume to the fabric
- Prevents pilling by limiting the build-up of tangled fibres
Always brush with the grain, from top to bottom, with long, even strokes.
How to wash a wool coat
For light stains, start with localised spot cleaning: dab gently with a damp cloth and a little Marseille soap, without rubbing. Rinse with cold water.
For a full wash:
- By hand (recommended): cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C), wool-specific detergent or mild shampoo. Press without twisting - never wring.
- In the machine: wool or delicate programme, 30°C maximum, gentle spin (400 rpm). Place the coat in a laundry net.
- At the dry cleaner: for pure cashmere coats or structured pieces, this is the safest option. Always specify the material.
Drying: the critical stage
Never hang a wet wool coat - the weight of the water irreversibly distorts the shoulders. The right method:
- Lay the coat flat on a clean surface (terry towel or flat drying rack)
- Reshape it by hand before it dries
- Dry in the open air, away from direct heat sources (radiator, sun)
- Never put it in the tumble dryer - heat irreversibly felts wool
Ironing and de-wrinkling
Wool should not be ironed with direct contact - heat can make it shiny or felt it. Use a steamer instead, held 10 cm from the fabric. The steam relaxes the fibres, removes creases and refreshes the coat without direct contact.
If you use an iron, always place a damp protective cloth between the iron and the coat, and choose the "wool" setting (moderate temperature).
Storing your coat off-season
At the end of the season, before storing your coat:
- Brush it carefully and let it air for 24 hours
- Wash it if necessary - never store a coat bearing traces of sweat or food (moths love them)
- Store it in a breathable cotton garment bag (not plastic, which traps moisture)
- Add cedar or lavender sachets to keep moths away - avoid mothballs, which permeate the fibres
- Hang it on a wide hanger with padded shoulders, or fold it flat
Dealing with pilling
Pills form naturally in friction areas - under the arms, at the elbows, around the closure. To remove them:
- Use a sweater stone (natural wool stone) or an electric fabric shaver
- Work gently, stretching the fabric slightly
- Never pull pills off by hand - you risk tearing out fibres
Lebrun Paris coats: built to last
Our wool and cashmere coats are made with superior-quality materials which, properly cared for, go through the years without losing their lustre. The careful construction - sewn lining, reinforced seams, horn buttons - also contributes to their longevity.
Browse our selection of men's wool and cashmere coats and our Materials & Fabrics page to learn more about the fibres we use.
Complete your wardrobe
Discover our collection of wool and cashmere coats, all made in France. Also see our guide to choosing your men's coat and learn to recognise the noble materials that make the difference.