Cotton and synthetic blends – care instructions
Outdoor clothing often includes synthetic fibres because they make a garment last longer and stand up to more wear. Many polycotton garments, for example, are so durable they can be handed down from one generation to the next, as long as you look after them now and then.
Johanna works as an outdoor and hiking specialist at our Kuninkoja store in Raisio. She has been hiking and trekking since childhood, and still spends most of her free time outdoors. Johanna is also the hiking specialist behind our guides.
Hiking specialist Johanna's tips for caring for cotton-blend and synthetic-blend garments
Cotton blends
Synthetic fibres are added to cotton for durability and strength, among other things. Cotton-blend trousers are breathable and help regulate your body temperature (examples include G-1000 and Überkühl). Some of these fabrics also have a waterproof membrane, so check the care instructions carefully.
Washing: Close all zips, fastenings and Velcro before putting the garment in the machine. Always check the wash temperature on the care label. Regular laundry detergent is fine.
Waterproofing: Cotton absorbs proofing treatments well. For this type of garment, we recommend something like Greenland Wax. Apply it while the fabric is slightly damp, then finish with an iron, a hairdryer or the residual heat of a sauna. This helps the wax soak into the cotton fibres and gives you a more even finish.
Synthetic blends
The main strengths of synthetic-blend materials (Climatic, OmniDry, Insect Repellent…) are durability, quick drying and low weight. Trousers made from these fabrics often have UV protection, and some are also treated to repel insects.
Washing: Close all zips, fastenings and Velcro before putting the garment in the machine. Always check the wash temperature on the care label.
Waterproofing: Synthetic fabrics don't absorb proofing treatments, so reproofing them is tricky and often pointless. Instead, we recommend heat-treating the garment with an iron. Check the care label for the right temperature.
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