THE GEAR CARE GUIDE
How to Care for Your GORE-TEX Gear
Built to take on the elements, made to last season after season. Learn how to wash, dry, and care for your GORE-TEX outerwear to keep it performing.
Yes, You Should Wash Your GORE-TEX®
Washing your waterproof jacket might sound like the last thing you should do.
But regular washing actually helps your GORE-TEX gear perform better.
Over time, dirt, body oils, sunscreen, and everyday wear can build up on your outerwear, making it harder for water to bead up and roll off the surface.
The good news? A proper wash and dry can help restore that water-repellent finish, keeping your gear comfortable and ready for your next adventure.
A clean jacket is a happy jacket.
How to Wash Your GORE-TEX Gear
- 01. Zip It Up
Before washing, close all zippers, including pockets and vents. Fasten any loose straps and flaps, too.
- 02. Wash It Out
Machine wash at 105°F (40°C), or as directed by your garment's care label.
Use a small amount of liquid detergent, ideally one free of fragrances and dyes. A gentle cycle is your best bet.
Skip the fabric softener, powder detergent, bleach, and stain removers.
- 03. Give It an Extra Rinse
Run a second rinse cycle to remove any leftover detergent, and keep the spin cycle gentle.
- 04. Dry It Right
Line dry or tumble dry on a warm, gentle setting, following the instructions on your garment's care label.
Once completely dry, tumble dry for an additional 20 minutes to help reactivate the water-repellent treatment.
That's the important part: dry first, then give it a little extra heat.
Why Does My GORE-TEX® Jacket Feel Wet?
Ever noticed your jacket looking darker, feeling heavy, or soaking up water instead of letting it roll right off?
That's called wetting out, and it doesn't necessarily mean your jacket has lost its waterproofing.
Here's how it works:
The GORE-TEX® membrane keeps water out. This waterproof, windproof, breathable layer is the technology behind your jacket's weather protection.
The outer water-repellent finish keeps water moving. Known as DWR (durable water repellent), this treatment helps water bead up and roll off the fabric.
When the DWR finish gets dirty or loses effectiveness, the outer fabric can begin absorbing water. That can leave your jacket feeling cold, heavy, or damp, even when the waterproof membrane is still doing its job.
The fix is often simpler than you think: give your gear a good wash, dry it completely, and reactivate its water repellency with heat.
THE GORE-TEX COLLECTION
