How to Maintain and Care for Your Field Jacket So It Lasts for Years

A strong field jacket, such as the M65 Field Coat, is built for long-term use—but even military-grade outerwear requires proper maintenance. With correct cleaning, routine inspection, timely repairs, and appropriate storage, a field jacket can remain functional and durable for many years.

Whether used for security work, outdoor activity, or everyday duty, proper care preserves fabric strength, weather resistance, comfort, and appearance. This guide explains how to maintain your field jacket so it remains reliable in every season.

Protect Fabric Strength and Performance

How often to wash

Field jackets should be washed only when necessary. Excessive washing increases fabric wear and reduces its water resistance capability. It should be washed when:

• Visible dirt or odors are present
• Body oils accumulate around the collar and cuffs.
• The jacket has been exposed to mud, smoke, or sweat.

Best washing method for M65-style field jackets

• Remove the liner and hood before washing
• Close all zippers, snaps, and hook-and-loop closures
• Use cold or warm water
• Select a gentle or standard wash cycle
• Use a mild detergent only
• Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and heavy-duty detergents, as they can damage the fabric

Drying instructions

• Air dry whenever possible
• Hang on a wide, sturdy hanger
• Keep away from radiators, heaters, or direct high heat

Low or medium tumble drying is generally safe for modern field jackets, but air drying best preserves fabric life and finish. Never use high heat, especially on quilted liners.

Maintaining Water Resistance in M65 Field Jackets

Most M65 field jackets rely on a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment to resist dirt and moisture rather than a fully waterproof membrane. Over time, this coating naturally wears down.

Signs Your Field Jacket Needs Water Repellent Renewal

• Water no longer beads on the surface
• Fabric darkens quickly in the rain
• The jacket feels heavy or damp in wet conditions

How to restore water resistance

When a field jacket becomes less effective at repelling moisture, water-repellent treatments can help restore performance. Spray-on and wash-in DWR products are widely available and can be reapplied every few months for jackets used regularly outdoors.

Reapplication frequency depends on exposure to rain, abrasion, and washing.

Repairing Wear and Tear on Your Field Jacket

Addressing wear early helps prevent minor damage from becoming permanent. Common problem areas include cuffs, pocket edges, underarm seams, collar folds, button attachments, and hook-and-loop closures.

When possible, make repairs from the inside to maintain a clean exterior finish. Iron-on patches can reinforce thinning fabric without reducing comfort. Lubricating zippers with paraffin or zipper wax helps keep them operating smoothly.

Early repairs preserve strength, comfort, and appearance while preventing costly or irreversible damage.

Storage: Preserve Shape and Materials

Proper storage prevents fabric stress, odor buildup, and moisture damage.

Best storage practices

• Hang the jacket rather than folding it
• Use a heavy or double hanger to support the weight
• Store in a cool and dry environment
• Ensure both jacket and liner are fully dry before storage

What to avoid

• Plastic vacuum bags that crease fabric Damp basements or unventilated closets

For long-term storage in garages or sheds, use a sealed metal container with red cedar shavings. This will keep the insects and rodents away.

Caring for Removable Liners

For multi-season field jackets like the M65, the removable quilted liner should be cared for separately from the outer shell.

• Wash liners separately
• Use cool or warm water and mild detergent.
• Air dry or use very low heat
• Store liners flat or loosely hung to prevent insulation compression

Proper care of the liner helps it stay warm, comfortable, and reliable in cold weather.

Why Regular Maintenance Is Important

A field jacket is functional equipment, not disposable clothing. Taking proper care of it helps ensure long-term performance and reliability. Regular care is useful as it:

• Preserves weather resistance and comfort
• Maintains a clean and professional appearance
• Reduces replacement costs
• Prevents failure during demanding use
• Extends the service life by many years

When outerwear performs as intended, the wearer stays protected and focused.

Consider Your Field Jacket As Equipment

Field jackets are designed for demanding environments and should be treated as functional equipment. Regular cleaning, water-repellent maintenance, prompt repairs, and proper storage ensure continued performance.

With consistent care, a well-maintained field jacket will provide reliable protection and comfort for years.