How to weatherproof your wardrobe

As Storm Éowyn sweeps across Ireland, some counties are have already experienced record-breaking gusts of 183km/h, bringing heavy rain, treacherous conditions, power outages for almost one million homes and destruction to buildings.

A Status Red weather warning for wind was issued from last night – an alert only issued when there is an expected danger to life – and although the majority of these warnings have been lifted, authorities are advising those to keep travel to a minimum. Follow updates about Storm Éowyn here.

While many may be batting down the hatches and staying in – if you’re venturing out for essential reasons, a weatherproof ensemble is essential.

So, outdoor pursuit experts detail how you can proof your wardrobe against this storm, and others that will come our way this year.

Know the basics

Now it may seem obvious which coat to go for when deciding between your mackintosh or wool blazer – but there are some basic tips and tricks to look out for to ensure you’re keeping dry in the downpours.

"Double lining allows an ‘on/off’ and ‘layering up or down’ approach," says head of womenswear design at FatFace, Jo Collins. "We lose a lot of body heat from our hands and our heads, so coats with warm pocket linings, hoods and drawcords ensure the cold stays out and the warm stays in.

"Opt for borg linings as these are perfect for both warmth and comfort."

It’s important to make sure your coat is waterproof as opposed to ‘showerproof’ or ‘water-resistant’, as these can only stand light rain.

"Waterproof garments have a waterproof/breathability rating measured in millimetres," explains director of Ellis Brigham, Mark Brigham.

"The minimum rate to be called waterproof is 10,000, moving up to 20,000 to indicate a greater waterproof capability.

"When you purchase a jacket in waterproof materials, ensure the seams are sealed or it will leak very quickly. Look inside a waterproof jacket for strips of tape covering the seams."

How to layer without becoming hot and bothered

To avoid getting hot and bothered in several layers, you should begin with a base layer known as a ‘wicking layer’ that keeps the sweat off your skin.

"Then a mid layer which is a fleece or could be low-bulk insulation, and then a breathable shell – the aim here is to wick moisture away from the body," explains Brigham.

"Start with a breathable merino wool base layer, add an insulating layer for warmth and finish with a waterproof shell," says icebreaker‘s senior manager, Jelena Fursman.

"This combination ensures breathability and protection and helps to prevent the all-too-familiar stuffy feeling associated with synthetics."

How to weatherproof your existing wardrobe

If you’re on a time crunch and don’t have time to order a high-spec coat – you can certainly weatherproof your existing wardrobe.

"Grangers is a wash-in repellent that can restore clothing or footwear and give it a waterproof coating," says Brigham. "You could also use wax on leather footwear."

"Seam sealers, wax treatments or wash-in waterproof solutions like Nikwax work on existing clothing," suggests head of design at Sealskinz, Steve Lemmon.

How to store your clothes without getting mildew

To avoid growing mildew on your storm-soaked clothes, "hang wet clothing in a well-ventilated space or use a drying rack," says fashion expert Karine Laudort.

"For shoes, stuffing them with newspaper or unprinted paper helps absorb moisture and maintain shape.

"Avoid placing items directly on heaters, as excessive heat can damage materials, and consider using a dehumidifier to speed up drying while reducing mould risk."

When it comes to cleaning your outerwear, washing waterproof garments require different care to ensure they don’t lose their water-resistance.

"You cannot wash your raincoat using your usual washing detergent or fabric softeners as they contain harsh chemicals which will damage the waterproof membrane," explains professional cleaning expert, Barbara Stern, at Joules.

"Either wash on a cold cycle without any detergent or invest in a special waterproof washing liquid and follow the pack instructions.

"Before putting your coat in the machine you should always ensure the drum and detergent drawer are free of any residue detergent."