I just bought a wool peacoat for my trip to Spain. Now my dad is telling me that wool starts smelling when it gets wet. The problem is that it rains a lot where I’m going to be. Any advice, should I just take it back? If it helps I have scotch guard for rugs and waterproofer for shoes. Should I use either of these?
RAW wool smells when it gets wet. When you say ‘peacoat’ I think ‘Navy bootcamp’. That wool has been combed, dyed, processed, and felted, and it doesn’t smell at all (IMO). As opposed to my raw-wool sweater, in which I can still feel the oil. You shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Just don’t throw it in a washing machine :eek:
Ok, yea, you sound right. I did some research on the internet and I see nothing about what my dad is saying. Anyone have any advice on the waterproofing idea?
iirc, wool is waterproof, at least to some degree… of course, I might remember wrong, but I think it applied to processed wool as well.
If it’s, like you say, a wool peacoat, the Navy (a bunch of 'em) issued them because they are
A) warm
and
2. waterproof. (Really water resistant. You fall in the ocean and you still get wet.)
As long as you don’t have to stand in a drenching rainstorm without an umbrella, further waterproofing won’t make any difference.
Waterproofing would be a bad idea.
Wool’s water “resistance” comes from the characteristic of being able to absorb about 30% of it’s weight in water without feeling wet.
Any waterproofing will simply reduce the absorbance capacity.
a waterproof lining inside the coat might be of advantage.
In my experience here in the Land Of Fancy Wool Sweaters, wool that’s put away wet will start to smell. Any fiber will object to that treatment, but wool will stink with a vengeance. So, common sense: let coats hang out to dry before stuffing them in the dark corner of the closet.
A wool peacoat is a very good investment. They are often slightly felted, which adds to the water resistance and makes them harder wearing. As others have said, don’t waterproof it. Just take it to a good dry cleaner when it needs cleaning, and it should stay warm and water resistant for years.
Enjoy your trip!