So I finally invested in one of the newer high-end hunt coats that claim to be machine washable (it’s a Grand Prix). After our first show, it needs to be laundered…but do I do it myself or have it dry cleaned? I want to hear your experiences and preferences before I go for it! Or run it to the cleaners! With another show in 10 days, I have to make a move soon!
I’ve washed all mine for years including Grand Prix. I still get nervous but I’ve never had any issues and I even washed them a few times at my old apartment that was known for ruining clothing. I did have the lining of one come undone at the sleeve but it’s totally unnoticeable and likely it happened while I was wearing it, not washing it.
Close all the buttons and zippers, flip it inside out, wash on delicate (cold) and lay flat to dry.
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I have washed a kerrits (inexpensive performance fabric), a Horseware (same idea, slightly heavier, almost like a raincoat) and an Allesandra Albanase (mesh style). So far, so good. I don’t flip it inside out, but I do buttons, zippers and delicate/cold water
I have washed a kerrits (inexpensive performance fabric), a Horseware (same idea, slightly heavier, almost like a raincoat) and an Allesandra Albanase (mesh style). So far, so good. I don’t flip it inside out, but I do buttons, zippers and delicate/cold water
My modern RJ Classics has been getting a wash on gentle and a hang dry, and it looks great.
Of course, my older wool stuff has been going in the dryer on low heat with a damp towel and that works great too. This thread was inspirational: https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/hunter-jumper/52679-help-cleaners-are-closed-and-my-coat-is-dirty?p=2635219#post2635219
Don’t hang-dry a heavy wool coat though.
I have washed an RJ Classics without issues. The first time or two I did it separately, but since have thrown caution to the winds and thrown it it with breeches, sun shirts, and other things that don’t go in the drier. I hand mine on a hanger to dry. It was a bit alarming when, the first time, it came out of the washer with what appeared to be darker blotches on the surface, but whatever they were disappeared once the coat was dry.
I have three Grand Prix Techlite Quinns and a Madelyn. I wash them all, but I always hang them to dry. They dry overnight and you can bring them to the show the next day if needed. The Madelyn has satin trim so I will monitor that one to see if washing has any impact on the appearance, but the Quinn coats are all fine. Just make sure the lapels are properly folded when you hang them. I also had the more traditional 3 button style Grand Prix with the mesh lining and I washed that one, too!
I wash all my hunt coats together after every show 
I’m not very good at laundry, but they’ve held up to my abuse. I usually do up all buttons and zippers, wash on cold with a detergent, hang dry on hangers in the bathroom and they’re usually dry the next day. I’ve done this for : RJ, Equiline, Spooks, Horse Pilot, Horseware, Kerrits, ForHorses, Cavallo, Cavalleria and AA.
I’ve washed mine. The first time I was so nervous but they came out fine. One is an RJ Classics and the other is a Winston. The Winston looks more like the traditional coat. I was most nervous about this one. Both went in cold, delicate and with the buttons fastened. Neither were put in the dryer. I always get dirty and I think they get cleaner in the washing machine then the older ones did getting dry cleaned.
You can do it. 
:)
Oh my gosh, guys, thank you for your reporting back on your successes! Phew! Well, that coat is going in the washer this morning, delicate cycle. One less thing to worry about in the time of covid horse showing. I already wash all my show shirts and breeches so this will just be as easy. Now if my local tack shop would get my pair of Struck breeches in I ordered a month ago, I’ll be totally set.
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