A snowfall looks romantic only in photographs. In reality, it means salt on shoes, wet hems, and endless stains on fabric. The winter elements are ruthless to your wardrobe, but they can be outsmarted.
Stylist Yulia Nikiforova shares practical tips that will help keep your clothes in perfect condition even in the wettest season.
Impregnation — Your First Line of Defense
Before the cold season begins, it is worth treating outerwear and shoes with a water- and dirt-repellent agent. Impregnation creates an invisible protective barrier, which reduces the absorption of moisture and reagents by fabric and leather.
The spray is applied to a clean and dry surface, holding the can at a distance of 20–30 cm. Pay special attention to the seams and the lower edge of the coat or raincoat. Special aerosols are suitable for suede and nubuck, while a cream-impregnator is best for smooth leather. This simple procedure saves hours of cleaning and extends the lifespan of your items.
The Right Fabrics and Thoughtful Layers
Material matters. It is better to choose a coat made of dense wool with impregnation, tweed, or fabrics with a membrane. A water-repellent lining is an additional plus.
Length also plays a role: a hem that is too long gets dirty quickly, while one that is too short does not protect against the wind. A versatile solution is a lightweight waterproof cloak or poncho that can be thrown over an outfit during a walk.
A “Travel” Kit in Your Bag
A mini emergency kit can save your look. It is useful to carry:
- water-repellent wipes
- a soft lint brush
- a small bag for wet shoes
- a cotton handkerchief
If you get caught in wet snow, gently blot the fabric instead of rubbing it. For quick drying of shoes, absorbent silica gel packets will come in handy — they will protect not only your boots but also your gadgets in the bag.
Shoe Care Immediately After Being Outside
When you return home, first remove any snow residue with a soft brush. Then wipe the surface with a damp cloth and leave the shoes to dry at room temperature, stuffing them with paper. Do not place them next to a radiator — this will deform the material.
Leather shoes should be treated with a nourishing cream, while suede should be cleaned with a special brush and eraser. A warm solution of water and vinegar in a ratio of 1:3 helps with salt stains. Apply it carefully, then wipe the surface with a clean damp cloth and dry.
Post-Care: Don’t Delay Cleaning
Salt and reagents destroy the fibers of the fabric, so it is important to clean items immediately. Down jackets should be washed according to the label’s recommendations and dried with tennis balls at a low temperature — this restores volume.
Woolen items should be dried horizontally to maintain their shape; otherwise, they will stretch. For serious stains on suede and leather, it is better to take them to a dry cleaner, while small spots can be carefully removed at home.
Stylish Tricks That Also Work
- Dark blue, graphite, burgundy, and khaki hide salt marks better than lighter shades.
- A long scarf or fringe protects the top of the coat and adds relevance to the look.
- Removable hoods and collars simplify care: they can be easily removed, shaken out, and treated separately.
Winter is not a reason to give up your favorite clothes. A few habits and proper protection will help you survive snowfalls without losses, and your wardrobe will remain neat until spring.
