The first mistake is hanging it carelessly. Choose a wide wooden hanger that supports the shoulders — a thin plastic hanger will deform the coat's line over time. Never keep it in a plastic garment bag long-term: the fabric needs to breathe, or you'll trap odors and moisture in the fibers.
For small stains, the safest approach is spot-cleaning right away with a soft, damp cloth — dab, don't rub. Full dry cleaning should happen sparingly, once or twice a season, since harsh solvents wear down fibers over time. Steam, on the other hand, is your constant ally: it removes wrinkles without stressing the material, unlike direct ironing.
At the end of the season, don't put the coat straight into storage after wearing it. Let it air out for 24 hours, check for any forgotten stains, and only then store it in a dry space away from direct light. A well-cared-for coat doesn't just look better — it genuinely lasts for years, exactly as it was designed to.
