How to care for your Craghoppers clothing
Craghoppers gear is made for hard use and easy care. A few simple habits keep the insect, sun and rain protection working for as long as you own it. Always check the care label first: it's specific to your garment.
Quick reference
| Range | Wash | Dry |
|---|---|---|
| NosiLife and SolarShield+ tops | 30°C, low spin, inside out, no fabric conditioner | Don't tumble dry |
| NosiLife and Kiwi trousers | Follow the care label; NosiLife at no more than 30°C | Follow the care label |
| Waterproof trousers | Cool, gentle cycle with a tech wash, not normal detergent | Follow the care label |
| Socks and hats | Follow the care label | Follow the care label |
The basics for every garment
- Wash cool. Craghoppers recommends never washing anything above 30°C.
- Wash less. Brush off dried mud and sponge off splashes instead of running a full wash every time.
- Close everything up. Do up zips, buttons and hook-and-loop tabs before washing so they don't rub the fabric.
- Skip the bleach and fabric softener. Both appear on the "do not" list for every Craghoppers product that carries care text.
- Line dry where you can. A clothesline or airer is gentler on fabric than a dryer.
NosiLife
NosiLife is Craghoppers' built-in insect repellent and odour treatment. The treatment is applied to last the lifetime of the garment, so washing doesn't wear it out. To keep it performing at its best, follow the wash care instructions and wash at no more than 30°C.
The care text on NosiLife tops and the NosiLife Pro Dress IV reads:
- Wash at 30 on a low spin
- Wash with similar colours
- Wash inside out
- Don't use bleach, water softeners or fabric conditioners
- Don't tumble dry
- Cool iron if needed, but not on the print
- Don't dry clean
The Men's NosiLife Nadim Hooded Jacket has the same instructions, without the inside-out step, and adds: close all fasteners before washing.
NosiLife lowers the chance of bites but doesn't replace repellent on bare skin. More on how it works in does insect repellent clothing work?, or browse the full insect repellent clothing range.
SolarShield+
SolarShield+ fabrics are rated UPF 50+. Engineered yarns and a UV-reflective compound are built into the fabric, so the protection doesn't wash out.
The SolarShield+ tops in the NosiLife range follow the NosiLife care steps above. Like any sun protective fabric, the rating can drop with heavy use, or when the fabric is stretched or wet. If a top has worn thin, it's time to replace it. See what is UPF? for how ratings work.
Kiwi and stretch trousers
Kiwi Pro and NosiLife Pro trousers don't carry care text on the site, so follow the care label inside the waistband. For NosiLife trousers, keep the wash at 30°C or below.
Some Kiwi Pro styles have H2OShield, a water repellent finish that makes rain and water-based stains run off. It isn't waterproof. Washing cool and avoiding fabric softener helps it last. When water stops beading on the surface, the finish needs refreshing (see the reproofing steps below).
On convertible trousers, zip the legs together or wash them as a set, with all pockets zipped.
Unsure of your size before you buy another pair? See the fit guide.
Waterproofs and water repellent
Craghoppers waterproof trousers keep rain out with a waterproof, breathable membrane and taped seams. The Women's Natales Waterproof Lightweight Cargo Trousers use AquaDry, with an H2OShield outer finish, and the Men's Kiwi Pro II Waterproof Trousers have a 15,000mm waterproof rating. Dirt, sweat and normal detergent all reduce how well that finish sheds water, so clean them properly.
How to wash waterproof trousers
- Brush off dried mud gently with a soft brush or cloth.
- Empty every pocket and do up all zips and fastenings.
- Turn them inside out, unless they're very muddy.
- Use a pure soap or a wash made for waterproofs. Standard laundry detergent can damage the water repellence.
- Wash on a gentle, cool cycle. Craghoppers recommends 30°C.
- Wash one or two waterproof items at a time, with no other clothes or towels.
- Dry as the care label allows. If it permits tumble drying, a low heat helps reactivate the water repellent finish.
How to reproof waterproof trousers
Reproof when water stops beading and starts soaking into the outer fabric, often around the knees and seat. For most people that's no more than once a year. Nikwax's instructions for its TX.Direct Wash-In proofer:
- Clean the trousers first with a tech wash, in a separate cycle. Don't dry them before proofing.
- Clear any detergent build-up from the machine's dispenser.
- Wash a maximum of two clean garments, with 100ml of proofer each.
- Run a 30°C synthetic cycle on a slow spin.
- Air dry, or tumble dry on low if the care label allows.
Socks
NosiLife socks carry the NosiLife treatment, which lasts the life of the sock. The socks don't have care text on the site, so follow the care label. For tick country, tuck your trousers into NosiLife socks.
Hats
The NosiLife Outback Hat II, NosiLife Desert Hat III and NosiLife Multi Active Cap II don't have care text on the site. Follow the care label.
FAQs
How do I wash NosiLife clothing?
Wash at 30°C or below on a low spin, inside out, with similar colours. Don't use fabric conditioner, bleach or water softener, and don't tumble dry.
Does NosiLife wash out?
No. The treatment is applied to last the lifetime of the garment. Following the care label keeps it performing at its best.
How do I wash quick dry clothes?
Treat them like NosiLife: a cool wash, no fabric conditioner, and line dry. They dry fast on a line or airer, so there's no need for a dryer.
Can I use fabric softener?
No. Every Craghoppers product with care text on the site says not to use fabric conditioners.
When should I reproof my waterproof trousers?
When water stops beading on the surface and the outer fabric starts to darken and soak. Clean them first; sometimes a proper wash is enough to bring the finish back.