How to Wash and Care for Tactical Gear: OTTE Gear Apparel Fabric Guide + Pro Tips for Long-Term Performance.

How to Wash and Care for Tactical Gear: OTTE Gear Apparel Fabric Guide + Pro Tips for Long-Term Performance

Introduction: Why Tactical Gear Care Matters

Your OTTE Gear apparel is built for durability, performance, and harsh conditions—but even the toughest technical gear needs proper care to last. Whether you’re operating in the field or wearing it as part of your EDC, caring for your gear ensures it performs when it matters most. This guide covers all the fabrics used in OTTE Gear apparel, including pants, jackets, hardshells, uniforms, and insulated layers, with detailed wash/dry instructions and product recommendations to extend the life of your gear.

Fabrics Used in OTTE Gear Apparel + Wash & Dry Instructions

1. Cordura® Nylon 6.6

Used in: Capital Pant, Down Range Combat Uniform, Modular Softshell Jacket

• Wash: Cold water wash on gentle cycle

• Detergent: Use IR-compliant detergents (Atsko Sport Wash or Nikwax Tech Wash)

• Dry: Air dry or low heat tumble dry

• Tips: Turn inside out and close all zippers before washing. Avoid bleach, softeners, and hot water.

2. Ripstop Nylon

Used in: Field shirts, lightweight tactical pants, combat uniforms

• Wash: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle

• Detergent: IR-compliant or fragrance-free technical detergent

• Dry: Air dry preferred; low tumble dry acceptable

• Tips: Avoid overdrying; it can weaken the weave.

3. ePTFE Membranes (e.g., waterproof shells)

Used in: Hard Charger Jacket, hardshell outerwear

• Wash: Machine wash with Nikwax Tech Wash or similar

• Detergent: Never use standard detergent—use membrane-safe cleaners only

• Dry: Tumble dry low to reactivate DWR coating

• DWR Refresh: Use Nikwax TX.Direct after every few washes

• Tips: Wash separately to prevent contamination from other clothes.

4. Polartec® Fleece

Used in: Midlayers, fleece hoodies, tactical layering

• Wash: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle

• Detergent: Mild, non-detergent cleaner (Granger’s Performance Wash or Nikwax)

• Dry: Air dry flat or tumble dry on low

• Tips: Avoid high heat and rough washing cycles. Pilling can be minimized by turning inside out.

5. Stretch-Woven (Nylon/Spandex)

Used in: Hybrid pants, softshells, performance baselayers

• Wash: Cold water, gentle cycle

• Detergent: Mild or technical detergent only

• Dry: Hang dry or low heat tumble

• Tips: Avoid softeners, which break down elasticity. Never wring.

6. NIR-Treated/IR-Compliant Fabrics

Used in: Combat uniforms, mission-ready gear

• Wash: Machine wash cold with IR-safe detergent

• Detergent: Atsko Sport Wash or Nikwax Tech Wash only

• Dry: Hang dry or low tumble without dryer sheets

• Tips: Avoid UV bleaching and commercial laundromats. NIR properties can degrade with improper detergents.

7. Primaloft® Synthetic Insulation (LV and HT Jackets)

Used in: LV Insulated Jacket, HT (High Temperature) Jacket, cold-weather outerwear

• Material Properties: Primaloft® is a high-performance synthetic insulation designed to mimic the warmth-to-weight ratio of down while remaining water-resistant and breathable. It retains insulating properties even when wet.

• Wash: Machine wash cold on delicate cycle

• Detergent: Use mild detergent or Nikwax Tech Wash. Avoid detergents with silicones, softeners, or bleaching agents.

• Dry: Tumble dry on low with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help loft the insulation

• Tips:

  • Turn garment inside out before washing

  • Do not dry on high heat—this can permanently damage insulation loft

  • Store loosely in a breathable garment bag or hang uncompressed to retain insulation integrity

  • Avoid vacuum storage or tight compression for long-term storage

Technical Detergent Comparison Chart

How to Wash Tactical Gear (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep Your Apparel:

   • Turn garments inside out

   • Close all zippers, buttons, and Velcro

   • Remove armor inserts or pads (if applicable)

2. Select the Right Detergent:

   • Always use a detergent approved for technical fabrics

   • Avoid fragrance, dyes, and optical brighteners

3. Choose Your Wash Settings:

   • Use cold or warm water (never hot)

   • Select a gentle cycle

   • Wash similar items together (e.g., don't mix fleece and hardshells)

4. Dry Correctly:

   • Air dry flat or hang dry when possible

   • If using a dryer, set to low or delicate heat

   • Reapply DWR every few washes with Nikwax TX.Direct

Drying Tips for Tactical Apparel

• Use low heat or air dry to prevent breakdown of coatings and elasticity

• Avoid dryer sheets or fabric softeners

• Hang garments indoors out of direct sunlight to protect NIR treatment

• Reshape and smooth fabric while drying to prevent stiffness

• For insulated gear: tumble dry with dryer balls on low heat to restore loft

Pro Tips to Extend Apparel Life

• Wash less frequently; spot clean if possible

• Store in a cool, dry place

• Avoid mixing tactical apparel with cotton or lint-heavy fabrics

• Use a garment bag to protect high-abrasion items in the wash

• Maintain gear logs to track DWR refresh and cleanings

• Do not store insulated jackets compressed; hang them to retain loft

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I machine wash my OTTE hardshell jacket?
A: Yes, with a membrane-safe detergent like Nikwax Tech Wash and on a gentle cycle.

Q: What's the best detergent for NIR-treated uniforms?
A: Use Atsko Sport Wash or Nikwax Tech Wash—never use standard commercial detergents.

Q: Can I dry my gear in the dryer?
A: Yes, but only on low heat. Air drying is safest, especially for technical fabrics.

Q: How do I restore water repellency to my jacket?
A: After washing, apply Nikwax TX.Direct spray or wash-in and tumble dry on low.

Q: Can I iron tactical pants or uniforms?
A: Not recommended. Use a low-temp setting only if necessary and never iron directly on Velcro or patches.

Q: How should I store insulated jackets like the LV or HT?
A: Store them uncompressed on a hanger in a breathable garment bag to maintain insulation loft.

Check Out Some of OG's Best Sellers

• Capital Pant
  

• Down Range Combat Uniform

• Hard Charger Jacket

• LV Insulated Jacket

• HT Jacket

• UAC Plate Carrier (for general layering context)