Hang or Fold Down Jacket: How to Store Your Jacket Right in Ireland

When it comes to storing your down jacket, a padded outer layer designed for insulation in cold, wet conditions, commonly worn across Ireland’s unpredictable winters. Also known as puffer jacket, it’s one of the most practical pieces in any Irish wardrobe—whether you’re walking the Dingle Peninsula, commuting in Dublin, or hiking the Wicklow Way. But here’s the real question: do you hang it or fold it? Get this wrong, and you risk crushing the insulation, trapping moisture, or shrinking its warmth for next season.

Most people think hanging is always better. But in Ireland, where damp air clings to everything, hanging a wet or damp down jacket on a hanger can cause the filling to clump unevenly. Over time, that clumping turns into cold spots—places where your body heat escapes. Folding, on the other hand, lets the down breathe evenly, especially if you store it loosely in a cotton bag on a high shelf. Brands like The North Face and Columbia design their jackets to handle both methods, but only if you avoid plastic bins and cramped closets. The real enemy isn’t the fold—it’s the sealed plastic bag that traps moisture. Local outdoor shops in Galway and Cork recommend airing your jacket out after every few wears, then storing it flat or loosely hung in a dry, ventilated spot—like under a bed or on a wide wooden hanger.

And it’s not just down jackets. The same logic applies to your denim jacket, a durable, casual outer layer worn year-round in Ireland for its weather resistance and easy layering. Also known as jean jacket, it’s the go-to for rainy mornings and pub walks. Hang it to keep the shape, especially if it’s tailored or has embroidery. Fold it if you’re tight on space—but never cram it under heavy sweaters. Your waterproof jacket, a technical outer layer built for Ireland’s constant drizzle, often made with GORE-TEX or similar membranes. Also known as rain jacket, needs ventilation more than anything. Storing it balled up in a gym bag after a hike? That’s how you kill the waterproof coating. Hang it on a broad hanger in a dry room, zipper open, for at least 24 hours before packing it away.

What you do after wearing your jacket matters more than what you wear it for. Ireland’s weather doesn’t give you a break—so your gear shouldn’t either. Whether you’re juggling a down jacket for winter walks, a denim jacket for spring markets, or a waterproof shell for coastal trails, the right storage keeps it working longer. Below, you’ll find real stories from Irish runners, hikers, and locals who’ve learned the hard way what works—and what just ends up in the bin.