Bib Tips & Apparel Care
You know those people who fold their tents? Ya, that is me. I would love to normalize this practice because it's good for your tent, making it last longer, and if more people knew, maybe I wouldn't get hounded by my friends. You may ask, “why are you talking about tents right now? You make pants.” I'll tell you: my desire for universal tent care surpasses care of just tents and extends to the entire textile world. The “knowledge” below can be applied to all apparel, so think outside the textile box with me for a moment….
Storing
If you are going to take away one thing from this post, don't stuff your bibs! We recommend hanging them by either method pictured below. There are pros and cons to both methods.
Method 1 impacts the PVC, making it more susceptible to cracking because it’s folded. (Note how the gusset is folded on the 3L, not the coating.) The 3L membrane can also be sensitive to but is protected by the face fabric and the circular knit backer.
Method 2 might be better for your PVC coating, but can stretch the soft shell panel on the top. I am working to reinforce the soft shell panel (by adding seam allowance finishing with 3L fabric, which is not susceptible to stretching, and will help maintain shape and breathability.) But in the meantime, watch your stretch! And this applies to knits and lycra containing apparel, so keep in mind when you hang your sweaters, too :).
PVC Coating Care
If you have ever owned a dry bag, the care is very similar (both are PVC-coated.) Allowing your bibs to fold in the same place over time cracks the coating, ultimately making it easier for water to permeate the protective barrier. Thankfully, if you mess up, PVC is very easy to repair. More on that another time.
And do not store in sun-exposed areas. Extended sun exposure damages PVC coating. This goes for 3L and tents as well. Membranes and coatings are sensitive! They will all last longer if you love them and cradle them!
Washing
These bibs need some special washing TLC. Our bibs contain both 3L and PVC-coated fabric, which require different care. 3L fabric requires heat to activate the DWR after washing, while heat damages PVC coatings.
Wash about once a season. I usually do it at the end to remove the sweat and grime before storing them hung up or thoughtfully folded for the summer. This goes for ALL ski pants! I am not going to explain why here, unless people request it.
Use gentle, fragrance-free, and no-additives detergent. This means no softeners, no fancy stain removers, etc. Do not use powder detergent.
Wash with cold or warm water on a gentle cycle or hand wash.
Dry on low heat. I use the ‘time dry’ setting for 10-20 minutes right side out and then air dry inside out to dry the woven interior of the coated fabric.
You can test the DWR on the 3L fabric by dropping some water on it. If the water beads, the DWR is re-activated. If the water soaks in, dry bibs on low heat, right side out again for 10 minutes. Repeat until water beads. If you have done this several times with no beading, you must re-apply the DWR. I recommend using a DWR spray to target the 3L panels.
If you do not care about the DWR on these, which is valid because it's on your legs, DO NOT MACHINE DRY THEM AT ALL.
Drying in general is bad for your clothes. Washing in general is also bad for your clothes. (I actually dry almost everything, but I acknowledge this impact.)
And finally, check your shoulder straps...
At this point in the life of the Seca Dry Bib, I have seen countless try-ons. I have seen and adored the dozens and dozens of photos you have sent me, but this has also highlighted where I have let you down by not giving you the fitting tools you need. My love for all you is ineffable, which is why I must tell you, 95% of you are adjusting your shoulders straps "wrong," according to me.
First, the bib panel is intended to be shorter with less coverage and, therefore, more breathability.
Second, overalls are not pants, and the positioning of the crotch is not necessarily the same, especially with a looser fit like ours. Don’t be afraid for the crotch to hang about 1-2"! This will depend on the person and size, could be more, could be less.
See images below.
I do not wish for your crotch to look like an oyster or like you are preparing for a flood. Believe me, if you heed my advice, your bibs will still look stunning on you.
Love your bibs and they will love you back! Now go skiing!
