What are the best techniques for stringing a mid low pocket in a lacrosse stick. How does pocket placement affect performance on the field. Which pocket styles are ideal for different playing positions and styles.
Understanding Mid Low Pockets in Lacrosse
A mid low pocket is a popular stringing style in lacrosse that offers a balance between ball control and quick release. This pocket placement sits slightly lower than center in the lacrosse head, providing players with enhanced feel and hold while maintaining throwing accuracy.
Why choose a mid low pocket? This style is versatile and suits various playing positions, particularly attackmen and midfielders who need a combination of ball retention and passing precision. The lower pocket placement allows for better one-handed cradling and improved shooting power.
Key Benefits of Mid Low Pockets
- Improved ball control and feel
- Enhanced shooting accuracy
- Better one-handed cradling
- Versatile for multiple playing styles
- Balance between hold and quick release
Essential Materials for Stringing a Mid Low Pocket
Before diving into the stringing process, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials. What do you need to string a mid low pocket? Here’s a comprehensive list:
- Lacrosse head
- Mesh (preferably 20mm for optimal performance)
- Sidewall string
- Shooters (nylon and/or lace)
- Bottom string
- Top string
- Scissors
- Lighter (for sealing string ends)
- Needle or lacing tool
Choosing the right mesh is crucial for achieving the desired pocket characteristics. Many stringers prefer 20mm mesh for mid low pockets due to its versatility and ability to create a defined channel.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stringing a Mid Low Pocket
Stringing a mid low pocket requires attention to detail and patience. Follow these steps to create a high-performance pocket:
- Attach the mesh to the scoop of the head using a nine-diamond top string.
- Begin the sidewall stringing, focusing on creating a tight channel in the upper third of the head.
- Gradually loosen the sidewall pattern as you move down the head to create the mid low pocket placement.
- Use a combination of knots and skips to achieve the desired pocket depth and shape.
- Ensure the pocket is deepest just below the midpoint of the head.
- String the bottom string to secure the mesh and define the pocket’s shape.
- Add shooters to fine-tune the release and whip of the pocket.
Remember, the key to a successful mid low pocket is creating a gradual transition from a tight upper section to a slightly looser lower section. This configuration allows for optimal ball control and release.
Popular Mid Low Pocket Styles and Their Characteristics
Several popular mid low pocket styles cater to different playing preferences and positions. Here are some notable variations:
Fogo Pocket
Designed specifically for face-off specialists, the Fogo pocket features:
- Smooth release for quick passes after winning the face-off
- Tight channel for maximum hold
- Three straight shooters for consistent release
- Low whip and high hold
Slick Pocket
Ideal for feeding and dodging attackmen, the Slick pocket offers:
- Low pocket placement for one-handed cradling
- Minimal whip for smooth passes
- High hold for effective fakes
- Tight channel for improved accuracy
Arrow Pocket
The Arrow pocket is perfect for attackmen who prefer one-handed cradling:
- Extremely tight channel for superior accuracy
- Medium whip for versatile play
- High hold for ball security during dodges
Customizing Your Mid Low Pocket for Optimal Performance
How can you tailor your mid low pocket to suit your playing style? Consider these factors when customizing your pocket:
Adjusting Whip and Hold
Whip affects the ball’s release angle, while hold determines how securely the ball sits in the pocket. To adjust these characteristics:
- Increase whip by tightening the lower sidewall holes and using more defined shooters
- Enhance hold by creating a deeper pocket and using U-shaped shooters
- Reduce whip by loosening the lower sidewall pattern and using straighter shooters
Fine-tuning Channel Width
The channel is crucial for accuracy and ball control. To adjust the channel:
- Tighten sidewall holes for a narrower channel
- Use strategic knots to create a more defined ball path
- Experiment with different shooter configurations to shape the channel
Maintaining Your Mid Low Pocket for Consistent Performance
Proper maintenance is essential for preserving the performance of your mid low pocket. How can you keep your pocket in top condition?
- Regularly check and tighten loose strings
- Clean your mesh after playing in wet or muddy conditions
- Store your stick in a cool, dry place to prevent warping
- Break in new pockets gradually to achieve optimal shape
- Re-string your pocket when it shows signs of wear or inconsistent performance
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure your mid low pocket retains its shape and performance characteristics over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Stringing a Mid Low Pocket
Even experienced stringers can make mistakes when creating a mid low pocket. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Stringing the pocket too deep, making it illegal for competition
- Creating an inconsistent channel, leading to accuracy issues
- Over-tightening the sidewall, reducing the pocket’s hold
- Using too many or too few shooters, affecting the release
- Neglecting to properly break in the pocket before gameplay
Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a high-performance mid low pocket that enhances your game on the field.
Advanced Techniques for Perfecting Your Mid Low Pocket
Once you’ve mastered the basics of stringing a mid low pocket, you can explore advanced techniques to further refine your pocket’s performance:
Hybrid Stringing Patterns
Combining different stringing styles can create unique pocket characteristics. For example:
- Mixing traditional and mesh elements for enhanced feel
- Incorporating multiple channel widths for varied ball control
- Using specialized knots to create specific pocket shapes
Experimenting with Shooter Combinations
Different shooter setups can dramatically affect your pocket’s performance:
- Try various combinations of nylon, lace, and hockey lace shooters
- Experiment with U-shaped, straight, and rolled shooters
- Adjust shooter tension to fine-tune release and whip
Custom Mesh Treatments
Treating your mesh can enhance its performance and durability:
- Waxing mesh for improved water resistance
- Using mesh hardeners for a more defined pocket shape
- Exploring specially coated performance mesh options
By incorporating these advanced techniques, you can create a truly customized mid low pocket that perfectly suits your playing style and preferences.
Mastering the art of stringing a mid low pocket takes time and practice. As you become more proficient, you’ll develop a keen sense for how small adjustments can significantly impact your pocket’s performance. Remember to always stay within the legal limits for pocket depth and experiment with different techniques to find the perfect balance of hold, release, and accuracy for your game.
Mesh Pockets – ChilLAX Stringing
The advantages of mesh is that it is very consitent, some mesh is waterproof and there is not much maintenance. All pockets perform best with ChilLax Customs Xmesh
Low Pockets
Fogo Pocket
This pocket is specifically strung for face-off guys. The smooth release lets you make good passes and shoot on the run. The tight channel and three straights allow for maximum hold but smooth release. This pocket is best strung with 20mm mesh
Whip: Low
Hold: High
Slick Pocket
This pocket is great for a feeding and dodging attackman. The low pocket placement makes this pocket ideal for one handed cradling. Having very little whip but lots of hold helps with throwing really nice passes but still be able to throw nice fakes. The tight channel make sthis stick very accurate both shooting and passing.
Whip:low
Hold High
Arrow pocket
This pocket is great for attack men who like to cradle one handed. The tight channel makes this pocket the most accurate we offer.
Whip: Mid
Hold: High
Peacekeeper Pocket
This pocket will keep the peace between you and your teammates by being able to score and pass effectively. The u shooters offer great hold to dodge and the two nylons offer a nice snappy release. the u shooters ad channel make this stick very accurate.
Whip: Mid
Hold: High
Sniper Pocket
This pocket is great for an all around attackman. The tight channel and three diamond U helps this to be very accurate. With a medium amount of whip you can throw nice passes and still rip some shots. Throwing fakes is not a problem either because of this pockets hold.
Whip:medium or high
Hold: mid/high
Mid Pockets
Mohawk Pocket
This pocket is great for any offensive player. Its super tight channel helps it be super accurate. The one shooter and one nylon make this pocket have a nice snappy release. The channel also gives this pocket an extreme amount of hold. This pocket is also NCAA legal making it a great choice for many players.
Whip:mid
Hold:high
Beast Pocket
The pocket is great for any long pole or Lsm. With the u shooter you get good hold while still having a smooth release. This pocket has a snappy release for the deep clears but enough hold to make some dodges.
Whip: Mid
Hold: High
Stingray Pocket
This pocket is great for a offensive player who loves to rip shots. Named the stingray pocket due to it being able to sting corners with its tight channel and lots of whip. The U shooter gives this pocket lots of hold. This pocket will not sag low due to its definition and how tight the bottom string is.
Whip:high
Hold High
Stallion Pocket
This is a replica of LXM pro player Kyle Harrison’s stick. This pocket is great for ripping outside shots with some great power. You can throw sick dodges with this pocket too.
Whip: Mid/High
Hold:High
High Pockets
Turtle
This pocket is a great pocket for an offensive feeder looking for a quick release.
The tight channel allows this pocket to be very accurate and have lots of hold. named the turtle pocket because of its defined turtle shell like pocket, not because it makes you shot slower. You can still rip some good had shots with this pocket.
Whip:low
Hold:high
Type 1
This NCAA legal pocket has a very smooth release and high hold due to the rolled shooter. If you are looking for the feel of a high pocket with a very smooth release then this pocket is for you.
Whip:low
Hold: high
Lion Pocket
This pocket is great for a shooting and feeding middie. the mid whip lets you get some heat on your shots but still throw nice shots. The channel helps this pocket be accurate.
Whip:mid
Hold:high
Ripper Pocket
This pocket is great for anybody who likes to rip shots. the high hold and whip let this pocket be able to throw sick fakes and rip outside shots. the two Us help give this pocket lots of hold. the one straight and nylon help to give this pocket a snappy release.
Whip:high
Hold:high
Box Pockets
Box pocket
This pocket is great for any box player. with the four straights you get very low whip with lots of hold. the channel helps this pocket be super accurate. the mid high placement helps for a quick release. this pocket is illegal for field because it is too deep.
Whip: Low
Hold: High
Goalie Pockets
Gator pocket
this pocket is called the gator pocket because it swallows up rebounds and has amazing hold. the tight channel allows fro a very accurate pass with a smooth but snappy realize off the top nylon.
Whip:medium-low
Hold:mid
15 Exercises to Reduce Low Back Pain
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The low back isn’t typically an area people mention when wanting to tone and strengthen the body — but it is definitely an area I hear a lot of complaints about when back pain creeps up.
While it may not be a body part you want to tone for aesthetic reasons, taking the time to strengthen the low back now, can help prevent pain later. That’s why I always make sure to include exercises that target the low back into my own strength-training routine, and those I create for my clients.
The benefits of lower-back workouts
Also called the erector spinae, the muscles of the low back are responsible for maintaining the spine’s structure by holding it up. A strong low back helps prevent injuries and pain during motions such as bending forward and picking things up.
Like any muscle, unless we actively work the muscles of the low back, they will weaken over time. It’s not uncommon for someone to pull a muscle in this area due to muscle imbalances. That’s why it’s crucial to strengthen your low back muscles and core to prevent injury.
15 lower-back exercises
These exercises will strengthen the low back — add a few to your current strength training routine or string them all together for a low-back focused workout.
Upward facing dog
Lie on the ground with your hands next to your chest as if you just lowered to the ground from a pushup. Pull your abs in, press the tops of your feet into the ground, and press your hands into the ground as you lift your head, neck, and chest up into upward facing dog. Roll the shoulders back and take a deep breath in, then exhale and lower down. Repeat 10 times.
Downward facing dog
Start in a plank position with your shoulders over your wrists. Pull your naval in toward your spine and reach your butt up toward the ceiling. Form a “V” with your body with your heels reaching down toward the ground. (It’s OK if they are off of the ground.) Come forward into plank position, and repeat 10 times.
Marching bridge
Lying on your back, bend your knees and open your feet as wide as your hips. Relax the arms by your sides. Pull the navel in toward the spine as if you’re zipping into a tight pair of pants. Slowly roll the hips, then low back, then mid-back up off the ground.
Press down through the feet, then lift the right foot off the ground as if you’re beginning to march. Return the right foot to the ground and then lift your left foot. Keep the hips steady as you lift each foot off the ground. You can place your hands on your hips to ensure that they are staying stationary. March 5 times per foot.
V-sit
Seated on a mat, engage your core muscles and gently lean back a couple of inches. Slowly lift your legs up in the air so that are in a table-top position. Reach your arms straight out in front of you so that they are parallel with the mat. Keeping your core engaged, extend the legs straight up to a 45-degree angle, forming a “V” shape with your body. If you feel balanced here, attempt reaching your arms up toward the ceiling. You always have the option to leave them straight out in front of you. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Keep the shoulders relaxed, abs pulled in and the inner thighs squeezing together.
Superman
This exercise engages the entire back of the body, from the upper back to the bottom of the legs.
Lifting up into this position teaches the back to work together in tandem, with the shoulders lifting the arms and the glutes, hamstrings and muscles of the back working to lift the legs. Lie on your stomach and reach the arms forward and legs back. Open the legs as wide as the hips and the arms as wide as the shoulders. Pull the belly button in, away from the ground, to engage the abs. Relax the shoulders as you reach the arms up off the ground and squeeze the quads as you lift the legs off the ground. Avoid putting too much pressure on the low back by ensuring that the abdominals stay contracted. All the muscles in the back of the body will be engaged, from the calves up to the upper back muscles.
Swimmers
This exercise trains the back of the body to work in opposition to improve balance, spinal strength and mobility. Similar to the superman exercise, you’ll start by lying down on your stomach. This time, instead of reaching up both arms and legs simultaneously, you’ll lift the right arm and the left leg off the ground, and then alternate.
Be sure to pull the abs in the entire time. Perform 10 repetitions on each side.
Good mornings
Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and hands behind your head. Add a slight bend to your knees, tucking your pelvis under and engaging your core. Keeping your back straight, hinge at the hips, lowering your torso toward the floor. Slowly lower down until your upper body is parallel with the floor, pause, and then return back to the starting position. Repeat for 10 repetitions.
Bird dog
Begin in a tabletop position with hands and knees on the floor. Engage your core and try to keep your hips stable as you extend your opposite arm and opposite leg out. Pause for a few seconds, maintaining your balance. Return back to the starting position. Repeat with the opposite arm and leg. Continue alternating for 10 repetitions on each side.
Glute bridge
Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and knees bent. Engage your core, pressing your low back into the ground.
Then, slowly curl your back off the ground driving your hips toward the sky. Do not hyperextend your back by lifting up too high. Stop when your hips have created a straight line from your knees to your upper back. Hold the position, then slowly lower back down to the starting position. Repeat for 10 repetitions.
Forearm plank
Start on your hands and knees on the mat. Line your shoulders up over your wrists. Come down on to your forearms and walk your knees back a few inches. Pull your navel in toward your spine, tuck your toes under and lift your legs up off of the ground. Squeeze your quads and reach your heels toward the back of the room. If you have a mirror, check yourself out to ensure that you’re in one straight line! Engage your core, maintaining a straight back. Hold the position for 30 seconds. Rest, then repeat.
Dumbbell-free renegade rows
Start in a high-plank position. Engage your core before raising one of your hands off of the ground, pulling your hand up to your shoulder and hugging your elbow in toward your side to engage your upper back.
Return to the starting position, then repeat the movement with the other arm. Complete 10 repetitions on each arm.
Cat cow
Start on your hands and knees with your hands flat on the ground below your shoulders and knees directly below your hips. Move into cow by breathing in, dropping your stomach toward the floor and looking up toward the ceiling, arching your back. Exhale as your move into cat pose, pulling your belly button toward your spine and rounding your back up toward the ceiling. Let your head drop toward the ground. Repeat 10 times.
Pilates half rolldown
Seated on the ground, bend your knees. (For a more advanced exercise, straighten your legs.) Then, reach your arms out in front of you with the shoulders relaxed. Pull the naval in toward the spine and slowly roll down onto your low back. Pause and then slowly roll back up to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.
Side forearm plank
From a forearm plank position, turn your body to the left, balancing your weight on your right forearm and the edge of the right foot.
Reach your left arm up into air, keeping the elbow bent. Stack your left foot on top of the right and pull your right side up away from the ground to work the entire right side of your body. Come back to forearm plank and repeat on the other side. Continue alternating sides, performing 10 repetitions on each side.
Cobra
Lie face down on a yoga mat. Place both palms flat on the mat directly beneath your shoulders. Add a bend to your elbows, keeping them tucked into your sides. Inhale, then raise your chest off the mat as you exhale. Roll your shoulders back, keeping your neck neutral. Maintain the position for up to 30 seconds.
How to choose a scarf for a suit and how to fold it correctly
In this article:
- Is a pocket square required for the
- Materials and sizes of men’s pocket squares
- Design and color of pocket square
- 12 key rules for choosing and wearing a scarf with a suit
- Folding options for pocket square
suit?
Good taste is expressed not only in the ability to choose beautiful and stylish things, but also in the ability to make the right accent with the right accessories.
Such a detail can be a pocket square, which is sometimes called pasha. It is he who will be the most spectacular accent in an ordinary office suit. But how to choose a scarf for a suit so that everything is harmonious?
A pocket square can really spruce up your wardrobe. Match your outfit with a few shirts and matching shawls, and you’ll have a look for every day. We will talk about the rules for choosing and wearing this finishing stroke on your bow in this article.
Is a pocket square required for the suit?
Pasha – a handkerchief that is inserted into the breast pocket of a jacket, appeared thanks to snuff, or rather, the need to blow your nose, those who like to sniff tobacco. Although the common people for a long time used a sleeve or hem for these purposes, the courtiers of King Richard picked up from their monarch the manner of using a separate piece of cloth for this purpose.
In September 1784, King Louis XVI of France issued a decree stating that “the length of the scarf should be equal to its width.
” He did this for his wife Marie Antoinette, who, being an icon of the style of that time, once noticed that a square scarf is much more comfortable than others.
Initially, since wearing a scarf was the prerogative of the nobility, this accessory was sewn from silk and richly decorated with lace, and therefore it was very expensive. Therefore, in order to protect him from damage by metal money and prolong his life, a special pocket was sewn on his chest to the vest. And when two-piece suits came into use at the beginning of the twentieth century, the handkerchief pocket “moved” to the jacket. Gradually, the shawls were divided according to their functionality into a pasha (a decorative accessory for a breast pocket) and an ordinary bow shawl, which remained “live” in a trouser pocket.
Michael Anton, a well-known trendsetter in men’s fashion, writes: “A man who is missing a headscarf is not only not in the parade – he cannot even be called well-dressed.”
Alan Flusser, in his book Dressing the Man, notes: “It would be hard to find a photograph of the Duke of Windsor, Fred Astaire, or any well-dressed Adam of the 1930s that does not have a pocket handkerchief in some form.
One of America’s most stylish politicians, President Kennedy, never left the White House in a suit without a piece of fabric in his pocket.”
Materials and sizes of men’s pocket squares
Most often, pasha scarves are sewn from silk, linen and cotton or mixed fabrics in different combinations and proportions. In the cold season, wool or wool with the addition of cotton or silk is a good choice, especially in combination with a tweed suit. In summer, it is preferable to wear linen and silk scarves, besides, they are better combined with light suits. There is no need to focus on the combination of a scarf and a tie; both contrasting options and those made of the same material will look equally good. If it is difficult for you to decide on a color, choose an accessory made of light linen, it will look organic in any situation.
You should definitely not choose synthetic material, scarves made from such fabrics look unpresentable and wear out quickly. Although if the suit to which you select an accessory is also inexpensive, then perhaps you should opt for, for example, artificial silk so that there is no dissonance.
Combining a cheap suit with an expensive headscarf is likely to look ridiculous.
So how do you choose a scarf for a suit? How not to make a mistake in the choice of fabric, color, texture?
There are many options, let’s try to figure it out. Let’s start with natural fabrics.
- The most common is silk.
Scarves made of natural silk are suitable for almost any costume and season, they have a lot of advantages: they do not wrinkle, almost do not wear out and look solid. The only thing is not to combine them with similar ties. The silk scarf is soft, does not hold its shape very well, and in order to fold it, a certain skill is required.
- A blend of linen and silk is more of a summer material, but can also be worn in spring or early autumn.
This blended fabric is not as versatile as silk. The fabric has the property, though not much, but to wrinkle, but at the same time it is great for summer suits.
Like a white silk scarf, a white linen poché will pair with almost any fabric. For a change, you can choose not just a white plain scarf, but an accessory with a not very bright and sharp pattern or ornament.
- Wool-linen blend and pure wool are options for the cold season.
Such scarves can be combined with tweed suits, and with products made from good wool. Wool-blended silk shawls also pair flawlessly with winter outfits. If you choose the right accessory according to the color scheme, you get a very stylish and elegant look.
- Cotton is the most inexpensive natural fabric option.
Do not forget about cotton fabrics, this is a very practical fabric. One of the undeniable advantages is the possibility of washing such scarves, and cotton scarves can also be starched, which will make them stiffer and increase the number of folding options.
Often manufacturers, in pursuit of savings, produce scarves that are too small.
After all, the smaller the scarf, the lower the consumption of materials and the lower the cost. And although some suit manufacturers do make handkerchief pockets small, the most common option can be considered a medium-sized handkerchief pocket.
It is difficult to say exactly which size is correct. In addition to the fact that the breast pockets of different models of jackets and vests differ, different sizes are also suitable for handkerchiefs made of different materials. Also, the option of putting the handkerchief in your pocket affects the choice of its size.
In general, the recommended size for silk handkerchiefs is 33×33 cm. A smaller size silk handkerchief will most likely just fall into your pocket. If you choose the wrong size cotton accessory, it will not fold well and will not hold its shape. And if the woolen scarf is larger than necessary, it will wrinkle and protrude the pocket, which also looks rather ugly.
Pattern and color of pocket square
High-quality models of scarves are tucked and hemmed by hand, these are the so-called hand-rolled.
They are somewhat more expensive than machine-hemmed scarves and look neater. Since there is an opinion that cheap synthetic material will not be handled by hand, the “hand-rolled” mark is a kind of quality assurance.
Although now there are scarves hemmed on special machines that imitate handmade work. Of course, upon closer inspection, you can notice the difference, but in general, if the thread for stitching is chosen carefully, such scarves look like the result of manual labor.
You can find scarves with unusual edge processing, as if openwork, with a large number of small holes, most often linen accessories are processed this way. Did you know that sophisticated fashionistas can tell an Irish linen handkerchief from a French linen handkerchief?
The variety of colors, ornaments and patterns, fabrics and textures allows you to create a lot of combinations with ties and jackets.
Of course, if you are lost in the variety of colors and fabrics or want something versatile, then a white linen or white silk scarf will always help you out.
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It is a versatile choice to match any suit or tie. You can also choose a solid blue or light blue scarf, but you must remember that they cannot be worn with a blue and light blue jacket, respectively.
To emphasize the scarf, you can choose the option with a pattern. A simple stripe along the edge of a scarf can spice up any formal outfit.
12 key rules for choosing and wearing a headscarf with a suit
Sometimes there are situations when a pocket square is not very appropriate. For example, if you are waiting for an interview, you should not focus the attention of a potential leader on what kind of fashionista you are. A discreet classic suit is much better.
And there are situations when the dress code of the event obliges a man to have a scarf as a detail of the image.
When deciding how to match a scarf with a suit, it is imperative to consider the material and color of the tie, as well as the color direction of the suit.
- The first rule of a gentleman is that the handkerchief must be perfectly clean. If suddenly it is dirty or there is a clear stain on it, then neither the combination with the tie nor the sophistication of the pattern is important.
- A scarf is not a piece of cloth for wiping sweat or a phone screen, but a purely decorative accessory.
- It is necessary to fold the handkerchief in such a way that about one third of this accessory looks out of the breast pocket.
- A scarf should not look like a festive bouquet that sticks out of your chest.
- It is not necessary to wear a tie with the headscarf. A scarf is able to make your image elegant and self-sufficient.
- The scarf may be visible.
- The handkerchief can also be worn in a vest pocket, and not just let it peek out of your jacket pocket.
- When choosing this part of the wardrobe, it is necessary to take into account the texture of the fabric and be able to beat it, for example, by combining a silk tie and a linen scarf. In general, a combination of a tie made of shiny fabric and a matte scarf is considered optimal.
- A scarf should be combined with a tie, but this does not mean that both accessories should match color for color, on the contrary, the colors should overlap. A good option would be when only some part of the pattern matches the tone of the shirt or tie.
- If you have a plain jacket, it is better to choose a scarf with an ornament, it will become a beneficial accent in your image.
- Wearing a pocket square allows, depending on the choice and situation, both to emphasize the informal image of your outfit and to maintain the dress code.
- Try to wear a scarf on the one hand elegantly, but on the other hand a little casually, so that no one would guess how much time you spent on successfully folding it.
Pocket scarf folding options
There are about a hundred ways to tie a tie, but with a scarf, the situation is much simpler. There are much fewer options for folding scarves, and two or three options are most often used.
- “President’s way” – before putting the handkerchief in the pocket of a jacket or vest, you need to fold the handkerchief in half into a rectangle, and then tuck its bottom corner, leaving a little space at the top.
- “With one corner” – spread the scarf in front of you, turning the corner towards you, fold it in half to make a triangle, after that you should bend the left edge of the accessory, slightly stepping out of the center, and repeat this action with the right edge. You can put a handkerchief in your pocket.
- “Two corners on top” – place the scarf as in the previous method, then throw the bottom half of the scarf over the top, but not symmetrically, but to get two corners, and bend, by analogy with the “one corner” method, first the left and then the right edge. The scarf is ready.
- “Three corners from above” – spread the scarf in front of you with an angle down. Asymmetrically throw the bottom half of the scarf over the top so that you get two corners. Next, pull up the left corner, also asymmetrically, to make three corners. Put the handkerchief in your pocket, being careful not to disturb the design.
The scarf is ready.If a linen or cotton handkerchief is too soft and doesn’t want to hold its shape, starch it before ironing, this will help you easily fold it to your liking. But remember: silk scarves do not starch.
If the pocket of your jacket or vest is too big for the selected handkerchief, put a folded napkin or piece of cloth on the bottom of the pocket, they will not allow the handkerchief to slip inside. However, be careful that the handkerchief does not stick out, sticking out your pocket, it will look very messy.
How to wash a down jacket in the washing machine – instructions from BAON with useful tips
Today we wear white, pink, beige down jackets.
These are beautiful, stylish and bright things. But they get dirty easily. You can take your clothes to the dry cleaner, but this is costly in terms of money and time. Sometimes it’s easier to do it yourself. We tell you how to wash a down jacket in a washing machine so that the filler does not crumple, and the thing remains functional.
How to prepare your down jacket for washing
Do not start washing immediately. Understand the features that the manufacturer indicates.
Read the specifications on the label
All useful information is on the label. If you see that the manufacturer recommends hand washing, listen to him. If there is no such mark, you can use a machine wash.
The label also indicates at what temperature it is desirable to wash / dry the item, whether the item can be bleached or taken to dry cleaning.
Important! If some details – sleeves, pockets, jacket floors – are sheathed with natural fur trim, and it cannot be removed, the only possible option is dry cleaning.
Remove recent soiling
If your jacket gets dirty, do not leave dirt or stains, but try to remove them with a dry cloth. The main rule is not to rub. Otherwise, the dirt will sink deeper into the matter, and the area of pollution will become larger.
The edges of the sleeves and the neck get dirty most quickly on light-colored down jackets. Such places need to be washed separately. Take a soapy solution, apply, gently wipe the stained areas. In case of severe contamination, it is allowed to use a stain remover. For example, BAON’s liquid remedy easily copes with stains of any origin. Can be used to clean carpets and furniture as it rinses out easily. Most importantly, it retains color!
Stain remover
Unfasten trim
Natural fur cannot be washed. It falls off and will look unaesthetic, so the edge is usually removed. If the fur is sewn on, comb it with a comb after washing. And then a couple more times in the process of drying.
If we are dealing with painted parts, it is wiser to send the product to dry cleaning. If the hood and jacket are the same color, do not separate them.
Clean pockets
Buttons, zippers, buttons should be fastened and the jacket itself turned inside out. Clear pockets of debris, things, little things. Remove the straps and tie or hide the puffs. Even a coin or a small wrapper can break the technique or paint over the product. If there are holes on the jacket – inside or out – they need to be repaired. Otherwise, the filler will try to “run away”.
How to wash a down jacket
When the product is prepared, it remains to do the following.
Choose your detergent
Another point to consider is purchasing the right detergent.
Dry powders foam excessively and the foam is difficult to rinse out. There is a risk that ugly soap stains will remain on the surface, and you will have to wash it again. Products with a membrane coating are not recommended to be washed with powder, because the granules clog into the pores of the material.
So the membrane can lose its useful properties.
Liquid agents produce a minimum of foam, dissolve better in water, do not clog into the pores of the material. In addition, options with reduced foaming are available.
For products filled with natural down and feathers, special detergents are being developed for them. They help to preserve the useful properties of the filler, as well as avoid streaks. For example, BAON washing gel foams less, rinses out easier, is economically consumed – enough for 15 washes. It has a sparing effect: the filler gets off less, and the impregnation is not washed out.
Washing gel for down and feathers
There are also special gels for membrane fabrics. They gently remove impurities without washing away beneficial impregnations. They do not clog into the pores of the material, but rinse well.
Washing gel for membrane fabrics
A standard rinse aid will provoke a situation in which fluff sticks together into dense lumps.
Therefore, we do not recommend saving on it. It is better to choose a specialized tool.
Buy laundry balls
You will also need balls – rubber or tennis balls. They are placed together with the jacket in a special bag for washing or loaded directly into the drum. The more voluminous, longer the down jacket, the more balls should be. On average, 4 to 8 items are used. For example, for a model just below the knee, 6 balls will be enough, and for the same oversized product, 7-8 balls are needed.
Down jacket with contrast lining
Checked long down jacket
If you’re looking for classic tennis balls, white is the way to go. So there is less risk that they will paint over the product. If you want to avoid risks as much as possible, soak the balls for 2-3 hours in bleach.
For reference! If you didn’t buy the balls, you can do it differently. Select the mode with the minimum temperature and speed.
As the down jacket is washed, beat its contents well. Some housewives use a beater. We recommend fluffing the jacket within 2 hours after washing is complete. However, even in this case, it cannot be guaranteed that the material will not break. Therefore, it is better to buy balls or go to a dry cleaner.
Set the washing cycle correctly
If the appliance is designed for a load of 3.5-4 kg, only a small down jacket will fit in it. For example, a lightweight model with a hood. She is quite thin and small. As for the temperature, the water should not be hotter than 30 degrees.
Lightweight down jacket with hood
Don’t know which program to wash your down jacket with? Some devices assume a mode for outerwear. The option of delicate washing, wool and silk is also suitable.
The spin function is sometimes advised to be disabled. But as difficult as it is to wash the product at home, it is also difficult to dry it, since it will absorb several buckets of water.
Therefore, we recommend leaving the spin cycle, but limiting the number of revolutions to 400-600 rpm. At higher speeds, the filler clumps.
When the wash is completed, repeat the rinse procedure to completely remove the foam.
How to dry it properly
When you figured out how to wash a down jacket correctly, it remains to figure out the nuances of drying it. Imagine that you take out a jacket. Do not be alarmed if you see that the down jacket has become like a thin autumn windbreaker, and the filler has gone astray in the corners. This is not the end. The drying step will help return the feathers and down to their rightful places. The main thing is to know how to dry.
The scheme looks like this:
- unfasten clothes, pockets, zippers;
- turn right side out;
- hang on hangers;
- leave to drain in the tub if not all moisture has been squeezed out;
- place indoors with good ventilation or on a balcony;
- drying can be accelerated with the help of warm air generated by a hair dryer;
- knead the filler with your hands more often and shake the product so that it quickly regains its shape and the filler is evenly distributed inside the down bag.
If distribution is not successful, you can re-rinse the product and dry it again using our instructions.
Help! Make sure that the product is completely dry. Wet filler runs the risk of becoming moldy or starting to rot, as a result, the jacket will have to be thrown away.
For example, in long quilted down jackets, carefully knead each section with your fingers. You will feel how you distribute feathers and fluff with your hands. However, it is worth it, because after drying the coat will be like new.
Long down jacket-cocoon
What to do if there are problems
Sometimes after washing the down jacket in the machine, unpleasant situations can arise.
Lost down
If all else fails to restore the former volume, do not throw things away. Try to restore the beauty and functionality of the product. You need to do the following:
- send the item for rinsing, and then for 2-3 delicate spin cycles – all the time with balls;
- roll up a wet down jacket and put it in the freezer – such shock freezing will help to avoid knocking down down, the product will become voluminous again.
Help! The same method applies to duvets and other products with natural fillings.
There are stains left
You have carefully studied the information, including on what mode to wash the down jacket, but there are stains on the surface of the jacket. This happens when there is too much detergent and too little rinse. If the defect is small, take dish detergent, beat it on a soft cloth and wipe the surface with it.
Sometimes this doesn’t help. Then you need to carry out an additional rinse or re-wash, but add less gel.
For reference! Sometimes what looks like streaks is a discoloration. In this case, nothing will help.
Dark streaks and spots appear
This indicates that the product is heavily soiled. And washing didn’t remove all the dirt, so the residue comes to the surface. To remove such stains, dampen the sponge with water and rub with laundry soap. Then apply the solution to the stain and remove with a clean sponge.
If yellow stains appear, we recommend that you put a drop of dishwashing detergent on them, and then send the jacket for another wash.
There is an unpleasant odor
Sometimes the garment starts to smell bad after washing. This happens for a number of reasons:
- the jacket has been soaked;
- was not washed well enough;
- did not dry out, the fluff began to deteriorate.
There is only one way out in such a situation: to rewash the thing, but in compliance with all the rules.
What can be an alternative to
If the capacity of the equipment is small, and the jacket is long and bulky, try washing the product by hand. We tell you how to wash a down jacket at home and without a washing machine:
- no soaking required;
- should preferably be washed vertically – not on a hanger above the bathtub;
- use a special gel that is applied with a sponge and washed off with a shower;
- without bleach;
- water temperature – 30 degrees;
- rinse under the shower several times;
- to dry in a horizontal position.
This way you can organize your outerwear.
How to wash jackets with other fills
Down fills are the most popular in the field of winter jackets. However, manufacturers use other materials. They do not worse protect from frost, wind, humidity. At the same time, the products also require delicate handling:
- Ecofluff
A popular synthetic filler that approximates natural properties. Hence its high popularity. Such jackets look and warm no worse than analogues with natural filler. At the same time, the material is quite light and durable. The tag will indicate at what temperature to wash the down jacket. A coat with eco-down requires maintaining the temperature up to +40 degrees, the number of revolutions – up to 400 rpm. Cannot be twisted by hand. It is better to dry in a horizontal position.
Jacket (eco down)
- Holofiber
Such products are less afraid of washing than downy ones.
They well survive manual and automatic washing, a full-fledged active spin, are not deformed. They dry in the same way with down jackets: on hangers over the bath or on the balcony. Then they need to be shaken to return the filler to its place.
Instructions on how to wash a down jacket
Look at the tag carefully. All the information is indicated there: how to wash, at what temperature, at what speed. If the tag is not preserved, the priority is the delicate mode, the water temperature is up to 30 degrees, the spin at speed is up to 400-600 revolutions.
Try to remove fresh stains yourself. Use a soap solution, laundry soap, sometimes dish detergent.
Removable parts retractable. Zippers, buttons, rivets are fastened. If the natural fur parts are not removable, go to the dry cleaners. Otherwise, the fur will deteriorate.
Clean pockets. The down jacket itself needs to be fastened and turned inside out, and it is desirable to wash it in a special bag.
