Is your duffle making a bid for freedom?

Has anyone else noticed it getting decidedly nippy over the last few days? We seem to have gone straight from summer to winter without stopping for a break in between, and that’s put even the most organised of individuals into a wardrobe tailspin. We’re scouring the high street for cosy knits, thick cardigans and comfy boots, and of course, the trusty duffle is making a bid for freedom. So why not put it out of its misery?

That slight Indian summer we had lulled us into a false sense of security, because now it feels like the temperatures have plummeted far too quickly. It’s gone from one extreme to the other and it almost seems too early to be bringing out the duffle, when in fact we’re nearly in October—prime duffle-wearing season. It’s time to whip it out of your wardrobe and get cosy because we’re going to have a few months of chilliness to contend with yet, and if you make sure it’s in tip top shape you can wear it with pride.

The first thing you need to do is make sure it’s totally clean and free from any stains. Ideally you should have had it dry cleaned before you even stored it away, but if you were a bit careless then now’s the time to take it in. Or, if it’s simply a bit musty after months of being holed up in your wardrobe, bring it out in the fresh air for a day or two before you put it on (or use the likes of Febreze to banish any odours—just make sure to test it on an inconspicuous part of the coat first).

Once that’s sorted all you’ve got to do is get the rest of your autumn/winter wardrobe organised and you’ll be warm and cosy for the months ahead. So what are you waiting for? There’s nothing quite like wrapping up in a duffle for the first time in a season, so get it out of your wardrobe and give it the freedom it’s craving.