Latest news with #winterwear
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Winter staple Aussies aren't cleaning enough: 'Do every two to three weeks'
When winter hits, there are a few things that we instinctively reach for. A thicker doona, cosy flannel PJs and furry slippers, for starters. For many Aussies, the advent of chilly weather also means that another essential is never far away and that it is the humble Oodie. These oversized blanket/hoodie combos have become a trusty crutch through winter, but there is one little issue that often gets overlooked. Given that the Oodie is something you eat in, sleep in, and even traipse to the supermarket in, how regularly are you washing these comfy wardrobe staples? As CEO and Founder of The Laundry Lady, Susan Toft is a laundry expert with gold standard advice on how to get anything clean. Appearing on Shark Tank in 2023, she told shark and Oodie founder Davie Fogarty that her business often washes Oodies, so she knows her stuff! Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, Susan breaks down how often you should wash your Oodie and the laundry no-nos you should avoid when doing so. RELATED: Caravan couple's Bunnings solution to dry laundry in a small space: 'Perfect size' Off-grid camper's laundry act divides caravan owners: 'Still get the eye rolls' Kmart fans rush to buy $35 item that transforms household task: 'I bought two' According to Susan, the first trick is temperature and cycle. 'Use cold water on a gentle cycle. You can use a warm wash up to 40 degrees, but can get just as good results with a cold wash,' Susan tells us. 'The delicate fibres in your Oodie don't need aggressive washing. Think of it like washing a favourite woolly jumper.' She also advises washing your Oodie by itself because it's a big, bulky item that will nearly fill most domestic washing machines. If you're going to the trouble of washing it, you might as well give it the best chance of getting really clean! 'You also want to avoid washing it with items that have zippers, hooks, or rough textures that could snag the fabric,' she adds. In terms of detergent, Susan recommends a laundry liquid. 'Opt for ones that are approved for wool or silk. A small amount goes a long way. Too much detergent can leave residue that makes the fabric feel stiff,' she says. Interestingly, she also suggested skipping the fabric softener. 'It can actually coat the fibres and reduce their natural softness over time. The fabric is designed to be soft without additives,' she explains. Half the items in my closet tell me I should handwash them (but I rarely do), and the idea of wringing out a soaking wet Oodie in the sink does NOT appeal. Still, Susan says, if you really want to preserve your Oodie's cuddly texture, it's the best way. 'Hand wash in cold water using a large laundry tub, bucket, or even a strucket. This bulky item needs room to move freely in the water, but due to size, this option may not be possible for everyone,' she says. It goes without saying that the tumble dryer is a no no. The heat can damage the fibres and cause shrinkage so the expert advice is to air dry. 'Lay it flat on a clean towel or hang it from direct sunlight,' Susan tells us. Given this process doesn't actually seem as arduous as expected, it's now for the big question of how often you should do it? The answer might surprise you. 'If you're wearing your Oodie regularly, while snuggling up on the couch aim to wash it every 2-3 weeks, or when you notice it's lost that fresh smell,' Susan says. 'Unlike regular clothing, Oodies don't need frequent washing because it's worn over other articles of clothing rather than directly on the skin. You can stretch that 2-3 weeks longer if you're not wearing it every day.' Of course if you take your trusty Oodie out and or are just regularly wearing it outside you might want to throw it in the weekly wash. Along with the Oodie there are other cosy comforts dragged out of storage to make winter more palatable. The kids and the dog are usually the biggest fans of snuggling up in a blanket or throw but again, how much thought do we put into making sure they aren't also cuddling up to an army of bugs and germs in there? 'Heavy blankets and throws are often sent to the too hard basket, but they need regular attention, especially in homes with children or pets,' Susan says. She advises that in a pet and kid-free home, 2-3 months between washes is ok but add some furry friends to the mix and she ups the washing frequency to monthly—or more if they sleep on them. 'With young kids [wash] every 3-4 weeks because spills and accidents happen,' she says. "Plus, if there's sickness in the house and kids have been sniffing and sneezing on the lounge it's a good idea to do an extra wash afterwards." The first thing to do is check weight limits on your machine, as many heavy blankets exceed standard capacity. If it's ok, then pre-treat any stains before washing, and Susan advises using cold water and a gentle cycle to prevent shrinkage. SHOP: 💄 Aussie brand's 'near perfect' dupe of $70 cult product wows for half the price 🧽 Aussie mum's $6 solution to most hated household chore: 'It smells incredible' 😃 Aussie's multi-million dollar business idea after job rejection: 'Suddenly went viral' 'Air dry when possible,' she adds. 'The weight when wet can damage your dryer.' If the thought of washing your heavy blankets makes you want to hide under them instead, she suggests using a professional laundry service. 'Some items are simply too bulky, delicate, or time-consuming to tackle at home,' she says.
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The celebrity stylist-approved 'IT' item from Target shoppers can't get enough of: 'Wow I need it'
Fashion-forward Aussies and celebrity stylists alike are rushing to Target this winter for not only budget basics, but also the incredible range of coats. Celebrity stylist Donny Galella shared a video showcasing all his latest favourite finds inside the store, including one of the must-have jacket styles of the season. Known for dressing some of Australia's most stylish stars, including the odd Hollywood A-lister like Drew Barrymore and Leanne Rimes, Donny is a master of finding affordable pieces that punch well above their weight. This winter, it seems fashion is leaning into rich textures, and suede is leading the pack. Soft, structured, and seriously stylish, suede is bringing an elevated, tactile quality to any outfit and whether real or faux, suede adds a luxurious feel that looks expensive, even when it's not. 'It's all about the suede bomber this season,' Donny told his followers in the video, showing off Target's Faux Suede Bomber Jacket ($60) before grabbing more eye-catching styles off the rack. Incredibly, the 'IT' design looks almost identical to Henne's cult-favourite Mara Suede Bomber, which comes with an eye-watering $349 price tag. 'This is the beautiful off-white colour,' he added, spinning round the trending bomber style that has been flying off shelves. The 'IT' design looks almost identical to Henne's cult-favourite Mara Suede Bomber (right), which comes with a $349 price tag The Target jacket includes a rounded neckline, stud button closures, and long cuffed sleeves, along with practical side pockets. At first glance, the similarities between the two are striking. They have the same oversized silhouette, the same luxe suede texture, and that same effortlessly cool vibe that shoppers can't get enough of. But it's the price tag that's turning heads, with fashion lovers scoring the look for less than a sixth of the designer version. Donny also recommended the Target Faux Suede Trench Coat ($70), made from the same luxe-looking fabric, to showcase its versatility in a different silhouette. '[And] a gorgeous caramel trench in suede with a belt,' he added. 'I should say 'faux suede, not actually real-leather suede.' The on-trend colours, textures, flattering cuts, and easy wearability had Donny's followers agreeing to his top-picks in the comments. 'Ahhh I need that trench, wowww,' one wrote. 'Absolute need,' commented another with multiple love heart emojis. While the tan and off-white shades are clearly favourites, Target's wider coat range also includes faux leather blazers, oversized shackets, and puffers in earthy winter tones, highlighting the brand has seriously stepped up its outerwear game. With sizes ranging from 6 to 26 in many pieces, the retailer continues to champion inclusive fashion at accessible prices, appealing to the everyday Australian shopper. These jackets can transform a simple outfit into something more elevated, all for under $70 each. It's proof that you don't have to break the bank to look high-end, and Donny has confirmed these suede jackets are set to become the season's biggest style steals.
