Are your clothes always covered in pet fur? If man's best friend leaves behind a trail of fur, take a look at what you need to know about dog hair, clothing choice, and the ways to keep your shirts, pants, jackets, and other wardrobe picks clean and clear.
Why Does Dog Fur Stick to Clothing?
Dogs lose hair. Some dogs lose more hair as the temperatures warm and they no longer need their warm coat. Other causes for fur loss include the dog's breed (some breeds shed more than others), stress, and allergies or health reasons. Provided your dog doesn't shed excessively or have a medical condition, you can expect some degree of hair loss daily, weekly, or seasonally.
When your dog sheds, the hair needs to go somewhere. The fur may end up in your home. Dog fur can accumulate on the floor, stick to upholstered furniture, or land on bedding. Fur in your home and on your furniture may not seem like a clothing-related issue. But stray fur can stick to pants, shirts, and other items if:
- Your dog naps on the couch. When your furry best friend leaves their napping space, they'll also leave behind a blanket of fur. When you sit on the couch, you'll likely coat the backside and legs of your pants with fur.
- Your dog naps on your bed. Like on the couch, your dog can also leave a haze of fur on the bed or bedding. This can stick to your pajamas or the clothes you wear for a midday nap.
- Your dog naps in your gear. Does your pup rest on your sleeping bag, tent, or other outdoorsy items? This can also spread fur to your clothing.
Along with furniture-to-clothing spread, your dog can also directly shed onto your outfit — especially if they cuddle up or nap next to you.
Does Dog Fur Stick to All Types of Clothing?
While pet fur can stick to almost anything, some fabrics aren't as likely to hold on to the hair as much as others. The best fur-minimizing fabrics for pet owners to choose include:
- Denim. Heavy denim jeans, jackets, or shirts have a tight weave that won't trap pet hair easily. These items are also easy to wash and durable.
- Leather. Leather is also fairly resistant to pet hair. If a full leather coat or pair of pants isn't your style, a jacket with a leather collar or leather accessories (such as hats) are options to explore.
- Microfiber. A synthetic microfiber has a tight weave that reduces fur-related issues.
Other synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or poly blends, can also resist pet fur messes. You may still get a few stray hairs on your shirt, jacket, or pants. But these fabrics can make it less likely the hairs will gather en masse.
How Can You Keep Clothing Fur-Free?
What happens if you prefer cotton, waxed, corduroy, or other types of fabric? If your favorite clothing finds aren't made from denim, leather, or a synthetic, you can keep your wardrobe fur-free. Protect your favorite finds and:
- Clean your washing machine. Why do your flannels, cotton tees, and cargo shorts end up furry after a cycle through the washer? When pet fur gets wet, it can stick to the inside parts of the appliance. This recycles the fur and redeposits it back onto your clothing.
- Clean your dryer. Like the washing machine, the dryer can also redeposit fur back onto your clean clothes.
- Clean anything your dog naps or sits on. Regularly wash bedding and lint roll or vacuum furniture. Don't forget about your sleeping bag and other outdoor gear.
These pet fur-reducing practices may it possible for dog owners to choose almost any type of clothing item they want. With a little work (and some extra cleaning), you can outfit yourself in anything from performance polos to khakis and cords.
Do you need to add to your wardrobe? Contact Over Under Clothing for more information.
