Am I mad to machine dye Hobbs trench coat?

[Foreverbaffled]

I have a lovely Hobbs trench coat that I’ve worn endlessly for the last 4 years. It’s still in gorgeous condition but the navy colour is very faded.

Could I get away with dying it in the machine back to navy? It’s dry clean only but I’ve successfully machine washed it on delicates 30 degrees a couple of times with no ill effects.

The main coat is 96% cotton and 4% elastane and the lining is 100% polyester.

I think machine dyes need a 40 degree cycle. Is it worth the risk? I’d probably end up buying a new one in the next year or so if this wasn’t an option.

If you have been washing a dry clean only coat, this may have contributed to it fading.

I’ve washed it twice in 4 years.

I think the problem will be that different fabrics will absorb the dye in different ways so you might end up with patches/ contrasting lining. Is the original colour faded evenly? If it is I would just brazen it out as vintage Hobbs and carry on wearing it, you are probably the only person who knows what the original shade was.

@viques thank you! That’s a good point. It hasn’t faded evenly unfortunately so that’s something to bear in mind. It’s such a lovely coat. Maybe I just need to embrace it and the faded bits.

Depends how much you're worried about ruining it.

I bought a purple one on ebay but when it arrived it was way brighter than I expected. Used dylon machine wash and it was perfect.

Reopening this thread belatedly to ask @Foreverbaffled if you ever ended up dying your coat?

I'm pondering the same thing with a burgundy one that is fading at the seams.

@Augend23 I have to say I never dared in the end! Might just treat myself to a new one this year. Good luck if you try! Let me know how you get on.

I think that you could dye it navy and I certainly would give it ago , Dylon Machine dye works on 30 deg. The lining wont changes its polyester but the outer should take dye .. , id cold rinse it first ..
If its old now and you are thinking maybe gettign another what have you to lose? I dye lots of clothing and 98% cotton usually works fine,.
Be brave!

I would. Dying things the same colour when faded has worked brilliantly for me in the past.

If you're now at the stage of buying a new one then I reckon it's worth the gamble of eight quid on a machine dye pod. Even if there's only a ten percent chance of success it's still a decent punt. The stitching and lining will probably be polyester and won't take the dye, but if you're only re-dying it to its original colour that's fine.

Give it a delicates wash first so it's clean - that will help you get a more even finish.

Thank you everyone, this disappeared off my post list and I didn't spot it. I think it might be worth a go, I will return (with before and after photos if I remember) if I do do it, but knowing my disorganisation it might not be for a little while...