How often do you wash/clean your overcoat?

[Bikergran]

Today, I visited an antique fair, held in a huge, high-ceilinged, well-ventilated venue. There were lots of people there, so it was quite crowded and people passed very close. It was cold today, so everyone was wearing overcoats or outdoor jackets. I was struck by how often very clean-looking well-turned out people left an awful stale old clothes smell as they passed, and I think it's because people feel the need to wash or clean clothes which are close to their skin, but don't bother with their overcoats, which they get out every winter for years. I wash or clean my winter coats before I put them away for the summer. AIBU to think this should be a normal thing for everyone to do?

Depends on the coat. I've had a Burberry trench ruined by dry-cleaning and obviously washing waterproof coats is a no-no without re-waterproofing with a spray, which I always find inferior to the original waterproof coating. I agree they should be spot-cleaned.

My playground coat is done at least termly, more if needed. Other coats generally once a year or more if needs be although as pp noted, some need spot cleaning instead.

No excuse not to wash coats etc. I wash my Waterproof jacket 6 monthly with Nicwax tech wash and then reproof using Nicwax wash in reproofer.
I have a down jacket and coat that I wash with Nicwax down wash which has a built in water repellent.

Use Nicwax tech wash and Nicwax wash in reproofer. Designed for waterproof clothing.

Yes me too, I dry clean my coats at the end of winter before packing away (barring something happening mid winter like someone spilling a glass of wine on me then would clean it sooner). Probably a lot of people don’t bother!

All my coats are wool, so I can’t easily wash them. I spot clean them and I air them on the washing line regularly. To the best of my knowledge they don’t smell, but perhaps I stink without realising.

Yes they are dry cleaned/washed at the end of the season.