My coat has a wool fringe - only it looks ike dreads, can anyone help?

[KatyMac]

The coat is dry clean only

The fringe is about 4 inches long

It is a bit matted and tatty

Do I brush it
Or comb?

Or do I unpick wash & sew back on?

I feel confused - can any one help?

bump

bump

Could you just take it off altogether for a more tailored look? Or would that spoil it?

It's a very swing-y jacket, without the fringe there wouldn't be enough weight for it to flow

Hmmm. In that case I would take it to the drycleaner and ask advice... sounds like just having a go could ruin the whole thing?

Maybe

I never get to speak to the dry cleaner tho' it just gets sent away

Is it a wool fringe? If it is 'sheepskinny' type wool then try combing it gently with one of the little brushes from Petsathome - they even do tiny ones for guinea pigs but these are great for getting tangles out of wool.

It's wool like knitting wool? Is that what you mean?

Like tassels? Individual threads of wool? Have you washed it? It's possible that the threads have felted together. Could also have happened with general wear and tear, getting rained on and rubbed perhaps.
In that case, unpicking and washing is probably the worst thing you could do as it'll only make it felt more.
Could try picking it apart, or combing.

combing then
Thanks