Don't forget your jacket! Jackets and other outerwear must stand up to the elements. But when they don't, they, too, can be taken to the Fix-It Club for repair.

How Does It Work?

A jacket, of course, is worn over indoor clothes to insulate the wearer's body. The amount of protection offered depends on the type and fabric of the jacket.

What Can Go Wrong?

Though they are simple in function, jackets have problems, too. Jackets get stained. Tears and holes happen. Buttons disappear. Zippers stick, separate, and lose teeth.

Fix-It Tip

To make a zipper work more smoothly, rub a candle over the zipper, then open and close the zipper. The candle's wax will serve as a lubricant and reduce friction.

How Can I Identify the Problem?

To repair a zipper with missing teeth, sew a new stop above the damage.

If a jacket becomes stained, treat and wash it as soon as possible (see below). Promptly treating stains (and repairing damage) to a jacket often keeps the problem from becoming worse. If the jacket is not washable, take it to a dry cleaner or use a home dry-cleaning product.

If the jacket is torn, sew it as soon as possible to avoid further damage

If a button is missing, find a close replacement or replace all the buttons.

If the zipper sticks or has separated, you may be able to repair it (see below).

If a zipper cannot be repaired, either replace the garment or take it to a clothing alterations and repair service, depending on the garment's value.

Fix-It Tip

If the jacket is washable, launder it frequently to avoid ground-in dirt. Depending on the fabric of the jacket, you may be able to treat it with a stain blocking spray available at larger grocery and variety stores.

What Parts, Materials, and Tools Do I Need?

If you have basic sewing skills you can fix jackets and other outer garments with easy-to-find materials and tools:

• Thread and needle or sewing machine
• Oxygen-based cleaner
• Replacement buttons and zippers

What Are the Steps to Fixing It?

Remove spots and stains from a washable jacket:

1. Apply an oxygen cleaner directly on the spot or stain. Let the jacket sit for several minutes.
2. Launder the jacket in the hottest water safe for the fabric, using detergent and color-safe bleach (unless the care label says "no bleach"). For bleach amounts, follow instructions on the container.
3. Repeat if necessary, letting the jacket soak for a longer time.

Repair a zipper with missing teeth:

1. Realign and close the zipper.
2. With heavyweight thread, stitch tightly over the zipper several times 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the missing teeth. You've created a new stop above the damage.