Garment Alert PVC peeling on Politix jackets
This garment alert relates to Politix jackets — please note that it is not just one style in particular, but any Politix jacket finished with a bonded synthetic leather (PVC/PU) trim or badge.
The garment alert will be uploaded to the DIA website under Industry Resources/Technical Expertise & Garment Care/Garment Alerts
| Brand: |
Politix |
| Style name/number: |
Politix Engineered — jackets and suits with PVC/PU trim or badging |
| Care Label: |
Professional Dry Clean Only Low Temp Cool Iron P (perchloroethylene) |
| Fabric Content: |
Varies by style — wool/wool-blend outer with bonded PVC/PU synthetic leather trim or badging |
Image of care label:
Image of jacket after being cleaned:
Issues and what to look out for
Politix is a brand DIA members see regularly for this issue. Politix jackets are frequently finished with a decorative synthetic leather (PVC or PU) trim or badge, bonded to the base fabric with an adhesive. This trim is a recurring point of failure during drycleaning, even when the garment is cleaned strictly according to the care label.
DIA has received reports of Politix jackets presenting with peeling or separation of PVC/PU trim after drycleaning carried out strictly according to the care label. The coating separates, blisters, or tears away from the base fabric, exposing the fabric underneath.
Cause
This is a manufacturing and bonding fault, not a cleaning fault. The affected trim is a thin PVC or polyurethane film bonded to the base fabric. During drycleaning, solvent softens the film or its adhesive, causing it to lose adhesion and support strength, so it blisters, separates, or tears. The care label specifies dry clean in perchloroethylene (P), the strongest solvent in general use, which rules out solvent strength as the cause.
Responsibility
Garments must be able to withstand the care process stated on their label. Responsibility for this defect sits with the manufacturer, not the cleaner.
Possible Fix:
There is no restoration once PVC/PU trim has separated or peeled away from the base fabric during cleaning. The garment should be returned to point of sale for replacement or refund, as this is a manufacturing defect, not a cleaning error.
Recommendations
- Photograph the damage clearly, including close-ups of the affected trim and the care label, before returning the garment to the customer.
- Provide the customer with TABS 350 (Peeling of Polyurethane Trim) so they have documentation to take back to the retailer.
- Advise the customer to return the garment to point of sale for replacement or refund.
- If Politix disputes the claim or provides a letter denying responsibility, contact DIA Technical. An independent ITAL testing report may be recommended to support the claim.
If in doubt, contact the DIA Technical Support Service for guidance before responding to the customer or the brand.
Your diligence helps protect both your business and your customers. Please share this advisory with your team.