<p>Thanks, mike. Yes, that’s what I meant. I’m fashion ignorant, so anything that involves a coat and long pants is a suit to me. That’s the route I’m going. Machine washable pants and only the sportcoat will need dry cleaning.</p>
<p>Montegut: There are even sports jackets that are machine washable. My husband owns a few – of course, I should mention that he has not worn them in several years. His job allows him to wear polos each day.</p>
<p>I knew I’d find a thread on this this morning!
Got a good laugh about the laundry service letter - handed it to DS with a “not hardly!”
If/when he needs a shirt/blazer drycleaned figure he can ask one of the 28,000 other students :)<br>
So about the steamer? We have one from Sharper Image that barely gets used, how does it work compared to say Downey wrinkle release? Never used that either.</p>
<p>Looked at Northface jackets online just now, since we are blissfully unaware of them. Looks like a standard fleece jacket to me - what am I missing? Guess up in Chicago we dress for warmth, not style! :)</p>
<p>Son learned to iron out of necessity during the formal attire season this past spring (prom/graduation/awards ceremonies). Bought him an iron and a compact table top ironing board that can be used on a dresser, bed, floor, counter top, tail gate (jk), etc. and will store flat under his bed. He’ll probably use it sparingly over the next four years, but it will be great to have when he needs it.</p>
<p>I’m volunteering his services to any fellow student who needs an ironing seminar or who has an ironing emergency. :)</p>
<p>An invitation to a midnight IHOP run will be sufficient remuneration.</p>
<p>So what is the service and what does it cost?</p>
<p>Love it, malania and catdaddy. My thoughts exactly.</p>
<p>Seatide, please give us more info about this north face washable jacket that will adhere to the dress code.</p>
<p>Oh, gosh, dress code. I was hoping those days were over.</p>
<p>i don’t think a north face jacket is really business casual. some kids might wear them, but i think that is probably pushing the envelope.</p>
<p>JMO</p>
<p>I started a similar thread on the parents forum to get feedback on different “portable” laundry detergents, and someone brought up that their school requires high efficience HE laundry detergent. I think it has to do with top or front loader washing machines.</p>
<p>Son is in Riverside West. Is there a requirement for HE detergent?</p>
<p>For others on this forum, if you could also post if the other buildings require it, all would most appreciate it.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>There are two types of services: hands-on ironing workshops/seminars and “I Iron 4U.”</p>
<p>The former only costs an invitation to a midnight IHOP run, as mentioned in the earlier post (see above). The latter service is $25 per item ironed for men; all articles ironed for women free of charge. :)</p>
<p>This might be a little off topic, but is a sports coat and nice slacks going to be okay for my son or do we need to have him bring a suit? How often do they need to dress up? I know this was discussed before but I cant find the thread.</p>
<p>Bassett, I’m so sorry for the use of the term suit. I think sports coat and nice slacks is the most they’ll need, if at all.</p>
<p>Thanks i just want to make sure he has what he needs.</p>
<p>Are washing machines front load or top load in the dorms? Different types for different dorms?</p>
<p>Have been some comments about the oily stains on the parents forum.</p>
<p>But one post found a difference in top and front loader washers as to whether oily stains were left or not.</p>
<p>Most of the washers are front load, though I think there a couple top loading ones in Tutweiler, but somehow I doubt your son will be going over there to do laundry.</p>
<p>The washers do require HE detergent and have a sign saying not to use more than 2 tablespoons of detergent per load as they are HE washers. I believe Tuscaloosa has soft water if that will make a difference.</p>
<p>mike, one must remember that I’m from the PNW, so I tend to dress more informally than people from other regions. A North Face Jacket is very similar to the off-brand ones, but is somewhat nicer. I’ve bought all of mine on sale/clearance so the prices have been similar to the off-brand ones. I consider [The</a> North FaceMen’sJackets & VestsSoft Shells/WindwearMEN’S APEX BIONIC JACKET](<a href=“http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/mens-jackets-vests-filter-category-soft-shells_windwear/mens-apex-bionic-jacket_2.html?variationId=001]The”>http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/mens-jackets-vests-filter-category-soft-shells_windwear/mens-apex-bionic-jacket_2.html?variationId=001) business casual.</p>
<p>Thank you so much, seatide, for the washer info. I’ll be sure to put HE, maybe those Triple Concentrate, on the list. Will send him with one bottle, but I’m hoping Publix carries it and he can pick up replacements as needed.</p>
<p>As for dressing informally, during CBH weekend, I was thrilled to see how informally students on campus were dressed. Looked like son was going to fit right in.</p>
<p>Thanks again for all your help.</p>
<p>Malanai -LOL!!! </p>
<p>Thanks for the info about the machines. Ours are HE and I’ve been telling S his will likely be standard so we’ll go over diferrence in detergents and how much to use later. You should’ve seen the look on his face, that “then why am I bothering with this now”. Now he better pay close attention.</p>
<p>^^:) 
:)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Never used them before. Didn’t even realize they did dry cleaning…thought it was just a laundromat.</p>
<p>Before I go to Goodwill with was my gym/casual wardrobe, would anybody out there be interested in Size Large Pink T shirts, Size 32 waist Formerly Khaki (can now be called Kh-inki, cross between Khaki and Pink) mens shorts, and Size Large Pink Polo shirts. My former Crimson Tide T’s are now Pink Tide T’s. I won’t even dare to go to the gym with my new pink jockey shorts. I can bring these items to Outdoor Action (except the jockey’s) and leave them on the table inside the entrance to Riverside West. </p>
<p>This thread got me in trouble as it spurred me on to get my son used to doing his laundry. MY BAD!!! Unfortunately, he practiced on my clothing. Wife said he takes after me in the laundry department!</p>
<p>So funny! Son is practicing on his work out clothes and on the bed linens today.</p>
<p>My husband and he went shopping for dorm supplies and came home with red everything!</p>
<p>Needless to say, I was not pleased.</p>
<p>I am instructing son to not wash anything red with anything else, even blue. You will get purple. Been there, done that.</p>
<p>There is supposed to be a product called Shout Color Catchers, or something like that, but you’ve got to remember, these kids are probably using industrial washers, not like those at home, which those products are made for. I’m sure they’re great, but I certainly wouldn’t want to trust son’s newly purchased college wardrobe to them.</p>
<p>As for the pink clothes, that’s what we call jammies (pajamas), or working in the yard or garage clothes.</p>