A Leather Jacket is a piece that goes beyond the basics of outerwear it is a classic that will forever be a piece in your wardrobe. Out of classic styles like the biker, the bomber and the tailored blazer we see wide range of designs but with every one the key is care and attention which is going to be the best for that piece. Neglect will make the leather to dry out and crack and it will also lose that nice look but when you do the right things for it will only look better as time goes by. Below we have put together a full guide on how to take care of your leather jacket so it will serve you well.
Identify Your Leather Type.
Before you begin maintenance, identify what type of leather your jacket is made of. Full grain, top grain, genuine leather, suede and nubuck are some which you may find. For each type the approach is a little different. Suede and nubuck for instance are very delicate and should be cleaned in a different way then say smooth leathers. Also check the care label or contact the manufacturer for advice if you are not sure.
Keep It Pure.
In the care of a leather jacket one of the first steps is regular cleaning. Over time dust, sweat, and environmental grime may damage the leather.
- Wipe Down After Wear: After each wear use a soft, dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth which will remove dust and prevent buildup.
- Spot Clean Stains: For small marks and spills, pat (don’t rub) the area with a damp cloth. Stay away from large amounts of water. In case of oil stains, put in a little of cornstarch or talcum powder and let it sit over night before brushing it off gently.
- Use a leather cleaner: At intervals of a few months use a leather specific cleaner. Apply it in circular motions with a soft cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or household cleaning products as they will damage the leather.
Conditionally.
Leather does best when it has access to moisture which in turn keeps it soft and flexible. Also like your own skin it can dry out which in particular is a issue in dry climates or over the winter.
- Use a Leather Conditioner: Every 3 to 6 months apply quality leather conditioner which also helps to prevent cracking and keep the leather supple.
- Avoid Over-Conditioning: Too much of a good thing will clog the pores of the leather. A thin layer is enough; also remove any extra to keep it breathable.
Store it correctly.
Proper storage of your leather jacket is important as improper care may damage its shape or cause mildew.
- Stay away from wire hangers, which may cause shoulder dents. Use a strong, wide hanger to support the jacket’s shape.
- Leather does well in a moderate climate. Do not store it in plastic or sealed bags use a breathable garment bag instead.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Leather does wear out and fade from sun exposure. Put your jacket in a closet away from windows.
Shield against rain and moisture.
Leather does not play well with water. If your jacket gets wet, don’t panic, but do act fast.
- Blot, don’t rub: Use a soft cloth to gently wipe away moisture. Don抰 rub, which in turn may damage the grain.
- Let it air dry naturally: Never put it in a hot environment like a hairdryer or radiator. Instead, hang the jacket out in a well-ventilated room at a normal temperature.
- Waterproof when necessary: You can apply a leather protectant spray, which will put a barrier between the leather and water/stains. We recommend that you choose a product that goes with your jacket’s finish and also to do a patch test in an out-of-the-way area first.
Careful Handling.
How you care for your Leather Jacket affects how long it lasts.
- Avoid overloading the pockets: Large items will stretch the leather and change the shape.
- Minimise friction: Repetitive pressure (from back packs for example) will wear out the surface. Also pay attention when you are carrying bags on your shoulders.
- Rotate your outerwear: Don’t put on the same jacket daily. Give it a break in between wears which in turn allows the leather to breath and keep its shape.
Handle Your Wrinkles the Proper Way.
Wrinkles do form as we age but we may also reduce their appearance.
Use a steamy bathroom trick: Hang the jacket in the bath area while you step into the shower. The steam is great for the leather. Also do not put it in the path of the water.
Deal with odours without overwhelming.
If at all you have to iron your jacket, use a cloth like a cotton towel as protection and use the lowest heat setting. Avoid direct heat.
- At times, leather jackets take in the smell of smoke or food.
- Air it out: Hang your jacket out in the shade or in a dry room for a few hours.
- Use a leather-safe odour eliminator: Avoid putting perfumes or air fresheners directly on leather. Instead use products that are meant for leather items.
Know when to seek out a professional.
Sometimes, leather jackets absorb smells like smoke or food.
- Professional cleaning: Leather jackets should be taken in for professional cleaning once a year or two based on wear.
- Tailoring and repairs: Only trained leather tailors do what you want. Do it yourself fixes often cause more harm.
Enjoy the vintage quality.
Leather also characterises itself through its patina, a broken-in softness and also an almost living quality of change that happens through its break-in, which it has undergone over time.
- Embrace it: Slight imperfections and wear which they gain over time are what give your jacket character and a touch of authenticity. Don’t worry about the signs of aging, it is in fact a hallmark of natural leather.
- Maintain it: While patina is beautiful we have a different balance to maintain. Keep up your cleaning and care routine to have it looking great.
Final Thoughts
Taking out care for a leather jacket is a simple affair — just do it the same way over and again, be aware of what you are doing, and use the right products. With regular attention to it’s care your jacket can live for decades which in turn makes it a signature piece in your wardrobe that only improves with time. By following these easy yet very effective tips you will see your jacket age in the best way, feel luxurious each time you wear it and also find that heads turn every time you put it on.