Proper care for your leather jacket will help keep it looking good through many years of wear. In addition, if you care for your leather jacket well, you can prevent ripping and cracking which will let in the elements. There are a few simple measures which can be taken to keep leather jackets looking, feeling, and smelling wonderful.
Care for your leather jacket begins when you take it home. Most leather jackets are preconditioned, but you should apply a leather protector to keep the leather waterproof. Periodically, you will want to care for your leather jacket by stripping the leather protector off and applying a fresh, even coat. Look for products specifically designed for leather which do not contain waxes and oils that will clog the leather. These additives will prevent the leather from breathing properly.
If your leather coat becomes wet, dry it in a temperature-neutral area away from heat or fans. You may find that the leather will dry better if it is placed on a towel to absorb water. When the leather is almost dry, add a leather conditioner or moisturizer to keep it flexible, and when the leather has completely dried, add another coat. Make sure to care for your leather jacket well when it gets wet, because leather can be irreparably damaged by moisture and mildew. If you live in a dry area, you should care for your leather jacket by frequently applying leather conditioner to keep it from cracking. If you live in a wet area, make sure that you find products designed for waterproofing leather as well as conditioning it, to keep the jacket flexible and dry.
In snowy areas, make sure to gently sponge salt off your leather jacket to keep it from damaging the material. If you spill substances on your jacket, first use a gentle brush to get the bulk of the material off. Then gently sponge it with warm water and mild soap before drying the leather jacket.
You should also periodically care for your jacket made from suede or nubuck by brushing it to keep the grain of the jacket smooth and even. Depending on how frequently the leather jacket is used, you should also periodically care for your leather jacket by taking it to a professional cleaners. A cleaner can care for your leather jacket by using special equipment and tools designed for leather, as well as conditioning the jacket to keep it flexible and glowing like new. A professional cleaner will also fix hem problems, sew torn lining, and patch a leather jacket if it is necessary. To store your leather jacket, hang it on a wide padded hanger.
Do not wrap leather in plastic or other nonporous materials, because leather needs to breathe. If you must store a leather jacket in a plastic garment bag, leave it open slightly for ventilation. Do not fold leather jackets for storage.
Storing, Cleaning and Conditioning Leather Jackets
Leather jackets are relatively easy to maintain. With proper care, a quality leather jacket should last you for many years. I've even heard of them lasting for 20 years or more! Although that may be the exception, with proper care a leather jacket should be around for a long, long time.
A leather jacket should never be kept or wrapped in plastic. The leather material needs air circulation to keep its freshness. It should be kept in a dry cool place. Your garage, attic, or shed is not the place to store your jacket during the hot winter months.
Cleaning a leather jacket should be done once every few months or so. To clean the leather use a mild soap on a wet cloth and gently rub it all over the leather. Allow it to dry completely on a hanger. If you get a spot or stain on it that won't wipe off, take the jacket to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in leather cleaning.
Probably the most important part of caring for your leather jacket is conditioning it. This should be done just once or twice a year. Conditioning keeps the leather soft and keeps it from cracking and splitting. Conditioners can be bought most anywhere that leather goods are sold.
Article by Markay Auen
