How to Care for a Femme Gear Leather Jacket

The lifespan of a leather jacket depends upon how well it's protected and preserved.

A femme gear leather jacket is a trendy item for your wardrobe. You can wear it with jeans or a dress, and it's great for dressing up or dressing down different outfits. A leather jacket is both fashionable and long-lasting, providing that you care for it properly. If you want to extend the lifespan of your femme gear leather jacket, take certain steps to clean, store and protect the jacket from the elements.

Things You'll Need

• Waterproof sealant spray
• Leather-safe garment cleaner
• Leather conditioner
• Wide and padded hanger
• Towel
• Nylon garment bag

Instructions

1. Spray the jacket with a waterproof sealant spray. This will protect the garment from water damage and other liquid stains without discoloring the leather or causing it to smell. Spray every inch of the leather jacket that's exposed when worn. Avoid using waxes, which interfere with the leather's capacity to "breathe."

2. Use only a leather-safe garment cleaner to clean the jacket. Avoid turpentine, mineral spirits or other caustic household chemicals; they can discolor leather and cause damage. Or, take the jacket to a dry cleaner at least once a year for cleaning.

3. Hang the jacket on a wide and padded hanger. Avoid draping the jacket over a chair or laying it down, which may cause wrinkles. Hang the jacket in a closet or room that's dry and well-ventilated. Damp spaces, such as basements or attics, can affect the leather.

4. Place the jacket in a garment bag made of nylon when traveling. Avoid placing the jacket in plastic garment bags, which can damage the leather. Leave the garment bag unzipped a bit for ventilation.

5. Avoid wearing it in the rain or snow because leather is prone to water stains. However, if your jacket does get wet, don't use a blow-dryer or other heated device to dry it; you'll further damage it. Take a small towel and dab the wet spots to soak up the water. Hang on a hanger to fully air dry.

6. Treat dried-out leather spots with a leather conditioner. Place a small dollop (about the size of a dime) of conditioner directly on the dry spot and work it into the leather with your fingertips. Allow the jacket to absorb all the conditioner rather than wiping it off.

References

• Overstock: How to Care for Leather Jackets
• Taylor's Leatherwear: Taking Care of Your Leather Jacket