Care of Leather Jackets

Leather jackets come in many different shapes and sizes but they all require special care.

The leather jacket is an all-purpose fashion item that can complement many different styles and tastes. The designs and styles of leather jackets are numerous, but the care of leather stays consistent. To keep your jacket looking its best, you should keep it clean and avoid damaging the leather unintentionally.

Things You'll Need

• Leather waterproofing spray
• Leather conditioner
• Padded coat hanger

Instructions

1. Apply a waterproofing treatment to new leather jackets. Brand-new leather jackets are usually pre-treated, but it is a good idea to do it yourself anyway. Use a good waterproofing spray that is designed for leather for the best results. Treat the entire outside of the leather with a thin coat of the spray. This will help the leather resist damage from moisture.

2. Condition the jacket occasionally with leather conditioner, which will help keep the leather soft and supple. This is especially important in dry climates, where the leather may become cracked or faded.

3. Avoid liquids and moisture as they can be very damaging to a leather jacket. While the waterproofing treatment will help resist moisture, it is a good idea to avoid exposing the jacket to liquids in the first place. Don't wear the jacket out in the rain and keep it from getting wet. Water can leave very prominent stains on the leather that may be impossible to remove. If the leather does get wet, it is best to pat dry the jacket with a towel and hang it somewhere dry with a lot of ventilation. Do not use heat to dry the jacket as this will cause the leather to crack or become misshapen.

4. Store the jacket in a cool, dry place with a lot of ventilation. Leather jackets should never be stored in garment bags. If a garment bag must be used, be sure to leave the bag open so the jacket can still breathe. Hang a leather jacket using a padded coat hanger. Wire hangers and items not designed to hang up clothing will cause the jacket to lose its shape.

5. Clean the jacket periodically to help maintain its look and quality. Use a sponge with very mild soap or detergent; you can also use saddle soap. Gently wipe down the areas that need to be cleaned followed immediately with a dry towel to pat away the moisture. Do not scrub or over saturate the leather. Immediately hang the jacket to dry in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources. If the jacket is heavily soiled, it may be best to have it professionally cleaned.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid treatments and conditioner products with animal fats such as mink oils as they will darken the color of the leather.

References

• Taylor's Leather Wear: Care of Leather Jackets
• Overstock: How to Care for Leather Jackets