How to Take Care of Your Leather Jackets

The leather jacket is the quintessential all-season clothing item that never goes out of fashion. Whether you buy a new one today or decide to borrow your dad’s vintage leather jacket, you can be sure that it’ll always draw admiring stares. But despite the allure of these timeless marvels, there’s the matter of taking care of them. Like skin, leather can dry out and crack unless well cared for. Imagine rummaging through your wardrobe only to find your favourite jacket green with mildew and telltale signs of sneaky little tears. Changing weather, natural oils released by the body, perspiration, pollution, and cosmetics can affect the quality and condition of leather jackets. Make sure you safeguard your favourites against these factors and keep them looking stylish and comfortable all year long. Our guide lists everything you need to know about how to take care of leather jackets.

Protect Your Possession

Leather may be a pretty tough and rugged material, but it is still susceptible to damage from certain conditions. It’s more prone to getting water, oil, and, of course, dirt stains. It’s not all bad news, howeve-; with a leather protector, you can keep your investment safe from premature damage. There are many leather-protecting and waterproofing products available that you can use. A silicone, polymer, or acrylic spray will keep your jacket safe from water stains and maintain its gloss and shine. There are animal oil and wax-based products too, but you might want to avoid them as they can darken the colour of leather. We recommend an odourless, colourless protector to preserve the colour, shine, longevity, and even that familiar smell of leather. You can then continue showing off your prized possession with jeans, casual trousers, and short skirts. A point to note is that while the products may waterproof your jacket, you can’t wear it out in the rain or put it in the washer.

How to Keep Leather Jackets Clean

Once you have an amazing jacket in your possession, it’s only natural that you want to show it off. You can wear a striking brown jacket with a royal blue top and a pair of black leggings, or you can throw ona black leather jacket over a smart-casual white dress when you head out for a lunch date. The styling options are endless. However, with constant use comes the need to keep leather jackets extra clean. You must follow three important steps to preserve the life of this gorgeous outerwear item unless stated otherwise in the care instructions-clean, condition, and dry.

Cleaning

No washing or scrubbing leather jackets. Instead, you will need to use good leather-cleaning products. Start by wiping down the jacket with a damp cloth. Then, take a bit of leather cleaner on a sponge and apply it all over the jacket. Wait for a couple of minutes and take a clean, dry cloth to wipe off the product. Suede and nubuck leather jackets are softer and more delicate. They’re also more prone to staining. Do not use a damp cloth for these finishes; instead, lightly rub the surface with a terry cloth or a clothes brush to remove any dirt. If you live in a place with high humidity, your leather jacket may become prone to mildew build-up especially if you don’t air it out or don’t wear it often. In such cases, mix one cup of rubbing alcohol with one cup of water. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and sparingly rub the affected area to remove the mildew. If it’s a grease or oil stain you’re contending with, sprinkle a bit of talcum or baby powder on the area and leave it overnight. The powder will absorb the oil from the leather, which you can then brush off and wipe down with a dry cloth.

Conditioning

Leather is essentially skin and like ours, it needs to be moisturised. If not taken care of, leather tends to dry out, which causes cracks and breaks on the surface. Conditioners help lubricate and keep leather supple. Purchase a good quality conditioner from a reputable brand. Keep in mind that most conditioners contain animal oils, which may darken the colour of your jacket. Once you’re done cleaning and conditioning, you can follow up with polish to put the sheen back into your jacket. Remember to use a leather protector at least once or twice a year.

Drying

How you dry your leather jacket is a crucial part of the cleaning process. If possible, hang it on a broad hanger and leave it to air dry at room temperature in a shaded area. Avoid hanging it in your bathroom or near a window at all costs! All your hard work will be in vain. When you’re pressed for time, quick fixes can seem like the perfect solutions. However, as much as you can avoid it, don’t dry your jacket with a hair dryer as it can cause its surface layer to crack. Once you have cleaned the jacket and hung it on a hanger, wipe it down with a dry cloth one more time to remove any residual conditioner or leather protector. If your jacket has become damp after wear, dry it in the same manner. Follow up with a light coat of conditioner after it is completely dry to keep it soft and supple.

How to Store a Leather Jacket

Storing a leather jacket properly is as important as cleaning and conditioning it. Hanging it up on a hook or crumpling it into a heap with the rest of your clothes are strict no-no’s. Always store your leather jacket in a cool, dry place and on a broad hanger. Always make sure it’s completely dry before hanging it up, and try to use a padded hanger to retain the shape. Don’t make the mistake of storing it in a plastic or non-porous bag. You can, however, cover it with breathable fabric.

Forget hunting for outerwear that just doesn’t have the same punch. A leather jacket is an all-season staple for every wardrobe. The stylish garment can instantly revamp your look whether you plan to wear it to a casual event or a semi-formal do. Now that you know how to take care of your leather jacket, you can keep yours looking as good as it did on the day you bought it. Wear it with a light sweater to stay cosy and trendy on a cold day. Wrap a thick muffler around your neck and zip up the jacket for a snug look. When the weather’s warm, slip your leather jacket on over light-coloured tops and T-shirts paired with striking printed pants before heading out with your friends. You can team up the same jacket with a lovely sundress and espadrilles too. Whatever your taste is, this timeless accessory will never go out of style. Trust us! All it needs is some tender loving care and it will look as good as new across all seasons.