Updated on August 26, 2022
Leather jackets have been a stylish piece of apparel since the early 1900s, starting as military uniform jackets in WWII and then transitioning to mainstream fashion by the 1950s.
Since then, leather jackets have become a staple in many genres of fashion, from studded jackets with patches to the classic bomber style you can find one of these stylish jackets in many closets worldwide. Taking care of a leather jacket is crucial if you want to be able to wear it for a long time.
Make sure to read the label from the manufacturer for care instructions for your specific jacket. There are a few tips that are fairly universal when it comes to caring for your leather jacket.
Keep your jacket dry. If you do get caught in the rain, hang it to dry before storing it. Avoid extreme heat if you want to prevent cracking of the leather and make sure to condition it to keep it moist and supple.
Leather Jacket Care
Your leather jacket is a stylish and pricey clothing item that requires a bit of maintenance to keep it looking fresh and new. It’s important to always check the tag and take note of the manufacturers cleaning instructions.
If you don’t have the specific instructions for your jacket, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure your jacket continues looking new.
1. Keep It Dry
Do your best to avoid soaking your jacket. Getting stuck in the rain is inevitable, just be sure to wipe it dry with a microfiber towel and hang it to finish drying before you store it.
2. Avoid Extreme Heat
Heat and leather are not friends. When exposed to high temperatures such as being near a heating vent, radiator, or iron, the leather dries out and becomes brittle. This can cause cracking and peeling.
3. Store Properly
More often than not, people hang their leather jackets when they aren’t in use. When you hang the jacket, avoid wire coat hangers. A hanger that is wide and padded is ideal for hanging your jacket. Also, avoid folding your jacket as this can lead to creases and cracks in the leather.
4. Cleaning and Conditioning
One of the biggest things you can do to keep your leather jacket looking nice is simply keeping it clean and conditioned. Make sure to spot clean as soon as you spill on your jacket or when you notice a stain for the best chances to avoid a set-in stain.
You should wipe your jacket down regularly with a gentle leather cleaner on a very damp cloth to remove any dirt and dust that may have accumulated. Make sure you don’t soak your leather jacket at any point during the cleaning process otherwise you could damage your leather.
Conditioning Your Jacket
Replenishing the moisture that your jacket loses over time is a crucial step if you want to keep your leather in new condition. Do you want to know what to use to condition leather?
Luckily there are many products on the market that can moisturize your jacket. Supple leather resists creasing, cracking, and general wear and tear that happens over time.
