Caring For And Cleaning A Leather Jacket

We already know that a leather jacket is a must-have item for fall and winter, but how do you properly care for it? Since leather often costs more than any other type of material, you want to make sure you're caring for it properly so it lasts a long time. Follow these steps to keep your leather jacket looking brand new.

1. Keep it dry.

Leather can crack, fade, and even shrink if it becomes exposed to moisture, so keeping it dry is the first step to keeping it looking brand new. Avoid wearing it when it's raining or snowing, and if you must, be sure to wipe it with a cloth as soon as you get inside and then hang it to dry.

2. Hang it properly.

Tossing your jacket on a chair can lead to creases and cracks in the leather. It must be stored properly when you aren't wearing it to avoid these problems. Hang it on a wooden or plastic hanger with padding, if possible. Wire hangers can disfigure the shoulder area of the jacket, so avoid those whenever possible. Always hang your jacket- never fold it- as this is the most common way for cracks and creases to occur.

3. Avoid excessive heat.

Heat can cause leather to crack and fade, so avoid it the same way you avoid moisture. Never put it in the dryer or near a heat vent, and avoid wearing it when it's very hot outside. Also, try not to expose it to bright sunlight as this can make the leather fade faster. If the leather becomes cracked or wrinkled, don't iron it. An iron will burn the leather and ruin the jacket.

4. Clean and condition it.

Leather jackets need to be cleaned sometimes, just like other jacket materials do. The process of cleaning leather looks a bit different, though. You can purchase leather cleaners and do it at home, but if you are unsure how to clean it, it's best to take it to a professional cleaner. Conditioning is easy to do at home and just involves rubbing a leather conditioner into the leather periodically.

Now that you know how to care for your leather jacket, it's time to go buy one! We have many great leather jackets on our website that will look awesome on you this fall and winter. Go check them out!