Purchasing a leather jacket is a smart investment that will offer you countless years of enjoyment. Leather jackets have been around for over a century now, dating as far back as World War I. While new styles have since been introduced into this classic form of outwear, the general concept of leather jackets remains the same: they are made with genuine leather to create a comfortable, stylish form of outwear that’s perfect for both men and women alike.
But if you’re going to invest in a genuine leather jacket, you’ll need to know how to care for it. Like all jackets, leather jackets require some routine cleaning and maintenance to preserve their pristine appearance. With that said, leather differs from many synthetic materials, meaning you’ll need to take a different approach to cleaning and caring for it. If you’re still scratching your head trying to determine the best way to care for your new leather jacket, keep reading for some essential tips and tricks.
Don’t Wash
I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should never wash a genuine leather jacket. Leather is susceptible to damage caused by water and moisture. Exposing your leather jacket to small amounts of moisture from rain, spilled liquids, etc. shouldn’t cause any major harm. But if you place it in a washing machine, the excess water may cause permanent damage. Unless you are willing to take this chance (hint: you shouldn’t), it’s recommended that you avoid washing your leather jacket in the washing machine.
Spot Clean
If you aren’t allowed to machine wash a leather jacket, how are you supposed to clean it? The safest solution is to spot clean it. Place a clean washcloth under lukewarm water, place a couple small drops of laundry detergent on it, and gently blot the stained area of your jacket until it comes clean. Assuming the stain is fresh and hasn’t settled in yet, this should make easy work of it. For tougher stains that have set in, however, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution. Check with your local leather goods or repair shop to see what type of cleaning products they offer.
Read the Care Label
Even if you “think” you know all of the tricks to cleaning and maintaining a leather jacket, it’s still a good idea to read the care label. Not all leather jackets are made the same, with manufacturers using different type of leather, different stitching, and other elements. As such, it’s important to read the care label on a leather jacket to determine the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and caring for it. You can usually find the care label right inside the neckline, although in some jackets it may be found around the inside bottom of the jacket.
Avoid Scuffs
I know this is easier said than done, but try to avoid scuffing your leather jacket. Rubbing it against sharp objects, for instance, may damage the fabric while leaving behind unsightly marks that cannot be easily concealed. If you plan on working onside during a chilly fall or winter day, perhaps you should wear a different jacket instead. And if you do wear a leather jacket, be conscious of your surroundings to avoid any accidental scuff marks. Small scuffs shouldn’t impact the function of your jacket, but let’s face it no one wants to see scuff marks on their brand new leather jacket.
Humidity Control
Whether you intend to store your leather jacket in the closet, dresser, spare bedroom, etc., you should check to make the humidity level is neither too high nor too low. Humidity is essentially a measurement of the amount of moisture vapor in the air. When the air is too humid, excess moisture vapor can saturate into fabrics like leather, causing them to develop mold and mildew. On the other hand, when the humidity is too low, it may cause leather to dry out and crack. Ideally, you should work to maintain a relative humidity level of 40-50% in the area where your leather jacket is stored.
Condition it
If there’s one thing that you don’t want to forget when caring for a leather jacket is conditioning. Leather is highly porous, meaning it’s able to absorb and release moisture depending on its surrounding environment. Over time, however, leather may release so much moisture that it begins to dry out, which in turn can lead to permanent damage. Applying a high-quality conditioning product like Saddle Soap to your leather jacket will help protect against this phenomenon. The key thing to remember is that you should only condition a leather jacket no more than once every couple of months, as conditioning it too often may backfire by damaging the fabric.
Hang it Up
Don’t just toss your leather jacket into a drawer, but rather hang it up in a closet. Hanging up your leather jacket will help to preserve its shape while protecting against wrinkles and creases. And if you have to fold it for any reason (e.g. traveling for vacation or business), hang it up as soon as you arrive at your destination.
Choose a Reputable Company
When purchasing a leather jacket, choose a reputable company that specialized in leather. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the experts here at LeatherCult, as we deliver the finest custom leather jackets, shirts, pants and accessories to customers from across the world. Unlike most other retailers and leather shops, you can order your jacket with custom measurements to ensure that it fits just right. There’s no need to worry about your new leather jacket arriving in a size that’s too large or too small if you order here at LeatherCult.
These are just a tips to keep in mind when caring for a leather jacket. Most importantly, though, purchase your leather jacket from a reputable company that’s experienced and knowledgeable in the sale of leather goods. Far too many companies are only interested in making a quick profit, sacrificing quality for sales.