How to care for your leather jacket
THE SHORT ANSWER
How do you care for a leather jacket?
Keeping a leather jacket in shape comes down to three habits: wipe it down often with a dry microfiber cloth, condition it with a leather balm every six months, and store it somewhere cool, dry, and ventilated, away from direct heat or harsh chemicals.
Leather is a natural material that reacts to its environment. Left alone, it dries out and cracks. Cared for the right way, it develops a patina that tells the story of whoever's worn it.
Care by leather type
Know your leather before you clean it
01
Routine cleaning
After every wear
After each wear, run a dry microfiber cloth over the whole surface. Dust that builds up in the grain acts like invisible sandpaper, wearing the finish down every time you move. Got a spot of food or mud? Use a cloth dampened with distilled water, wrung out well, and wipe gently. Don't press hard.
02
Deep conditioning
Every six months
Leather needs its oils topped off every six months. Use a leather balm or cream with beeswax or lanolin. Put it on a cloth, never straight onto the jacket, and work it in with circular motions over the bigger areas like the back and arms. Let the leather soak it up for 20 minutes, then wipe off the excess with a clean cloth.
03
Drying it the right way
Never use direct heat
Caught in the rain? Never use a hair dryer or set the jacket near a radiator. Extreme heat hardens the fibers and cracks them. Hang the jacket on a wide wooden hanger somewhere with air circulation and let it dry on its own.
COMMON CARE MISTAKES
Plastic garment bags
A plastic cover stops the leather from breathing, which traps moisture and can lead to mold. Use a breathable cotton garment bag instead.
Thin wire hangers
Wire hangers deform the shoulders under the leather's weight. A wide wooden hanger keeps the jacket's original shape.
Perfume and cologne
Alcohol stains leather permanently and dries out wherever it lands. Spray your fragrance before you put the jacket on.
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions about caring for your leather jacket? Get in touch.
Care for it, wear it longer
