Most leather jackets are very durable, but you can often extend the life of yours and keep it looking new through years of use by applying leather protectors, regularly conditioning the exterior with oils or specially-formulated solutions, and spot cleaning the surface with a brush and a moist cloth to remove dust and other debris. If you wear the jacket a lot, getting it professionally cleaned once a year or so is usually also a good idea. Garments that aren’t worn as often should typically be stored in a dry place away from sunlight to prevent fading or surface damage.
Leather Protectors
Most leather jackets are preconditioned, which means that they have been treated in the factory or fashion house with something that will protect the surface from drying out and, if the leather is dyed, from seeping its color onto other clothes or furniture. Different manufacturers have different standards for these treatments, though, and it’s often a good idea to apply a protector yourself before you really start wearing the jacket.
Many leather retailers sell weatherproofing and sealant products for leather, which are both good choices. These usually come as creams or thick liquids that you rub on a little bit at a time. Leather is naturally water resistant, but true waterproofing applications will make sure that moisture, whether from rain or humid air, doesn’t soak into the garment. When water gets in it can cause the jacket to swell and expand, leaving ripples and grooves once it dries. Most experts recommend stripping the leather protector off and applying a fresh, even coat about once a year. Look for products specifically designed for leather that do not contain waxes and oils that will clog the leather. These additives can prevent the leather from breathing properly.
Conditioning and Moisturizing
People often condition their leather coats, too. Leather conditioners often resemble protectors — they tend to be creams or oils that you apply directly to the surface — but their goal is a little bit different. Most conditioners are designed to maintain the jacket’s suppleness and softness rather than offering protection from the outside environment. Manufacturers usually recommend using a conditioner periodically, up to once a month for a jacket that is worn on a near-daily basis, and any time the surface feels dry or worn.
Regular Maintenance and Upkeep
One of the easiest ways to care for your leather jacket is to commit to taking regular care of it, which can be as easy as wiping it down after wear and making sure it’s completely dry and clean before hanging or storing it. If it becomes wet, dry it in a temperature-neutral area away from heat or fans. You may find that the leather will dry better if it is placed on a towel to absorb water. If you wear your jacket in the snow or in wintry weather, be sure to remove all of the salts and road chemicals that may have accumulated on the surface; if these aren’t removed, they can break down the fibers and destroy the garment over time.
Promptly taking care of spills and stains is also really important. Most experts say to start with a dry gentle brush to get the bulk of the material off, then gently sponge it with warm water and mild soap before air-drying. You should also periodically care for a jacket made from suede or nubuck by brushing it gently to keep the grain of the jacket smooth and even. It’s usually best to try to avoid scrubbing at persistent stains on any sort of leather, since this can actually make things worse in many cases. Not all stains will come out, and anything really stubborn should probably referred to a leather care professional.
Periodic Deep Cleans
You can also care for your leather jacket by taking it to a professional cleaner from time to time. The cleaner can treat your jacket with special equipment and tools designed specifically for leather, and may also have the ability to condition it with stronger products than you could readily buy to keep it flexible and looking like new. A professional can also fix any hem problems, re-sew torn linings, and perform other repairs as needed.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is also an important part of leather care. It’s usually best to hang your jacket on a wide, padded hanger, which will allow the garment to keep its shape. Professionals don’t recommend wrapping leather in plastic or other nonporous materials, since leather needs to breathe. If you must store a leather jacket in a plastic garment bag, it’s best to leave the bag open slightly for ventilation. It’s also not typically advised to fold leather jackets for storage; try to store then flat to avoid creasing and pressing. Over time, these creases can become permanent and change the overall look of the garment. Keeping them in a cool dark closet away from sunlight or lamplight is also a good idea, since most leathers are prone to fading.