The leather jacket is an essential item in a man’s wardrobe. Because it’s a piece that can be worn for any occasion, regardless of the outfit you’re going to wear, it ends up being used a lot on cold days. This makes it necessary to take some care with leather jackets.
When leather isn’t properly cared for, it ends up deteriorating much sooner than it should, leaving you having to buy new pieces when you could have enjoyed them for longer. So, to make your leather jacket last longer, you should follow these tips:
1) Heat can damage leather.
Leather in contact with heat can dry out, causing your jacket to begin to peel. Therefore, putting your jacket in the sun can be very damaging to it, causing it to become damaged and even deformed.
The same goes for ironing. Avoid ironing this type of jacket, so as not to cause further damage to the garment. But if the jacket is really wrinkled, never use the iron directly on the leather, use a thick cloth over the jacket and iron the most wrinkled parts.
2) You need to know how to store your jacket properly.
Storing your leather jacket in the wardrobe and leaving it with the other cold-weather jackets can cause it to deteriorate. This is because leather jackets need to be stored in a cool, airy place to avoid fungus.
Avoid storing your jacket in plastic bags as they prevent the leather from breathing. Therefore, find a more suitable place to store your jacket so that it lasts longer.
Don’t forget to leave it on a hanger to avoid unnecessary marks and wrinkles. The wider the hanger, the better.
3) Never store a wet jacket.
If you’ve been out in the rain with your jacket, don’t store it like that. Before storing it, wipe it down and then let it dry completely at room temperature before putting it away.
The same goes for when you wipe your jacket with a damp cloth. Before storing it, make sure it is completely dry.
4) Moisturize the leather.
Leather can be moisturized so that it lasts longer and always looks like new. To moisturize leather, you can apply a common leather moisturizer (without a scent) with a cloth.
There are specific products for moisturizing leather. You can use them if you don’t mind spending a bit more. However, an ordinary moisturizer should prevent the leather from drying out.
After applying the moisturizer, let it dry naturally before storing your jacket.
5) Washing should be done by a professional.
If you notice that the leather is in need of a good clean, it is advisable to take it to a dry cleaner, as there they will have the necessary equipment to clean, sanitize and dry your jacket in a way that won’t damage it.
If you take proper care of your jacket, cleaning and moisturizing it periodically, this professional cleaning procedure can be postponed or even avoided. Leave the washing for when it’s really necessary.
What to do in case of mold?
Mildew is very common in leather jackets, especially when they are stored in inappropriate places with poor ventilation.
If you notice that the jacket is full of white stains and looks grayish, it’s mold!
To clean mold you can use light vinegar with a cloth. When you wipe the cloth, you can see that the mold and dirt are all on it.
After applying the vinegar, dry the leather with another cloth. Then wait a while and apply a moisturizer. In this case you can use almond oil, as it helps to remove the smell of mold as well as vinegar. Pour the oil directly onto the leather and spread it with your hands. You can leave a good layer of oil on the leather. Wait about 15 minutes for the leather to absorb the oil and then wipe off the excess.
That way you’ll take proper care of your leather jacket, making it last longer and always look like new.
It’s a good idea to clean and moisturize your jacket about twice a year.
