How to Care for a Leather Jacket

Everyday habits

Let the jacket breathe. After wearing it, hang it on a wide, padded or wooden hanger so the shoulders keep their shape, and give it a few hours of air before putting it away.

• Use a broad hanger — wire hangers dent the shoulders over time.
• Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight, which fades and dries leather.
• Avoid draping it over the back of a chair for long periods; creases can set.

Cleaning

For everyday dust and light marks, wipe the surface with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth. For a fuller clean, use a cleaner made specifically for leather and test it on a hidden area first (an inside seam or under the collar).

Never machine-wash or tumble-dry a leather jacket, and skip household all-purpose cleaners, alcohol, and baby wipes — they strip the finish and natural oils.

Conditioning

Leather is skin, and like skin it needs occasional moisture. A leather conditioner or balm, applied a couple of times a year (more in dry climates), keeps it supple and helps prevent cracking.

• Apply a small amount with a soft cloth in thin, even coats.
• Let it absorb, then buff off any excess.
• Test on a hidden spot first — some conditioners darken leather slightly.

If it gets wet

A little rain will not ruin a leather jacket. Blot — do not rub — the surface with a dry towel and let it dry naturally at room temperature, away from radiators, heaters, and hairdryers, which cause leather to stiffen and crack. Once dry, a light conditioning restores softness.

Storage

For long-term storage, keep the jacket somewhere cool, dark, and dry with a little airflow. Use a breathable garment bag (cotton or canvas) rather than plastic, which traps moisture and can encourage mildew.

Quick do & don’t

• Do hang it on a wide hanger and let it breathe.
• Do condition it a couple of times a year.
• Do dry it naturally if it gets wet.
• Don’t machine-wash, tumble-dry, or use direct heat.
• Don’t store it in plastic or in direct sunlight.