Leather jackets are timeless pieces of fashion that require good care to maintain their durability and aesthetic appeal. Unlike other fabrics, leather is sensitive to various environmental factors and needs specialized storage conditions. Understanding how to store leather jackets correctly can save them from getting damaged or worn out prematurely.
This detailed guide explores the best practices for storing, cleaning, conditioning, proper hanging, and protecting leather jackets from environmental factors. Ready to get started?
1. Clean Before Storing
Before learning how to store jackets, it’s essential to know how to clean them thoroughly. Dirt, oils, and other contaminants can damage leather over time, leading to stains, odors, and a deterioration of the leather's quality. Proper cleaning preserves the jacket's appearance and ensures it remains durable.
Use a soft, damp piece of cloth to wipe off dust and dirt. Make sure it's only slightly damp to avoid soaking the leather. Otherwise, you may end up damaging the jacket. You can add a small amount of mild soap to the water if your jacket is very dirty.
Frequently touched areas like the collar and cuffs may have stubborn stains. Use a leather cleaner explicitly designed for your type of leather. Test the cleaner on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration. Apply this cleaner to a soft piece of cloth and gently wipe the marks or stains in circular motions. Avoid tough chemicals or household cleaners, as they can deprive the leather of its natural oils.
After cleaning, let the jacket air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct contact with sunlight and heat sources like hairdryers as well as radiators, as they can cause the leather to become stiff and crack. Ensure the jacket is totally dry before storing it to prevent mold and mildew.
2. Condition the Leather
Leather conditioners are important for maintaining the suppleness and moisture balance of the leather. There are different conditioners for various leather finishes, so select the real leather shop stuff for your jacket from a reliable store.
Conditioning should be done after cleaning and before storage to keep the leather in optimal condition. Let’s highlight how to preserve leather jackets with conditioning.
Source: Freepik
Apply a little conditioner to a soft cloth. Rub it using gentle, circular motions to ensure an even application. Avoid applying lots of conditioner, as this can result in patches becoming overly greasy or sticky. Work the conditioner into the entire surface of the jacket, paying extra attention to areas prone to drying out, such as the elbows, shoulders, and seams.
It can take a few hours for the conditioner to absorb into the leather. You may want to leave it overnight to help replenish the natural oils. During this time, keep the jacket in a ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Once the conditioner has fully absorbed, you can lightly buff the jacket with a clean, dry cloth to remove any leftover product and restore its natural shine.
3. Store Appropriately
Storing a leather jacket in the right location ensures it remains in excellent condition. Avoid storing leather jackets in basements, attics, or other places with poor ventilation, as these areas often have changing temperatures and humidity levels that can damage the leather. High humidity can result in mold and mildew, while low humidity can cause the leather to dry out and crack.
A common question people wonder about is, can you fold a leather jacket?
It’s best to avoid folding jackets for lengthy periods, as this can cause the material to crease at the folds, leading to permanent damage. Instead, store your leather jacket in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, preferably hanging it on a wide-shouldered hanger to retain its shape and prevent creases.
4. Use Proper Hanging Techniques
Improper hanging can cause the jacket to lose its shape or develop creases, which can be difficult to remove. The following tips can help you learn how to hang a leather jacket properly:
Use the Right Hanger
Source: Freepik
Invest in sturdy, wide-shouldered wooden or padded hangers that mimic the shape of your shoulders. A hanger with broad, contoured ends supports the jacket evenly, preventing it from sagging or stretching. Thin wire hangers can cause the leather to stretch and distort, leading to droopy shoulders and an uneven drape.
Avoid Overcrowding
Give your jacket enough space to breathe. Overcrowding can cause your jacket to wrinkle and crease. Plus, the lack of airflow can result in moisture buildup, damaging the leather over time.
Close Zippers and Buttons
Always zip up or button the jacket before hanging it. It not only prevents the jacket from slipping off, but it also helps maintain its shape. Make sure to fasten belts as they can pull on the leather and create uneven weight distribution.
5. Protect from Environmental Factors
Leather is sensitive to various environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and light. Protecting your leather jacket from these elements is essential to maintain quality and longevity.
Store your leather jacket in a cool, airy area to prevent damage from temperature extremes or high humidity. Furthermore, prevent exposure to direct sunlight as it can cause the leather to dry out, fade and deteriorate over time.
6. Additional Tips on How to Store Leather Jackets
Long-term storage methods can significantly extend the life of your leather jacket.
Use a Breathable Leather Jacket Storage Bag
Breathable garment bags are typically made from cotton or a similar material. They allow air to circulate, avoiding the buildup of humidity, which is essential for leather. Furthermore, they help protect the jacket from dust and light exposure while allowing the leather to breathe, maintaining its natural condition. Never use plastic bags, as they can trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew growth.
Stuff the Jacket
Consider stuffing it with clean, uncolored cotton fabric to help maintain the jacket’s shape. Cut the fabric into manageable pieces, rolling or crumpling them to stuff the jacket’s sleeves and body. This prevents creases from developing during storage.
You can also use acid-free tissue paper as it doesn’t contain chemicals that could react with the leather over time. However, avoid using newspapers as the ink can stain the leather. Make sure not to overstuff the jacket, as it could place undue stress on the seams and stretch the leather, distorting its natural shape.
Regular Inspection
It’s important to inspect your leather jacket periodically, especially if it’s been stored for a long time. Regular inspections help you catch potential problems early on before they cause significant damage. Check for signs of mold or mildew.
Reconditioning
Leather can dry out even while in storage. Every few months, remove the jacket from storage and apply a light coat of conditioner to replenish the natural oils that keep the leather soft and flexible. Regular reconditioning prevents the leather from becoming brittle and cracking over time.
Final Thoughts
By now, you probably have a better idea of how to store leather jackets. These storage hacks can go a long way in keeping your jacket in top-notch condition for years to come. But if you want to enjoy your jacket season after season, you need to invest in a leather jacket from a reputable store like My Choice Apparel
We provide a range of high-quality apparel and fashion accessories that align with your individual style and personality. Remember, your leather jacket is more than just another piece of clothing - it's an expression of your unique individuality and personal taste. Browse our collection to find your timeless piece today.
