A good quality leather jacket is an expensive item of clothing that every woman wants to get years of wear out of. In order to keep a stylish leather jacket looking great and feeling comfortable, it is imperative to understand how to take proper care of it, no matter what type leather it is. Weather conditions, natural body oils and perspiration, and creams, lotions, or makeup, can cause permanent damage to a leather jacket. Using a leather protector, storing the jacket correctly, and correct cleaning and conditioning of the leather will all help to ensure the leather jacket remains in optimum condition, and keeps one looking good and feeling comfortable all year round.
Leather jackets and leather care products can be purchased from most department stores, various clothing stores, and even some shoe stores. For specialty leather jackets and leather care products, buyers are advised to visit a specialist leather goods store. Alternatively, buyers can choose to search online for their desired leather products. Macys has a wide selection of products for sale, from sellers all over the world.
Identify the Type of Leather
Before doing anything with a new leather jacket, new owners should carefully remove all purchase tags and immediately read the manufacturer's wash care label. Any good quality leather jacket will feature label directions explaining how to care for the leather jacket properly. This care label is usually located on the inside lining of the jacket at the bottom of one of the side seams.
This care label will tell the owner exactly what type of leather the jacket is made from, as well as what type of finish it is. There are several different types and finishes of leather, and each requires different care methods. The following table provides a list of the various finishes of leather available, and a description of each.
Apply a Leather Protector
Before wearing a leather jacket for the first time, it important to treat it with a leather protector, similar to a Scotchgard used on leather furniture. These protectors are odorless and colorless, and usually feature a spray-on application. They protect the leather material from water, oil, and dirt stains. Leather protectors are especially useful for suede leather, which can stain easily. It may be necessary to reapply leather protector once a year.
Correct Storing of the Leather Jacket
Correctly storing the leather jacket when not in use will help to keep the jacket in top condition. After taking the jacket off, be sure to hang it up on a large shoulder-shaped hanger. It is important to use a wide shouldered coat hanger so as not to put dent marks in the shoulders. Jackets should be stored by hanging in a dry, cool wardrobe, away from direct sunlight or any other heat source. Jackets that will be stored away during a summer season should use a breathable clothes storage bag. This will keep it dry, clean, and dust-free. Never store a jacket away while it is still wet or damp. The jacket should be completely dry before hanging up in the wardrobe. Mildew can cause irreparable damage to leather materials, so a jacket should always be stored in a dry wardrobe, away from moisture, such as steam from a bathroom.
Cleaning the Leather Jacket
Keeping a leather jacket clean involves properly cleaning, conditioning, and drying the leather. There are various types of leather cleaners and leather conditioners available.
Cleaning a Leather Jacket
Cleaning a leather jacket involves the use of specialized leather cleaning products. Wipe the surface of the jacket with a soft damp cloth, then use leather cleaner and apply sparingly with a damp sponge. Wipe again to remove any residue, and leave to dry. Aniline leather jackets are easy to clean with leather cleaner. Care must be taken when cleaning a suede leather jacket or nubuck leather jackets, as these tend to be more delicate and prone to staining. Gently rubbing these types of leather with a terry cloth, or brushing with a suede cleaning brush, are the best ways to clean these more delicate leather materials. After cleaning a leather jacket, it is important to follow with a conditioning treatment.
Conditioning a Leather Jacket
Conditioning a leather jacket is a very important aspect of proper jacket care. There are a wide range of leather conditioners designed specifically for leather jackets and leather clothing items. Mink oil is one popularly used leather conditioner. Leather conditioner keeps the leather supple, and prevents it from drying or cracking. Conditioning a leather jacket is very important, especially if the jacket gets damp or wet at all. A jacket should only be conditioned after it has been carefully cleaned and dried. The conditioning product should be used sparingly, using only enough to provide a very thin, even coat over the leather surface. Apply conditioner with a soft dry cloth. A leather jacket should be regularly conditioned at least once per year.
Drying a Leather Jacket
Drying a leather jacket, whether after being cleaned or being out in the rain should be done at room temperature. The jacket should be hung on a wide-shouldered hanger, and left to air dry at room temperature. A wet or damp jacket should never be stored or hung away with other clothes if it is still damp. Mildew loves leather, and trying to remove mildew from leather is very difficult. Before hanging a wet leather jacket up to dry, any excess water and water spots should be wiped away with a soft, dry cloth. If a jacket has been wet, once it is completely dry, a coat of leather conditioner should be reapplied to keep the material soft and supple.
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