A leather jacket is the best addition to your wardrobe that you can pair for many occasions. Whether it is a Sunday lunch or a formal dinner evening, a leather jacket is the most stylish piece of clothing that you can wear to stand out from the crowd.
When you buy any type of leather jacket – goatskin leather jacket, suede, or others – it becomes necessary to care for it. We have listed down some easy caring hacks for your leather jacket. Ensure to follow them properly to increase the longevity of your garment.
You must treat your leather jacket with a proper leather protector. They are available in both liquid and spray-on formulas. The role of a leather protector is to repel water and then prevent stains on the surface of the leather. Reapply the protector regularly, especially when exposing your leather jacket to harsh environments like rain and snow.
Several things must be avoided while wearing your leather jacket:
Do not cram the pockets of your leather jackets too much, as it may lead to stretching.
Avoid applying perfume, hair spray, cologne, and other materials directly to your leather jacket. The alcohol present in these products dries out and stains the leather.
Do not attach pins, badges, tapes, stick-on labels, and other materials to the leather bags and jackets as they will mar their finish.
If you want to make alterations to your leather jackets, take assistance from a professional.
If you have treated the jacket with a protector, you can wipe away most soil with a clean and damp cloth. But if the stains on the coat or jacket are very tough such as ink from leather or mildew, they may need a specific treatment.
If the inner line of your jacket is soiled with body oil or sweat, head to a professional leather cleaning service and get it cleaned properly. But do check the service’s credentials as not every store is qualified to clean the leather to perfection. But if the jacket’s inner lining is made using a washable fabric, you can wash the garment at home.
When washing at home, devote several days to care for your jacket properly. A leather jacket should not only be washed but conditioned as well. Do not use any harsh chemicals as they crack the leather and make it stiff.
Empty all the pockets of the jacket. Fill a large plastic storage container and add lukewarm water to it. Use a small amount of a mild liquid detergent and swish it properly to disperse through the water. Submerge the leather jacket in the water and swish it until the lining is wet. Squeeze the solution through the lining and soak it for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, you can treat stubborn stains using a soft-bristled brush.
While rinsing the jacket, lift it from the solution. Do not wring it and squeeze excess moisture. Change the water several times to remove the soap and soil. Hang your jacket over a bathtub and air dry. You may also use a wooden hanger to prevent the marks. Afterwards, use a conditioner to condition the garment and keep it soft and supple. Do not dry it under direct sunlight.
When you store your leather jacket properly, it will avoid many problems in the first place. Use a wooden hanger to support the jacket’s weight and store it in a cool and dry area. Do not store the jacket in a plastic bag and avoid ironing it at all costs.
We hope that the above-listed caring tips help you take care of your leather jacket in the long run. Start following them now.