7 Ways to Keep Your Leather Jacket Looking Great for a Long Time

Leather jackets are more than just clothes; they say something about you. Your leather jacket is a stylish and long lasting investment if you want to look like James Dean or a modern biker. But just like anything else that is worth something, it needs to be taken care of so it stays beautiful and lasts a long time. If you take care of it right, it can last for decades, just like a nice wine or an old car.

In this full guide, we'll give you seven important tips to help you keep your leather jacket looking as good as it did when you first put it on.

1. To keep your leather jacket looking nice, clean it often

You need to clean your leather jacket often to keep it looking new, just like you wouldn't let your favourite shoes get dirty.

How to Clean:

• Dust Off: Gently wipe away dust and dirt from the surface with a soft, dry cloth or microfiber towel.

• Small Stains: Use a cloth that has been dampened with lukewarm water and a little bit of mild soap. Gently blot the stained area without rubbing it.

• Avoid Chemicals: Don't use bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals on leather because they can damage it.

Cleaning it often keeps dirt from getting on it, which can make the leather harden and crack over time.

2. Make sure it stays soft and bendable

Just like skin, leather can get dry and lose its natural oils. Conditioning puts these oils back into the leather, which keeps it from cracking and keeps it soft.

How to Get Ready:

• Pick the Right Conditioner: Choose a leather conditioner like Chamberlain's Leather Milk or Leather Honey.

• How to Use: Apply to a clean, lint free cloth. Rub the conditioner into the leather in a circle with light pressure.

• Rest Time: Let the conditioner soak in for at least 24 hours before you put on the jacket.

If you condition your jacket every three to six months, it will last longer and look better.

3. Put it in the right place to keep it from losing its shape

To keep your leather jacket from getting creases or losing its shape, you need to store it properly.

How to Keep Things Safe:

• Use a wide, padded hanger to keep the shoulders of your jacket from getting misshapen.

• Don’t use plastic bags. Instead, put the jacket in a bag that lets air through to stop water from building up, which can cause mould.

• Avoid too much heat, radiators, or direct sunlight since these can dry out the leather and make it break.

This is how to keep your jacket in good shape for years to come.

4. Stay Safe from the Weather

Leather can get worse when it rains, snows, or gets too much sun. You can help keep your jacket in good shape by taking care of it.

Steps to Stay Safe:

• Make it Waterproof: Put on a safe for leather barrier to keep water out.

• Avoid Sun: Don’t leave leather in the sun for too long because it can fade and dry out.

• After Exposure, Clean: If your jacket gets wet, gently blot it with a dry cloth and let it air dry away from heat sources.

These steps help keep the leather's colour and flexibility.

5. Remove stains right away

Cleaning up stains right away can stop them from setting and making them harder to get rid of.

How to Clean Up:

• Oil or Grease Stains: Put some baby powder or cornflour on the stain. Let it sit for a few hours to soak up the oil, then gently brush it off.

• Ink Stains: Dip a cloth in rubbing alcohol and pat the stain. Then, wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth.

• Food or Drink Spills: Use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe it up, then dry it off.

Always try the cleaning method on a small, hidden area of the leather first to make sure it won't hurt it.

6. Don't stuff your pockets too full

Putting heavy things in your jacket's pockets can make it look different and put too much stress on the seams.

Things to Think About:

• Don’t put your keys or big wallets in your jacket pockets.

• Distribute weight evenly if you have to carry things, make sure they are spread out evenly so they don’t pull on one side.

Being careful about what you put in your pockets can help the jacket last longer and keep its shape.

7. Check for repairs on a regular basis

You can fix problems with your leather jacket before they get worse if you check it often for signs of wear.

How to Look:

• Check seams for any loose or broken threads.

• Test buttons and zippers to make sure they work.

• Look for cracks, discoloration, or thin spots in the leather.

You can save money on bigger repairs later if you fix small things right away.

Common Questions About Taking Care of Leather Jackets

Q1: How often should I clean my leather jacket?
A: Depending on how often you wear it and the weather, you should condition your leather jacket every three to six months.

Q2: Is it okay to use regular cleaning products on my leather jacket?
A: No, cleaning products for the house can hurt the leather. Use only products that are made to clean leather.

Q3: How do I get rid of stains on my leather jacket?
A: Wipe the area gently with a clean, dry cloth. Let the jacket dry outside, away from anything that gives off direct heat.

Q4: Is it okay to wear my leather jacket when it rains?
A: Leather is naturally resistant to water, but being in the rain for a long time can hurt it. For extra protection, use a spray that keeps water away.

Q5: What should I do to keep my leather jacket safe when I'm not wearing it?
A: Hang your jacket on a wide, padded hanger in a cool, dry place. Put it in a garment bag that lets air flow through to keep it safe from dust and moisture.

The End

When you take care of your leather jacket, it's like taking care of something you love from the past. If you take care of it and use it the right way, it can last for a long time and still look good.

A leather jacket that is well cared for not only makes your clothes look better, but it also tells a story of style and care that will never go out of style.

There are a lot of high quality leather jackets to choose from at Real Leather Jackets. Check out our collection to find the right jacket for your style and needs.