When you purchase your first high-end leather jacket or any leather jacket for that matter, you're likely going to feel like a fashionista. It will be the new staple piece in your wardrobe, the one item that you can pull out whenever you need to look good. After all, what better way to show off your new threads than with a little pep talk in front of the mirror? But not so fast.
Did you realize that wearing your leather jacket means exposing it to harmful dust and oils from other materials? These elements won't just compromise its appearance - they can also cause major damage to the jacket itself. This is why it's important to know how to care for your leather jacket accordingly so that it looks as good as new for years to come.
How to Store A Leather Jacket
Following are some of the points to take into consideration for storing your precious leather jackets.
Remember to clear your pockets before storing your leather. If something remains in that pocket before storing it, then it might create a dent or misshape your leather hoodie jacket in the long run.
When you choose a place to store your leather jackets, it is important to choose the one where there is no direct sunlight. Direct UV rays of the sun might hamper your jackets for good. Long exposure to sunlight can result in it drying and can lead to cracking or tearing away.
If something accidentally spills or sticks to your leather jacket, it is advised to spot-clean it, preferably without delay. The longer the spot remains soiled, the more the foreign substance is absorbed in the leather and can do more damage. If you store your leather jackets without cleaning them it effectively means increased damage which might sometimes be unsalvageable.
Before storing your leather jackets, ensure that they are fully dry and that you are not packing them up while they are still wet. This might cause lasting damage and cause them to smell too. It is advisable to properly air dry them totally before you pack them up for summer.
Other than the above-mentioned pointers you can care for your leather goods by following the below-mentioned pointers while using them
- As far as possible avoid sitting on your leather goods be it a wallet, large jackets, etc. It can misshape them to the point of no return.
- Try not to overstuff your leather apparel as it can cause it to stretch and invariably breakage.
- Try not to store your leather goods in plastic but in more breathable material. It requires ventilation and that in turn avoids the production of mildew on leather goods.
- Your leather products need moisturization for better care. Try using a natural vegetable dye to moisturize your leather.
- If your leather goods have absorbed too much dust you can wipe them with a damp cloth and air-dry them.
- Avoid using any cleansers such as soap and bleach on your leather apparel.
- You can use leather conditioners available in the market to care for your variety of leather goods.
Best Way to Store Leather Jackets
What is the best way to store my leather jacket?
First and foremost, you should make sure that your jacket is clean before you put it away. If it's dirty, it will be difficult to clean it properly and safely, which can put you at risk of catching a serious infection. It's best to use a leather cleaner and/or protectant before storing it in a bag or hanging it from a hanger.
This will keep it from getting damaged by dust and other pollutants. If you don't have a leather cleaner or protectant that you can add to the water, you can also clean your jacket using a microfiber cloth or a clean towel. You can also hang your jacket upside down or let it dry naturally on the wall or in a closet using a hanger.
Dry Clean Leather Jacket
It's best to schedule a professional leather jacket cleaning if you wear your jacket every day, but if you want to store it for a few months or years, you can bring it to a dry cleaner. However, if you bring your jacket to a professional cleaner, don't assume it will be ruined.
Dry cleaners use a specific process that compromises the integrity of the leather, so you don't want them to ruin your jacket. Simply take your jacket to a cleaner and tell them that you'd like to have your jacket cleaned.
They'll take care of everything and then return it to you in the same condition. However, don't assume that you can bring your jacket to a cleaner whenever you get fed up with cleaning it at home. Professional cleaners use specific, albeit damaging, processes that compromise the integrity of the leather.
Keep Leather Jacket Away from Moisture
Why is it important to keep my leather jacket away from moisture?
The leather used to make most jackets is not waterproof and, as a result, is susceptible to damage from moisture. In fact, storing your jacket in a bag that isn't kept away from moisture and in direct sunlight will cause it to damage much faster.
It's easy to avoid this issue by simply keeping your jacket away from moisture, but if you're going to store it for a few months, you may want to bring it to a professional cleaner and have it professionally stretched and conditioned.
Should I Fold Leather Jacket?
Should I Fold A Leather Jacket when Storing It?
If you're storing a leather jacket for an extended period of time, it's best to fold it. This will help prevent creases and keep the jacket in good shape. Depending on the type and quality of the leather, it can be stretched out of shape if stored flat.
This can cause cracks in the leather, as well as make it difficult to keep clean. When storing your leather jacket, it's best to fold it in half lengthwise and keep it rolled up in a bag or box. This will help keep the shape of the jacket and prevent creases.
Protect Leather from UV Rays
We've all heard the advice to store your leather jacket in a dark place to protect it from damaging UV rays, but this isn't necessary. Instead, keep it away from sunlight and other sources of moisture so that it doesn't get damaged.
You should also try to maintain an indoor temperature of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the ideal temperature for leather to stretch. If you wear your jacket regularly, it's best to stretch it regularly too. Simply hit your jacket with a blow dryer set on a low heat setting and low air speed to relax the fibers and bring it back to its original shape.
Repair & Maintain Leather Jacket
How to repair and maintain your leather jacket
There is nothing that you need to do to maintain your jacket, but there are a few things that you can do to bring it back to its original condition if it gets damaged. - If your jacket has any tears, stains, or other damage, simply have it professionally cleaned.
This will restore the original condition of the jacket. - If your jacket has stretched, have it professionally stretched. This will restore the original shape of the jacket so that it will be more comfortable to wear.
To maintain the condition of your jacket, simply hang it upside down or let it dry naturally on the wall or in a closet using a hanger. - Don't use a dry cleaner more than once a year and don't use a cleaner that contains acetone.
Conclusion
Leather is a durable material, but it's not indestructible. It can be damaged by water, chemicals, and sunlight. When you store your jacket, make sure it's kept away from moisture and in a dark place. You can also stretch your jacket regularly to maintain its shape and prevent it from stretching out.
If your leather jacket gets damaged, don't try to repair it yourself; take it to a professional. These are just a few of the things that you need to know about caring for your leather jacket. Now go out there and show off your new high-end piece!