Style & Fashion

Leather jackets are relatively easy to maintain. With proper care, a quality leather jacket should last you for many years. I’ve even heard of them lasting for 20 years or more! Although that may be the exception, with proper care a leather jacket should be around for a long, long time. Whether you have a leather dress jacket, a leather sports jacket, or a leather motorcycle jacket, it will last a lot longer with the proper care.

A leather jacket should never be kept or wrapped in plastic. The leather material needs air circulation to keep its “freshness.” It should be kept in a dry cool place. Your garage, attic, or shed is not the place to store your jacket during the hot winter months.

Cleaning a leather jacket should be done once every few months or so. To clean the leather use a mild soap on a wet cloth and simply rub it all over the leather. You don’t need to rub it very hard. Use a cloth to wipe it dry. Allow it to dry completely on a hanger. If you get a spot or stain on it that won’t wipe off, take the jacket to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in leather cleaning.

Probably the most important part of caring for your leather jacket is conditioning it. This should be done just once or twice a year. Conditioning keeps the leather soft and keeps it from cracking and splitting. Conditioners can be bought most anywhere that leather goods are sold.

Markay Auen

leather jackets