Leather is a very strong, durable and flexible material. However, sometimes, even the coolest leather jackets can go a little astray – it’s bound to happen after a good amount of wears.
If your leather jacket is dirty, dry and stiff, discover the Attire Club guide to how to clean and care for smooth leather and suede so that it becomes clean and supple again.
What do I need to know before I clean my leather jacket?
Before you can start with the cleaning and caring, you first need to know what type of leather is in front of you. There are two different types, which have different properties and should be cleaned differently because water is absorbed on suede (leather with a napped finish) and not on smooth leather. With one exception: aniline leather (leather dyed exclusively with soluble dyes) is one of the softest leathers, but it absorbs drops. Therefore, if you have a smooth leather jacket, you should check whether it is aniline leather. If not, you can treat your jacket like any other smooth leather.
How can you be sure that something is genuine leather?
First indication: the real leather label. The problem: It is not compulsory to add, and it does not say anything about the quality of the leather. You can only be really sure when you have worn the jacket or if you know the source to be credible (product description, customer service, etc.). Leather stretches with time and is breathable. Sometimes, analyzing the texture of leather can be a good indicator. If the leather has certain scratches or lacks complete uniformity (this is not to say that it should be all over the place) – it is most likely real leather, as genuine leather is, of course, imperfect, by virtue of being organic. Synthetic leather is usually more repetitive in texture and very uniform, given that it is made from plastic.
How to make leather smooth again
Stains and dirt are relatively easy to get out when it comes to smooth leather jackets. You can clean the jacket dry with a soft brush or wet with a special leather cleaner. If you use a specialized cleaner, you should probably try it on a concealed area first. This way, you will make sure that there won’t be any odd reaction which will damage your jacket. Then, you can simply use the agent from seam to seam to ensure that the area remains uniform.
Removing stains from suede leather
For suede, when the stain is fresh, you can try to absorb the moisture with a paper towel without rubbing. Dry stains and dirt should not be wet-cleaned. This often leaves stain marks. If you have some really troubling stains, it would most likely be best to consult a specialist for stains that cannot be removed.
Can leather jackets be machine washed?
If the jacket needs a basic cleaning, you can also wash the leather jacket in the washing machine. For this, you will need a pH-neutral and re-greasing leather detergent. Moreover, the jacket should be turned inside out before washing. You should also make sure always to follow the washing instructions. Most jackets survive washing in the machine well, but if you’ve spent several thousand euros on the piece, you should have it professionally cleaned. If you have leather jackets with differently colored parts, it is best to have a specialized service take care of them, as the different parts can react differently to the same cleaning process. Otherwise, you risk that the colors will fade away.
How do you dry a leather jacket after cleaning?
Dry your wet jacket in the air in the shade or with the cold program in the dryer. When the leather is no longer damp, it usually feels stiffer. We recommend kneading and pulling the jacket so that it becomes soft again.
Can leather be ironed?
The answer to whether one can iron leather is yes, but only very carefully, with a dry cloth over it and at a medium temperature. It is a best practice to try it on the inner lining first. If it’s not absolutely necessary, then keep your hands off the iron.
Do you have to care for leather jackets?
Over time, leather loses fat and moisture and becomes dry. In this sense, what you should do is apply leather grease or oil sparingly on a regular basis. This will also help protect the jacket against unwanted moisture. Suede, on the other hand, should be permeated, preferably immediately after purchase. When it comes to suede, it is essential to remember not to wear it if it rains.
What do I do if I get caught in the rain with suede?
If you get suede wet because of rain or other factors, it is important to remember to never put leather on the heater. It’s better to hang in the air, but not directly in the sun. The light makes the material hard and brittle and fades the colors. You can rub out water stains with a rubber brush in the direction of the grain.
The correct storage of the leather jacket
When it comes to storage, leather jackets should hang loosely. If the jacket has to go into the suitcase, you can wrap it up smoothly and then take it out soon. Otherwise, wrinkles will form. To prevent the leather from going moldy, the jacket should not be stored in plastic or a damp cellar. Furthermore, oiled jackets can stain and should, therefore, be kept away from light-colored clothing in particular.
To conclude, it can be said that, with the right care, leather can withstand quite big problems. These are little likely to occur anyway, but it is essential to make sure that you care for your leather pieces.
If you want to enjoy your leather jacket for as long as possible, you should care for it regularly, hang it up properly and rather not clean it too often. Because even proper cleaning puts a certain amount of strain on the leather every time you wear it.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
6 reasons to get a leather jacket
P.S. We want to hear from you! How do you care for your leather jackets? What types of leather do you like best? Why? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!