How To Store A Leather Jacket

Some things stay with you for a significant part of your life, such as a premium quality leather jacket from Leather Skin Shop. You wear it season after season, and it serves multiple functions, such as warmth, protection, and a fashionable look.

But like every other thing that is meant to last, a leather jacket too needs care and maintenance, without which keeping it in good shape isn’t possible. Unlike fabric or synthetic materials, leather is acquired from real animal hides, and everything from cleaning, drying, storing, and conditioning requires a different approach.

You don’t get high-quality men’s or women’s leather jackets for cheap, so we highly recommend optimal care and proper storage for them. A little extra effort ensures your hard-earned money doesn’t go to waste. In this blog, you will learn how to store a leather jacket properly, along with tips and tricks to keep it in good shape for a long time.

In this blog, you will learn:

• Preparation is key before storing a jacket. Clean, dry, and condition it before storing
• Hang it right. Use a wide, padded, wooden hanger only.
• Store it in a fabric bag in a cool dry place, away from heat and moisture. 

Preparing the Leather Jacket for Storage

Rolling a used, unclean jacket carelessly and shoving it in the back of your closet is the worst thing you can do to your precious jacket. We opt for classic women’s and men’s leather jackets for their soft feel, comfort, and durability, and the right way to store a leather jacket helps maintain these qualities for long. 

Before we dive into “where and how” to store your leather jacket, it’s important to do the prep work. To ensure the jacket remains a staple in your wardrobe for years, here’s what you need to do: 

Cleaning The Leather Jacket

A jacket that has been used shouldn’t be stored without cleaning. Give it a thorough cleaning to remove dirt, stains, or any lingering sweat or grime as it can damage the leather over time. 

If there is any type of stain on the jacket, treat it as quickly as possible. Stains left untreated can set into the leather's fibers. Over time, the stain becomes much harder to remove, or even permanent. Acidic spills like vinegar or red wine can break down the leather's natural oils, making it stiff and brittle, while grease and oil stains can clog the leather's pores, hindering its breathability, and leading to cracks.

Use gentle cleaning methods described below to clean a leather jacket and avoid harsh chemicals or excessive water. If you're unsure about cleaning your leather jacket yourself, consider consulting a professional leather cleaner.

Note: Before cleaning the jacket, empty the pockets and zip up the zippers. Locate the care label, which might specify cleaning instructions for your specific leather type.

Spot Cleaning

Address spills or stains immediately. Blot the area with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid scrubbing, as it can spread the stain.

General  Cleaning

For light dust or dirt build-up, wiping the jacket with a dry microfiber cloth is enough. Gently buff the leather to remove surface dirt.

For overall cleaning, use a damp washcloth with a mild leather cleaner. Opt for a cleaner formulated for the type of leather your jacket is made from (e.g., suede requires a different cleaner than smooth leather). Test the cleaner on the underside of the hem to ensure no discoloration. 

Drying

After cleaning, allow the jacket to air dry completely at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can dry out the leather.

Material-Specific Care

Generally, the cleaning principles remain similar for most leather jackets. However, Suede and Nubuck jackets require a special suede brush or eraser to remove dirt and scuffs. Avoid using water or leather cleaner, as these can damage the suede nap.

Cleaning Motorcycle Leather Jackets

Here’s a tip for the bikers. Since motorcycle leather jackets are more prone to wear and tear due to constant exposure to dust and wind while riding, consider a more thorough cleaning process before storage. We recommend giving your leather motorcycle jacket to a professional leather cleaning service to ensure it is clean without getting damaged.

Using a Leather Conditioner

Leather is essentially animal skin, and over time, it can dry out and become stiff. This can lead to cracking, peeling, and a loss of suppleness. Conditioning replenishes the natural oils in the leather, keeping it soft, pliable, and resistant to damage. It can also help revive the natural color of your leather jacket, especially if it appears dull or faded. 

Opt for a high-quality conditioner designed for leather jackets. Do not apply the conditioner on a jacket unless it is clean and dry. Use a soft cloth to gently massage a thin layer of conditioner into the leather, buff and dry with a clean cloth, and leave it to air dry completely before storing it. 

Stuffing Leather Jacket Sleeves and Body with Acid-Free Paper

After the jacket is clean and dry, an important step before storing it is to stuff the sleeves and body of the jacket with acid-free paper. This helps the jacket retain its shape and prevents wrinkles or sagging. Acid-free paper is crucial because regular paper can contain harmful acids that can deteriorate the leather.

How To Hang A Leather Jacket?

Hanging helps maintain the jacket's shape and prevents creases. But if you are hanging your leather jacket for storage, choosing the right hanger is crucial. Avoid wire or plastic hangers, as they can cause the jacket's shoulders to stretch and lose their shape. Choose a wide, padded clothes hanger made of wood or plastic with a smooth, rounded shape. 

Keeping The Leather Jacket Protected

Taking care of a few things while storing your leather jacket ensures it remains supple, colorfast, and in the right shape even if you take it out after months or years. Proper storage not only extends the life of your jacket but also keeps it looking as stylish and comfortable as the day you bought it.

Choose A Cool, Dry Place For Storing The Jacket

All leather garments, including leather jackets, should be stored at room temperature. The climate should also have a relative humidity of about 40% to 50%. If the relative humidity is 60% or higher, your leather jacket may develop mildew.

Making sure that the storage area is climate-controlled is hands down the best way to store leather jackets. Never keep leatherwear in hot and humid areas, like attics, damp basements, or crawl spaces. Leather is susceptible to heat, sunlight, and moisture. Choose a cool and dry place inside your home with good air circulation, such as a guest bedroom closet, a section of a walk-in closet, or a store room.

Keeping The Leather Jacket In Storage

Firstly, make sure that your zippers are zipped and the buttons are fastened when you store your leather garments.

For longer-term storage, consider using a breathable fabric bag or a cloth garment bag made from natural materials like cotton or muslin. You can also use a spare white bed sheet (use a cotton sheet). Avoid a plastic bag or a garbage bag, as they trap moisture and can lead to mold growth on a leather garment. You can also store your leather jacket in a wooden trunk, cedar chest, or a well-ventilated suitcase.

Important Note: Folding leather jackets is not recommended, as creases can become permanent over time.

Take Out Your Jacket Occasionally

After you are done with storing your leather jacket, don’t leave it neglected for months and years. Take it out every few months, unzip the zippers, and allow it to air for a couple of hours in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent moisture build-up and keeps the leather supple.

FAQs On How To Store A Leather Jacket

How To Store The Leather Jacket Properly?

To store a leather jacket properly, clean and dry it first. Stuff it with acid-free paper, hang it on a padded wooden hanger, or keep it unfolded in a breathable fabric bag. Avoid storing in plastic bags. Choose a cool, dry place to store it, using a ventilated container like a wooden trunk.

How Can I Make My Leather Jacket Last Longer?

Proper storage is key for the longevity of a leather jacket, but it's not the only factor. Regularly condition your leather jacket with a high-quality leather conditioner to keep it supple and prevent cracking.

How To Store Leather Coats?

The same principles apply to storing leather coats as for jackets. Clean, and condition the coat, and hang it on a padded hanger. Store in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, and air it out once every three to four months.

Check Out Leather Skin Shop’s Jacket Collections

Now that you know well about maintaining and storing leather jackets, you can browse Leather Skin Shop’s premium collections for men and women, catering to different styles and preferences. Or, order a personalized leather jacket with the material, design, style, size, and features of your choice. 

In our ready-to-wear collections, you can find a trendy cropped leather jacket or an oversized leather jacket to give a contemporary spin to your outfits.

If size inclusivity is your priority, Leather Skin Shop is the right place to be. Get a stylish plus size leather jacket or a petite leather jacket for women, or browse our collection of classic big and tall leather jackets for men.

Summing Up How To Store Leather Jackets?

Storing a leather jacket, though different from textile jackets, is not a complicated feat. Simple tips like ensuring the jacket is clean and dry, stuffing acid free paper, and a cool and dry storage place help keep your jacket maintained for years. Taking it out occasionally to let it breathe is also a tip you shouldn't ignore, so that it remains a timeless and stylish addition to your wardrobe.