How to Care for Your Leather Jacket So It Lasts for Decades

A well-made leather jacket is one of the few things in your wardrobe that gets better with age. With a little care it will last for decades. Here is how we recommend looking after yours.

1. Wear it – often

Leather loves to be worn. Body warmth and movement keep the fibres supple and help the jacket mould to your shape. A jacket left in a cupboard for years is more likely to dry out.

2. Clean gently

For everyday dust, wipe the jacket with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Never put a leather jacket in the washing machine or soak it in water. For marks, use a cleaner made for leather and test it on a hidden area first.

3. Condition every few months

Leather is a natural material and needs moisture to stay soft. Every 3–6 months (more often in dry, hot weather), apply a thin layer of leather conditioner with a soft cloth, let it absorb, then buff off any excess.

4. If it gets wet

• Blot off water with a towel – do not rub.
• Hang it on a wide hanger at room temperature to dry naturally.
• Never use a hair dryer, heater or direct sun – heat makes leather stiff and cracked.
• Once dry, apply a little conditioner.

5. Store it properly

Use a wide, padded hanger to keep the shoulders in shape. Store in a cool, dry, ventilated place and use a breathable cotton cover – not plastic, which traps moisture and can cause mould. In humid months, air the jacket regularly.

6. Dealing with mould

If you see white spots, take the jacket outside, brush off the mould gently and wipe with a cloth lightly dampened with a mix of water and a little white vinegar. Let it dry, then condition.

7. Scratches and scuffs

Light scratches on most leathers can be rubbed out with your fingertip – the natural oils blend them in. Deeper scuffs can be treated with a matching leather cream.

Need help with your jacket? Message us on WhatsApp – we are always happy to advise.