You should care for a leather jacket two to four times a year, depending on how often you wear it and in what conditions. A jacket you wear every day in changeable weather needs more care than one you only take out on weekends. In this article, we’re happy to answer the most frequently asked questions about caring for leather, from recognizing the signs that your jacket needs maintenance to storing it correctly. You can find more tips on our page about jacket care.
How do you know when your leather jacket needs care?
Your leather jacket needs care when the leather feels dry or dull, small scratches become visible, or the jacket gets stiffer than you’re used to. These are clear signs that the leather is lacking moisture and nourishment. The good news is that it’s easy to put right, as long as you don’t wait until cracks or discoloration appear, because then it’s much harder to restore.
Check your jacket regularly by running your hand over it. Does the leather feel supple and slightly glossy? Then everything is fine. Does it feel rough, dry, or creaky? Then it’s time to give it a little attention. Also pay attention to the seams and creases, because that’s where leather dries out the fastest. On a black leather jacket or brown leather jacket, dryness often shows up as a gray or dull haze on the surface.
Do you wear your jacket regularly in the fall and winter? Then we recommend scheduling a care session at the beginning and the end of the season.
How often should you condition a leather jacket?
Condition a leather jacket two to three times a year if you wear it regularly. If you wear it less often, once a year is enough. Conditioning keeps the leather supple, prevents it from drying out, and significantly extends the life of your jacket.
A handy rule of thumb is to condition your jacket at the beginning of autumn (before you start wearing it heavily), halfway through winter during persistently cold and wet weather, and at the end of the season before you put it away. That way, you start every season with a well-cared-for jacket.
Different rules apply to suede jackets or jackets with a suede look. Suede is more sensitive to moisture and dirt and requires specific suede products. Please don’t condition suede with standard leather cream, because it can damage the texture.
What is the difference between cleaning and conditioning leather?
Cleaning removes dirt, dust, and stains from the surface of the leather. Conditioning nourishes the leather from within, restores its suppleness, and protects the material from drying out. Both steps are necessary, but they serve a different purpose and always follow in this order: first cleaning, then conditioning.
Cleaning: removing dirt
To clean a leather jacket, use a soft, damp cloth or a mild leather cleaner. Be gentle: don’t rub too hard and don’t use large amounts of water, because this can cause stains or make the leather shrink. It’s best to remove stains from rain, mud, or grease as quickly as possible, before they soak in.
Conditioning: nourishing and protecting
After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to hydrate the leather. This prevents the leather from drying out and cracking. Apply the conditioner with a soft cloth in circular motions and let it soak in well before you put on or store the jacket. For a black or brown leather jacket, it’s best to choose a colorless conditioner to avoid discoloration.
Which products are suitable for caring for a leather jacket?
For caring for a leather jacket, use a mild leather cleaner, a water-based leather conditioner, and a water-repellent spray as a protective layer. Avoid products based on silicone or petroleum, because over time they can damage the leather or clog its pores.
Here is an overview of the products you need for a complete care session:
- Leather cleaner: removes dirt and grease buildup without damaging the leather
- Leather conditioner or leather cream: nourishes the leather and keeps it supple
- Water-repellent spray: protects against rain and stains
- Soft microfiber cloth: for applying and buffing in products
- Suede brush: specifically for suede or suede-look materials
It’s always a good idea to check the material of your jacket before choosing a product. A smooth leather jacket requires different products than a jacket made of micro-suede or polyester with a suede look. To be safe, test new products first on an inconspicuous spot, such as the inside of the hem.
How do you store a leather jacket when you’re not wearing it?
Store a leather jacket on a wide coat hanger in a dry, dark space with good air circulation. Never hang the jacket in a sealed plastic bag, because leather needs air to avoid mold or drying out. A breathable fabric garment bag is the best option for long-term storage.
Keep the following in mind when storing your jacket:
- Make sure the jacket is clean and conditioned before you put it away
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight, because it fades the leather
- Don’t store the jacket near a heat source, because heat dries out the leather
- Use a wide, well-shaped hanger so the shoulders keep their shape
- Never store the jacket folded, because this causes permanent creases in the leather
Are you storing a bomber jacket or another jacket with a sturdy construction? Then make sure the zipper is closed during storage so the jacket keeps its shape. For jackets you won’t wear for months, such as a heavy winter coat, it’s wise to check them halfway through the storage period and lightly condition them again. A wool coat also benefits from a breathable garment bag, as it needs air to stay fresh.
How Donders 1860 helps you care for your leather jacket
For us, it’s all about jackets that last and always look good. We understand that a premium leather jacket is an investment you want to protect. That’s why we offer not only a carefully curated range of leather jackets, but also practical guidance on their maintenance and care, so you can enjoy your jacket for years to come.
What we do for you:
- Style advice and buying guides that help you choose the right jacket for your lifestyle
- Information on maintenance and care, tailored to the specific material of your jacket
- A wide range of black and brown leather jackets, bomber jackets, suede jackets, and micro-suede models made to last multiple seasons
- Sustainably designed jackets in which quality and craftsmanship come first
Do you want a jacket that stands the test of time and looks great season after season? Then we’d love for you to take a look at our full men’s collection and discover which jacket suits you. For more information about our brand and range, visit Donders 1860.