Preservation & Maintenance
How to Care for Your Leather Outerwear
Genuine leather is a living material that develops a rich, individual patina with age. Follow these workshop guidelines to keep your jacket supple for decades.
1. Storage & Daily Handling
- •Always hang your jacket on a wide, contoured wooden hanger to support the shoulder pads and prevent sagging.
- •Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated closet away from damp basements or hot attics.
- •Use breathable cotton garment bags for seasonal storage. Never store genuine leather in non-breathable plastic bags.
2. Rain & Moisture Response
- •If caught in rain, gently wipe excess water off with a soft, clean dry cloth.
- •Allow the jacket to dry naturally at room temperature on its wooden hanger.
- •Never use hairdryers, radiators, or tumble dryers; direct heat evaporates the natural oils in the hide, causing stiffness and cracking.
3. Routine Conditioning (Smooth Leather)
- •Condition full-grain cowhide and sheepskin once or twice a year using a high-grade natural beeswax or lanolin leather balm.
- •Test any conditioner on a small concealed area (such as the inner hem facing) first.
- •Apply sparingly with a microfiber cloth in circular motions, allow 30 minutes to absorb, and gently buff off excess.
4. Suede & Shearling Specifics
- •Never apply liquid leather balms or waxes to suede or nubuck surfaces.
- •Use a dedicated crepe or brass-bristle suede brush to lift dust and restore the nap.
- •For shearling fleece collars, use a wide-tooth comb to gently untangle wool fibers without pulling.
When to Seek Professional Leather Cleaning
For deep grease stains, ink marks, or full interior lining cleaning, always consult a professional leather cleaning specialist rather than a conventional dry cleaner. Standard dry cleaning chemicals strip essential natural oils from genuine hides.