@estherys
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With the change in seasons comes a change in wardrobe — and there’s no clothing item that’s more of an autumn staple than a leather jacket. Classic, effortlessly cool, and timeless; whether you dress it up or dress it down, a leather jacket is a go-to piece come fall.
But with such a timeless piece, you need to make it worth the splurge and take proper care of it. Here are some tips to make sure your leather jacket stays in prime condition, season after season.
Follow the label
Not all leather jackets are created equal or made from the same material. Whether the jacket is made from sheepskin, cowhide, or antelope will determine how you should go about washing it. Trust the label and follow its suggestions to preserve your leather jacket for as long as possible.
Clean it properly
There are a number of different treatments you can use to clean a leather jacket including creams, conditioners, polish, or waterproofing. Again, this depends on the type of material your leather jacket is made of. One tried and true method is to simply wipe it with a damp sponge using a solution of warm, soapy water and dry it with a cloth after. Test this method on a small area first, like a sleeve, to avoid any discoloring.
Keep it dry
One of the worst things you can do to a leather jacket is to get it wet. This causes the natural oils to rise to the surface and evaporate, leaving your jacket dry and brittle. It’s best to store your jacket in a dry space and avoid rain if at all possible. If your leather comrade does get wet, then you can use a conditioning treatment to make your jacket water resistant.
Be careful how you store it
Keep your leather jacket out of direct sunlight for long periods because this will only end up drying it out. Also, avoid folding it, which will lead to wrinkles — instead, hang it in a dry, cool closet. Use padded hangers if possible to avoid distorting the jacket’s shape.
See a professional
Last but certainly not least, in your arsenal of leather care, take your jacket to the dry cleaners at least once a year. Nothing can beat the care of a professional, and it’ll make your day-to-day care routine much simpler.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
