How to Care for a Leather Jacket

Keep your leather jacket waterproof. There are many products that are “skin protection” or “leather repellent”, but read the label instructions carefully before buying. A spray bottle of ppyme silicone or acrylic coppyme, will help preserve the look and shine of your leather jacket. Grease or wax based products are more protective, but are not recommended for coats because they can affect color, longevity, shine, and odor. ^[1] Check the product label to find out how long the water resistance will last. Typically, the product needs to be reapplied every few weeks or months.

• While this treatment will make the leather jacket more resistant to water damage, it will not be completely waterproof, even if you spray other curing agents. Never soak a leather jacket in water or wash it in the washing machine.

Occasionally apply the curing solution to the leather jacket. Applying a curing solution helps restore oil to the leather material, preventing dryness and deep cracks, but too much oil can clog the leather surface and affect the color or life of the coat. Apply the curing solution only when the coat begins to dry out or harden. Here are some tips for choosing a product:

• Check the label to make sure it’s appropriate for your skin type. (This is mainly important for suede or nubuck leather jackets.)
• It’s best to use pure mink oil, bovine oil, or other natural animal oils, but be aware that they can dull the skin’s color. ^[2]
• Products that contain wax or silicone can dry out the skin, but are cheaper options that are less likely to change color. ^[3] Use sparingly.
• Never use products that contain mineral oil or petroleum as they can cause significant damage. ^[4] Also, avoid using “tanner soap,” at least on unfinished leather that doesn’t have a protective water-resistant coating. ^[5]

Occasionally polish leather jackets. Polishing the leather will help keep your coat shiny, but has the potential to fade, dry, or clog the leather’s surface. Polishing should only be done for special occasions, and test on a hidden area before using on new products. Scrub with a cowhide cloth until you create a glossy surface. ^[6]

• Do not polish suede or other leather with a frayed, soft cloth. It is not possible to make suede shiny without permanently removing this surface bond. ^[7]
• Do not use shoe polish, even if it is intended for leather shoes.

Remove salt deposits with a damp cloth. In the wet conditions of winter, white salt deposits can form on the skin. Wipe the salt off with a damp cloth immediately, to avoid dry marks and cracks. Let the skin dry naturally, then apply the balm on the affected area.

Let the skin dry naturally. If your jacket gets wet, hang it on a hanger to dry at room temperature. Remove items from bags to avoid straining wet skin, and away from direct heat sources, such as radiators or heaters. Apply the curing solution after it dries if the leather has been soaked in water for a long time.

Learn how to remove wrinkles from your skin. Storing coats on hangers helps prevent and eliminate minor wrinkles. If you’re concerned about large wrinkles, take your jacket to a professional leather cleaner. Alternatively, set the ironing temperature to the lowest setting (often labeled as “rayon”), place the leather under a cloth, and iron quickly. ^[8]

• See care instructions for more details.