LG Styles

How to maximise the lifespan of your leather jacket

The leather jacket was created to give the wearer attitude. Just think of James Dean, the Fonz or any of the lads in Grease and you’ll know what we mean.

Leather jackets are timeless - you think of these 1950s, 60s and 70s icons and you don’t think ‘wow, their clothes are dated’, you think ‘that’s a cool leather jacket’. Because leather jackets have a lifespan longer than your average item of apparel.

In fact, if you look after your leather jacket it can be your go to item of clothing for a long time to come. So here is our guide to how to maximise the lifespan of your leather jacket.

1. Don’t let your leather jacket get stained.

Leather is skin. And leather, like our own skin, is porous. Which means if you spill something on your leather jacket you need to act fast, or the leather is likely to soak it up. And if you allow your leather jacket to sit with a stain it can discolour the leather and ruin your jacket.

So deal with the stain as quickly as you can, because the longer you let it soak into your jacket, the harder it will be to get out.

You can avoid your leather jacket getting stained by removing it from harm's way and keeping a soft cloth in your pocket to wipe away any spills as soon as they happen.

2. Protect your leather jacket against stains.

If you worry that your leather jacket is going to get ruined by stains and scuffs, that is no reason why you should let it hang in your wardrobe rather than on your person. Don’t be afraid to wear it, just make sure you use a good stain protector to keep it in top condition.

One key thing to note here is if you spray your leather jacket with a stain protector, that the product is water resistant. The reason for this is that when leather becomes wet as it dries it becomes less supple. Water resistant leather protector will bond to the leather and give it an extra layer of protection against any water or stains.

If you aren’t sure which are the best stain protectors to purchase, speak to a cobbler or ask in a leather shop, they’ll be able to guide you with their expert knowledge.

3. Always reshape your leather jacket.

If you haven’t worn your leather jacket for a while you will have to reshape it. This is because leather loses its shape over time and particularly if it’s been allowed to get warm or if it’s become wet and left to dry.

Leather has a tendency to dry in the shape it’s been left in, so reshape your jacket as soon as you notice this. Just by wearing a leather jacket you’ll improve its appearance as your body heat will help mould the jacket back into shape.

4. Clean your leather jacket frequently.

Cleaning your leather jacket can be as simple as brushing dirt off it, to using a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or grime. The best solution for removing this dirt is to use a solution of soap and water, just make sure you dry your jacket as soon as you clean it to prevent it becoming hard or misshapen.

If you can, use a leather condition to keep your leather jacket in peak condition. A leather conditioner will help to soften your jacket and replenish any moisture that might have been lost.

Let your leather jacket dry overnight once you’ve applied the leather conditioner. Polish your leather jacket once the conditioner has dried with a soft cloth to buff your jacket and make it shine.

5. Keep a schedule.

Like everything in life, if we don’t make a note of the important stuff, they tend to get forgotten. So schedule in some time to clean your leather jacket and you will reap the rewards for years to come, saving you money and giving you longer with your beloved leather jacket.

6. Store your leather jacket correctly.

Don’t just leave your leather jacket flung on the back of a chair, or stuffed in the bottom of your locker. As mentioned above, if you don’t look after your leather jacket it can become misshapen and damaged. In particular, make sure it isn’t left out in direct sunlight, anywhere it can get wet or in extreme temperatures.

If you aren’t going to wear your leather jacket for a while, make sure you hang it up on a wide clothes hanger, preferably a padded one to help the jacket keep its shape, as hanging it will help it avoid getting wrinkled or stretched.

If you have any queries about how to maximise the life of your LG leather jacket, please do drop us a line. We love talking all things leather.

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