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Keep it dry
Avoid prolonged rain and never soak a leather jacket for cleaning.
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Care Guide
How to Care for a Leather Jacket
Thoughtful cleaning, conditioning and storage can help preserve the character, comfort and structure of your leather jacket.
Identify the leather first. Smooth leather, suede, nubuck, distressed finishes and coated leather do not respond to care products in the same way. Follow the garment care label and test any product on a concealed area.
Keep it cool
Allow leather to dry naturally, away from radiators, hair dryers and strong sunlight.
Support its shape
Use a broad hanger with enough shoulder support; avoid wire hangers.
Use less product
Apply only products suitable for the specific leather and finish, after patch testing.
Routine care
A simple leather-jacket care routine
Frequent aggressive cleaning can change the surface. Begin with the least invasive method and increase treatment only when the leather genuinely requires it.
Air after wear
Hang the jacket in a ventilated room, away from direct heat and sunlight.
Remove surface dust
Use a clean, dry, soft cloth; use the correct brush only for compatible suede or nubuck.
Inspect gently
Check cuffs, collar, seams and high-contact areas before marks become embedded.
Store correctly
Fasten lightly, hang with space around it and use a breathable garment cover.
If it gets wet
Let wet leather recover naturally
Blot surface moisture with a clean, absorbent cloth—do not rub. Reshape the jacket gently, place it on a broad hanger and leave it to dry at room temperature with natural airflow.
Keep it away from radiators, heaters, fireplaces, hair dryers and prolonged direct sunlight. Concentrated heat can stiffen leather, affect its finish and distort the garment.
Do not apply conditioner while the jacket is wet. Once it is completely dry, inspect the surface. If it feels unusually dry or stiff, seek finish-specific advice before applying anything.
Dry at room temperature with space for airflow—never with direct heat.
Cleaning and conditioning
Match the method to the leather
Smooth finished leather
Start with a dry soft cloth. If the care label permits, use a small amount of cleaner formulated for that leather type, applied to the cloth rather than poured onto the jacket. Work lightly and never saturate the surface.
Conditioning
Condition only when needed, not automatically after every wear. Choose a neutral, finish-compatible conditioner, test it in a concealed area and apply a thin, even amount. Conditioning may deepen or alter colour.
Suede and nubuck
Do not use ordinary smooth-leather creams or oily conditioners. Use a clean brush designed for the material and follow a specialist suede or nubuck method. For oil, dye transfer or significant water marking, consult a professional.
Distressed, waxed or special finishes
These surfaces are intentionally treated and can change dramatically with cleaning. Do not polish away the intended character. Follow the product-specific instructions supplied with the jacket or ask us before treatment.
Spills and marks
Act promptly, without scrubbing
Water
Blot gently and allow the entire affected area to dry naturally. Avoid forceful rubbing, which may change sheen or push moisture into the finish.
Oil or grease
Do not add water, household soap or heat. Blot excess carefully without spreading it, then contact a leather-care professional—especially for pale leather, suede or nubuck.
Ink, dye and makeup
Avoid alcohol, sanitizer, acetone, hairspray and stain removers. These can remove colour or finish. Seek specialist advice as soon as possible.
Salt or road residue
Do not let deposits build up. Ask a specialist for a method suitable for the exact finish; incorrect wet cleaning can leave rings or uneven colour.
Patch test every cleaner, conditioner or protector before wider application.
Before using a product
Always perform a patch test
Even a product labelled for leather may react differently with dyes, coatings, waxes and surface treatments. Test a very small amount on a concealed area such as an interior facing.
- Check that the product names your leather type and finish.
- Use the smallest practical amount.
- Allow the test area to dry completely.
- Inspect for colour change, darkening, residue, stiffness or loss of sheen.
- Do not continue if the result is uneven or uncertain.
Waterproofing or protector sprays can also alter colour, feel and breathability. They are not automatically appropriate for every jacket.
What to avoid
Common treatments that can cause damage
Household cleaners
Avoid bleach, detergent, disinfectant, alcohol, baby wipes and multipurpose cleaning sprays.
Household oils
Olive, coconut and other food oils can darken leather, oxidize, attract dirt or create uneven patches.
Direct heat
Radiators, tumble dryers, irons and hair dryers can shrink, harden or distort leather.
Machine washing
Do not machine wash or tumble dry unless the garment label specifically states that it is safe.
Plastic storage
Avoid long-term storage in sealed plastic. Use a clean, breathable garment cover.
Unapproved alterations
Leather retains needle holes. Use a specialist experienced with leather garment construction.
Long-term storage
Preserve its shape between seasons
Clean only as required and make sure the jacket is fully dry before storage. Empty the pockets, close heavy zippers without pulling the body tight, and support the shoulders on a broad hanger.
Choose a cool, dry, ventilated wardrobe away from direct sunlight. Leave space around the jacket so it is not crushed between garments. Cover it with breathable cotton or a suitable fabric garment bag—not airtight plastic.
Inspect the jacket periodically for moisture, mould, pests, colour transfer or pressure marks. Never fold it for prolonged storage, and keep dark leather from resting directly against pale garments.
Leather care FAQs
Common questions
How often should I condition a leather jacket?
There is no reliable universal schedule. Leather type, finish, climate, wear and storage all matter. Condition only when the compatible care guidance recommends it or the leather shows genuine dryness, and always patch test first.
Can I wear my leather jacket in the rain?
Brief light moisture may be manageable for some finished leathers, but a leather jacket should not be treated as waterproof. Avoid prolonged or heavy rain, and allow accidental moisture to dry naturally.
Can I wash a leather jacket in a washing machine?
Normally, no. Water, detergent and tumbling can damage the leather, finish, lining, hardware and structure. Follow the garment label and use a qualified leather-garment cleaner when full cleaning is necessary.
Can I use olive oil or coconut oil on leather?
We do not recommend household food oils. They can darken the surface, oxidize, attract dirt and create uneven results. Use only a finish-compatible leather product after testing.
How should I remove wrinkles?
Hang the jacket on a broad hanger and allow minor creases to relax naturally. Do not iron leather directly or apply concentrated steam. Persistent creasing should be assessed by a leather specialist.
Is leather patina the same as damage?
No. Gradual softening, tonal variation and surface character can be part of natural wear. Cracking, peeling coatings, torn seams, severe dryness or structural failure are different and require assessment.
When should I use a professional leather cleaner?
Seek professional help for oil, ink, dye transfer, mould, widespread staining, strong odours, pale leather, suede or nubuck, damaged finishes, lining stains, or any issue where home treatment could make the result worse.