How to Care for Leather Goods

Six tips to keep your leather goods in good shape

A quality leather garment is an investment in your wardrobe. With proper care, your designer clothes will age gracefully and can last a lifetime. Vintage jackets have been known to stick around for 50 years!

1. Always hang leather garments on wide or padded hangers to maintain shape. Use shoetrees for footwear and stuff empty handbags with tissue to help retain shape.
2. Never store leather goods in plastic or other non-breathable covers. This will dry up the leather.
3. Avoid very humid and dry environments as well as direct sunlight. This will shorten the life expectancy of your leather.
4. Avoid spraying perfumes or hair sprays while wearing your garment and do not apply pins, adhesive badges or tape. Wearing a scarf at the neckline will keep hair and body oil away from the collar.
5. Allow wet or damp leather to air-dry naturally away from any heat source that may damage the skin’s natural oils. Excessive dryness can cause cracking; excessive moisture can cause mildew. Leather can be treated with a leather conditioner yearly to restore flexibility and proper moisture levels. Suede and nubuck can be brushed with a terry towel to restore its look.
6. Wrinkles hang out while on hanger. If ironing is desired, set iron on lowest setting, use a brown paper bag as a pressing cloth on right side of the garment, and a quick hand to prevent overheating and shine. Do not use steam!