How to care for a leather jacket so it lasts for years

A leather jacket is a timeless wardrobe staple. With regular care and the right products, it keeps its shape, colour and character for years. In this guide we’ll show you how to clean, condition and store leather so your favourite jacket repays you with great looks and durability season after season.

Premium leatherwear — an investment that pays off

A leather jacket belongs to a category of garments that combine everyday comfort with exceptional longevity and class. People who choose leather appreciate quality and the way this material ages — gaining depth and character over time.

In the leather craft world we often say that well‑cared‑for leather “matures beautifully and tells your story”. It means an older, maintained jacket can look even better than a brand‑new one.

Why is regular care so important?

Leather is an organic material — it breathes and reacts to the environment. Without care it can dry out, crack or lose colour. Properly conditioned leather becomes more supple, keeps a refined sheen and resists everyday wear.

How to clean a leather jacket

Leather jacket care starts with gentle cleaning and careful drying. Natural leather doesn’t like soaking, heat or harsh chemicals — handle it with care.

• Never machine‑wash a leather jacket. This is a key rule emphasised by leather specialists. A washing machine and detergent can stiffen the leather, distort the shape and damage the finish.
• Everyday upkeep — quick refresh. Wipe the jacket with a soft, slightly damp cloth (preferably microfiber). This removes dust and surface dirt without soaking the leather.
• Stain removal: If a fresh stain appears, act quickly. Don’t use random home “stain removers”. Instead, reach for a dedicated leather cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Drying: After cleaning, let the jacket dry naturally on a wide hanger, away from heat sources and direct sun.
• Conditioning — how to keep leather supple

Conditioning restores oils and moisture lost during wear. Thanks to it the jacket remains soft, smooth and resistant to cracking.

How often? For jackets worn regularly, condition every 2–3 months. For occasional wear, every 3–6 months is usually enough — observe the leather and adjust.

Patch test first: Before the first use, apply a small amount of product to an inconspicuous area to check how the leather reacts.

• Application: Use a soft cloth or sponge. Apply a thin, even layer in circular motions, without soaking the leather.
• Absorption time: Leave the jacket for several minutes so the product can penetrate and nourish the leather.
• Buffing technique: Make sure the jacket is dry to the touch and then gently buff it with a clean, soft cloth to remove excess and bring out a refined sheen.

What should I condition a leather jacket with?

As mentioned, the best choice is ready‑made pastes, creams and balms dedicated to natural leather. For smooth, full‑grain leather we recommend a specialised conditioning product developed specifically for garment leather.

Regular conditioning is the key to longevity. After applying the product, give the jacket time to rest and absorb the nourishing ingredients before your next wear.

Protecting natural leather — waterproofing against moisture

Waterproofing is another important step in leather care. It helps repel moisture and dirt and makes everyday use easier. If the jacket starts to absorb water or the surface looks dull, it’s worth reapplying a protector.

Which products? Opt for preparations designed for garment leather: sprays or creams labelled as water‑repellent/protective.

• How often? It depends on wear and weather. For frequent outdoor use, reapply every few weeks; otherwise every 2–3 months is enough.
• How to apply? Clean and dry the jacket first. Then apply an even coat according to the instructions, keeping the recommended distance when spraying.
• Storing a leather jacket — the rules to keep its shape
• Hanger: Choose a wide, sturdy hanger that supports the shoulders and prevents distortion.

Air circulation: Store in a wardrobe that allows the leather to breathe. Avoid cramped, damp spaces.

Garment bag: Use a breathable cover (e.g., cotton). Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture.

Stuffing: For longer storage, lightly stuff the sleeves with tissue paper to maintain shape.

1. Sun & heat: Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources that can dry out and crack the leather.
2. Care myths — what to avoid
3. Home remedies aren’t always safe. Avoid using random kitchen oils or household cleaners — they can clog pores, darken or stain the leather.
4. Too much product. Over‑applying conditioner can leave residue and attract dirt. Less is more.
5. Soaking wet cleaning. Excess water penetrates the leather and may deform it — always use minimal moisture.

Direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure fades colours and dries out the leather.

Folding and compressing. This causes permanent creases and cracks at stress points.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

• What about suede and nubuck? These require dedicated care. Use a special brush and protectors intended for suede/nubuck.
• How to refresh the lining? Gently air the jacket. For stains, use a damp cloth with a mild fabric cleaner — avoid soaking the leather.
• Can I iron a leather jacket? No. If needed, lightly steam from a distance, avoiding direct contact — or consult a specialist.
• Leather types — quick overview
• Full‑grain leather — durable, ages beautifully and develops a unique patina.

Nubuck — velvety to the touch with a sophisticated, matte look.

• The biggest mistakes in leather care — avoid them
• Drying with hot air — heat damages leather fibres. Don’t use a hairdryer, radiator or open fire.
• Folding, crushing, stuffing into tight spaces — these habits cause permanent creases and cracks.
• Skipping conditioning — without regular care, the jacket becomes dry, stiff and may crack. Don’t wait until the leather looks dull.
• Using the wrong products — aggressive detergents or laundry soap can do more harm than good. Choose dedicated leather care.
• Skipping a patch test — before using a new product, always test it on a hidden area first.
• Storing in plastic — even if it looks neat, plastic doesn’t breathe and can trap moisture. Use a fabric garment bag instead.

Consciously avoiding the above mistakes will significantly extend your jacket’s life. If you’re unsure — follow the rule: less is more. Gentle, regular care works best.

Conclusion — take care of your jacket and enjoy it longer

A leather jacket is a special piece — with the right care it becomes a trusted companion for years. We hope our guide helps you create a simple routine that keeps your jacket looking great.

If you’re looking for top‑quality products and craftsmanship, visit the Skóral online store. We are a Polish maker of premium leatherwear and accessories — crafted with precision in our atelier.

Take care of your leather jacket today — a few minutes of care now means years of comfortable wear. If you have any questions about leather care or choosing the right products, contact us — we’re happy to help.

Visit the Skóral atelier — discover the beauty and longevity of genuine leather!