How to Care for a Leather Jacket: Cleaning, Conditioning and Storage

by Ankur Anand

A leather jacket lasts for years with the right care, and most of it comes down to simple, regular habits rather than occasional deep treatment. UK weather adds a couple of specific things to think about too, rain exposure and the drying effect of central heating both affect how leather ages. This guide covers how to clean, condition and store a leather jacket properly, plus what to avoid.

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HOW DO YOU CLEAN A LEATHER JACKET?

Wipe it down with a soft, barely damp cloth, working in the direction of the grain.

  • Blot spills and stains, don't rub, rubbing can push the stain further into the leather

  • Avoid household soap, solvents and baby wipes, all of which strip the leather's natural oils

  • Never machine wash or tumble dry a leather jacket

  • For light surface dirt, a dry microfibre cloth is often enough on its own

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CONDITION A LEATHER JACKET?

Every 3 to 6 months for regular wear, more often if it's exposed to rain or direct sun.

  • Apply a light, leather-specific conditioner in thin layers

  • Leave 15 to 20 minutes to absorb, then buff off any excess with a clean cloth

  • Over-conditioning can leave leather feeling heavy or sticky, less is more

  • A jacket worn daily through a UK winter needs conditioning more often than one worn occasionally

Close-up of black leather jacket texture, showing the grain


Shop the Saint Kinsley Black Leather Cafe Racer Jacket →

HOW DO YOU STORE A LEATHER JACKET?

Use a wide, padded hanger in a cool, dry space, away from direct sunlight.

  • Never use a wire hanger, it can distort the shoulders over time

  • Keep away from radiators and other direct heat sources

  • Use a breathable cotton garment bag, never plastic, which traps moisture and can cause mould

  • Never fold a leather jacket for long-term storage, folding creases the leather permanently

HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A FUR-COLLAR LEATHER JACKET?

Treat the leather and the fur differently, leather conditioner isn't meant for fur.

  • Brush the fur gently with a soft brush rather than applying conditioner to it

  • If the fur gets wet, let it air-dry naturally, away from direct heat

  • Condition the leather body of the jacket as normal, just keep conditioner off the fur itself

Black leather biker jacket with fur collar, back view


Shop the Saint Darcy Black Leather Biker Jacket →

WHAT SHOULD YOU AVOID WITH A LEATHER JACKET?

  • Direct heat, radiators, tumble dryers and hairdryers all dry out and crack leather over time

  • Prolonged direct sunlight, which fades and dries leather

  • Plastic garment bags or covers

  • Water immersion or machine washing

  • Household soap and alcohol-based cleaning products

Ready to find yours?  Shop the full Women's Leather Jackets collection at SaintG UK →

Once you've picked a style, see our guides to How to Style a Leather Jacket and Biker Jacket vs Cafe Racer Jacket.

 

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