How To Condition Your Leather Jacket?
Is it just me, or are you always ready to wear your black leather jacket to every hangout? Cause why not? There is never a bad day to look smart in your jacket. The aesthetic and classic look of leather jackets is timeless.
On most occasions, we must remember to take good care of it, let the day arrive when it gets ruined, and have nothing to wear for dinner. The conditioning process may seem confusing and daunting, but we will walk you through it step by step.
Taking good care of your jacket is essential before it becomes a lost glory. Conditioning your jacket will increase its durability and quality and make it look great for future years. You do not have to worry because we are here to provide a simple guide to conditioning your leather jacket.
Let's start the process!
Clean your jacket with a damp cloth.
You should always ensure that your leather jacket is clean before starting the conditioning process. This way, when applying the conditioner, you can thoroughly clean all the areas covered in dust and dirt.
Take a cloth, dampen it, and use it to wipe your leather vest. Remember to swab the zipper, shoulder straps, and lining with the damp cloth thinking these areas are not as noticeable as the rest.
After cleaning your jacket, let it dry itself naturally. Remember to keep it away from sunlight because it can cause your jacket's color to fade.
Spot-test your conditioner
Always conduct a spot test before applying the conditioner to the entire jacket. Because conditioner, especially if it is brand new or low quality, can result in discoloration and ruin the texture of the leather.
Here's how you should do a spot test:
- Apply a tiny dab of the conditioner to an inconspicuous area on your jacket. For instance, the cuffs or inside of the collar will tell you your next step, even if the adverse reaction is not visible.
- Leave the jacket for 24 hours and see if the results are positive. If there is no flaking or discoloration, use the conditioner for the rest of your leather vest. If your jacket's color has faded after use, go for a different product.
It would be best if you always did a spot test. It will not take long, and you will also save yourself your valuable leather jacket from being ruined.
Apply the conditioner
Finally, you are on the primary step of the process, so pat yourself on the shoulder!
After you have done a spot test for your conditioner and seen the positive results, here is what you have to do:
- Apply the leather conditioner to the jacket's surface and rub it well.
- Take a soft cloth and rub the conditioner on your entire jacket in a circular motion. Pay attention to the armhole and lapels. Always cover all areas on the coat so the conditioner gets evenly distributed.
- You can apply one or two more coats to the leather jacket if it needs moisture. Remember not to add more than two to three coats because the leather needs airflow, and the over-conditioning can block the pores.
Moreover, it would help if you always went through the instructions on the back of the leather conditioner bottle because they may vary.
Let the jacket dry naturally.
Once you have applied the conditioner on your leather blazer, please leave it to dry and let the leather absorb it for some hours.
It might take extra hours to dry, so turn your favorite show on, sit back, and relax. Do not try to dry it in less time or keep it outside in the scorching heat because all these hacks can harm the jacket, and you will not get the desired results.
Wipe the conditioning residue.
After your leather jacket has rested and dried, take a clean cloth to remove the conditioning residue left behind. Your jacket must look perfectly shiny and all set to wear!
Once the jacket has dried, you should ensure to store it properly. Do not fold it or leave it draped on your chair; instead, use a wide hanger to hang the jacket so it does not lose shape and does not get cracks while it is in storage for weeks.
Also, place the acid-free paper on your leather vest's surface so it remains unaffected by environmental alterations. Check out our take here for more tips on storing a leather jacket. Make sure to follow the steps to save your wardrobe staple for a lifetime.
The Bottom Line
Take that leather blazer out, throw it on with a winged liner every time you feel low, and let the world revolve around you! A leather jacket is the best investment because it always stays in style.
All you have to do is take care of it to keep it in its best form so it never loses its splendor. If your leather vest looks dirty and messy, instead of sending it for dry cleaning to get rid of unwanted stains or popping it in your washing machine, use this simple guide at home to clean and condition it.
The process may seem long, but we guarantee the results will surprise you. So before going for a night out, let's give your leather jacket a touch-up and love to spice up your look for the night!