Caring properly for your leather jacket will help keep it looking good through many years of wear. In addition, a leather jacket that is well cared for is less susceptible to ripping and cracking which will let in the elements. There are a few simple measures you can take to keep leather jackets looking, feeling, and smelling wonderful. These include adding a protector, moisturizing it, and having it cleaned periodically.

Care for your leather jacket begins when you take it home. Most leather jackets are preconditioned, but you should apply a leather protector to keep the leather waterproof. Periodically, you will want to care for your leather jacket by stripping the leather protector off and applying a fresh, even coat. Look for products specifically designed for leather which do not contain waxes and oils that will clog the leather. These additives will prevent the leather from breathing properly.

If your leather coat becomes wet, dry it in a temperature-neutral area away from heat or fans. You may find that the leather will dry better if it is placed on a towel to absorb water. When the leather is almost dry, add a leather conditioner or moisturizer to keep it flexible, and when the leather has completely dried, add another coat. Make sure to care for your leather jacket properly when it gets wet, because leather can be irreparably damaged by moisture and mildew.

If you live in a dry area, you should care for your leather jacket by frequently applying leather conditioner to keep it from cracking. People who live in a wet area need to make sure to use products designed for waterproofing leather as well as conditioning it, to keep the jacket flexible and dry. In snowy areas, make sure to gently sponge salt off your leather coat to keep it from damaging the material.

If you spill something on your jacket, first use a gentle brush to get the bulk of the material off. Then gently sponge it with warm water and mild soap before drying the jacket. You should also periodically care for a jacket made from suede or nubuck by brushing it gently to keep the grain of the jacket smooth and even.

Depending on how frequently it is used, you should also periodically care for your leather jacket by taking it to a professional cleaner. The cleaner can care for your leather jacket using special equipment and tools designed specifically for leather, as well as conditioning the jacket to keep it flexible and looking like new. A professional cleaner can also fix any hem problems, re-sew torn linings, and patch a leather jacket if it is necessary.

To store your leather jacket, hang it on a wide padded hanger. Do not wrap leather in plastic or other nonporous materials, because leather needs to breathe. If you must store a leather jacket in a plastic garment bag, leave it open slightly for ventilation. Do not fold leather jackets for storage.