An essential part of owning leather clothing is knowing how to store it correctly. Without proper storage, your cherished leather pieces, from supple jackets to sleek trousers, can become a victim of cracking, fading, and mildew. This guide provides a definitive, in-depth, and actionable roadmap to preserving your leather investments, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for years to come.
The Foundation of Proper Leather Storage
Before you even think about putting your leather item away for the season, a few foundational steps are critical. Skipping these can lead to irreparable damage, regardless of how well you store the garment afterward.
1. Cleanliness is Non-Negotiable
Never store a leather item that is dirty. Dirt, dust, and body oils can break down the leather fibers over time, leading to premature cracking. The cleaning process is simple and can be done at home with a few key tools.
- For light dirt: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe down the entire surface of the garment. Think of this as a quick dust-off.
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For visible spots or grime: Dampen a cloth with distilled water (tap water can leave mineral deposits) and a small amount of a leather-specific cleaner. Work in small, circular motions. Do not scrub aggressively.
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For suede and nubuck: A dedicated suede brush is your best friend. Gently brush the surface in one direction to lift dirt and restore the nap. Never use water or liquid cleaners on these types of leather unless they are specifically designed for them.
Example: You’ve just worn your favorite leather moto jacket to a concert. It has a few smudges from the crowd. Before hanging it in the closet, take a microfiber cloth and your leather cleaner. Apply a small amount of cleaner to the cloth, not the jacket, and lightly wipe the smudged areas. Once clean, let it air dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
2. The Conditioning Imperative
Conditioning is the single most effective way to prevent leather from drying out and cracking. Leather is a natural skin; without moisture, it will become brittle, just like our own skin.
- Application: Apply a high-quality leather conditioner with a clean, soft cloth. Use a small amount at a time, working it into the leather in gentle, circular motions. Focus on areas that see a lot of movement, such as elbows, shoulders, and the back of the neck, as these are most prone to cracking.
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Drying Time: Allow the conditioner to absorb for at least 24 hours. The leather should feel soft and supple, not greasy. If it still feels dry, you can apply a second, lighter coat.
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Frequency: Condition your leather garments every 6-12 months, or before you store them for an extended period.
Example: Before putting your leather trench coat away for the summer, you notice the leather around the cuffs feels a bit stiff. You take your leather conditioner and a cotton cloth. You apply a dime-sized amount of conditioner to the cloth, and then gently rub it into the cuff area, ensuring even coverage. You then move on to the elbows and collar. You hang the coat on a wide wooden hanger and leave it in a well-ventilated space for a day, allowing the conditioner to fully penetrate the leather.
The Art of Hanging: Avoiding Deformity and Creases
The way you hang your leather garment is just as important as cleaning and conditioning it. Improper hanging can cause permanent creases and stretching, which can lead to cracking.
1. The Right Hanger is a Game-Changer
- Rule of thumb: Always use a wide, padded, or wooden hanger.
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Why? Wire hangers are a cardinal sin. They will crease the shoulders and stretch the leather, causing it to lose its shape and potentially crack along the stress points. A wide hanger distributes the weight of the garment evenly across the shoulders.
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Avoid Clips: Never hang leather trousers or skirts from clip hangers. The pressure from the clips can leave marks and weaken the leather fibers over time.
Example: You’ve just purchased a new leather blazer. You see the flimsy wire hanger it came on and immediately discard it. You instead use a sturdy, wide wooden hanger from your closet. This ensures the shoulders of the blazer are fully supported, preventing any unwanted divots or stretching that could lead to cracking.
2. The Hanging Space: Airflow is Key
- Give it space: Do not cram your leather garments into a crowded closet. Leather needs to breathe. When air circulation is poor, moisture can get trapped, leading to mildew, a tell-tale sign of which is a musty smell and white, fuzzy spots. Mildew can permanently damage the leather’s surface.
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Avoid Plastic Bags: Do not store leather in plastic garment bags. These bags trap moisture and prevent the leather from breathing. The trapped moisture creates a perfect environment for mildew and can cause the leather to become sticky and deteriorate.
Example: You are reorganizing your closet for the fall season. Instead of cramming your leather jackets shoulder-to-shoulder, you make a point to leave a few inches of space between each one. You also take your leather trousers out of the dry cleaner’s plastic bag and hang them over a padded trouser bar, ensuring there is plenty of room for air to circulate.
Long-Term Storage Solutions: The Seasonal Shutdown
For items you won’t be wearing for months at a time, such as a heavy leather coat in the summer or a lightweight leather skirt in the winter, a few extra steps are necessary to ensure they remain pristine.
1. The Right Storage Environment
- Temperature and Humidity: The ideal environment for storing leather is a cool, dry place with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Extreme fluctuations in either can cause the leather to expand and contract, leading to cracking.
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Location: Avoid storing leather in attics, basements, or garages. These spaces are notorious for extreme temperature and humidity swings. A closet inside your home is the best option.
Example: You are putting your heavy leather overcoat into storage for the summer. You’ve cleaned and conditioned it, and it’s hanging on a wide wooden hanger. You’ve cleared out a space in your main bedroom closet, away from direct sunlight and heat vents. This stable environment will protect the leather from the summer heat and humidity, which could otherwise cause it to dry out and crack.
2. The Right Cover: Breathable Fabric is a Must
- Use a garment bag: Use a breathable fabric garment bag, such as cotton or canvas, to protect your leather from dust and light. This type of bag allows air to circulate, preventing the buildup of moisture and mildew.
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Avoid Plastic: Again, plastic is a big no-no. Plastic garment bags are the enemy of leather storage. They create a humid microclimate that can damage the leather’s surface.
Example: You’ve just finished the cleaning and conditioning process for your leather skirt. Instead of folding it and placing it in a plastic bin, you carefully hang it on a padded trouser bar and then place it inside a cotton garment bag. This provides a breathable barrier that keeps dust off the skirt while allowing the leather to breathe.
Addressing Specific Leather Types
Not all leather is created equal, and some types require special attention to prevent cracking.
1. Patent Leather: The Glossy Conundrum
Patent leather has a glossy, plastic-like coating that can be prone to cracking if not stored correctly.
- Avoid Folding: Never fold patent leather. The creases will become permanent and the coating will crack.
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Protection: Store patent leather garments in a breathable garment bag to prevent dust and scratches.
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Conditioning: Use a product specifically designed for patent leather. Regular leather conditioners will not work and can damage the glossy finish.
Example: You own a striking patent leather jacket. To store it, you hang it on a wide, padded hanger to maintain its shape. You then cover it with a breathable cotton garment bag to protect the delicate, glossy surface from scratches and dust. You also make sure it’s not pressed up against any other items in the closet.
2. Suede and Nubuck: The Delicate Ones
Suede and nubuck are susceptible to moisture and dirt. They need to be stored with care to maintain their soft, velvety texture.
- Avoid Water: Never store these leathers in a humid environment.
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Brush Before Storing: Use a suede brush to clean and restore the nap before putting them away.
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Padding: Use a wide, padded hanger to prevent creases.
Example: You have a beautiful suede trench coat. Before storing it for the season, you take your suede brush and gently brush the entire surface to remove any dirt or dust. You then hang it on a padded hanger and place it in a breathable garment bag, ensuring it’s not touching any other items.
The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Beyond the main steps, several small, yet significant, details can dramatically improve your leather’s longevity.
1. The Power of “Don’t”
- Don’t fold: Folding leather creates sharp creases that can become permanent and lead to cracking.
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Don’t pile: Piling leather garments on top of each other will crush the fibers and cause wrinkles that are difficult to remove.
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Don’t expose to direct sunlight: UV rays from the sun can fade and dry out leather, making it brittle and prone to cracking.
Example: You’re tempted to fold your leather pants and place them on a shelf, but you remember the cardinal rule of not folding leather. Instead, you get a padded trouser bar and carefully hang them up in your closet, allowing them to hang naturally and wrinkle-free.
2. The “Do” List
- Rotate your garments: If you have multiple leather pieces, rotate them. Wearing them occasionally helps keep the leather supple and prevents it from getting stiff.
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Stuff boots and shoes: Use boot shapers or acid-free tissue paper to stuff leather boots and shoes. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents creasing.
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Check periodically: Even in storage, it’s a good idea to check your leather garments every few months. This allows you to catch any potential issues, such as mildew or dryness, early on.
Example: You’ve just pulled your leather boots out of storage and notice the ankles are a little creased. Next time, you remember to stuff them with some acid-free tissue paper before storing them away. This simple step will ensure they hold their shape and prevent the leather from cracking at the creases.
Final Thoughts on a Lifetime of Leather
Properly storing your leather clothing is an act of preservation. By following these practical, actionable steps, you are not just putting an item away; you are safeguarding an investment. From the initial cleaning and conditioning to the final act of hanging it on the right hanger in a breathable bag, every step plays a crucial role in preventing the one thing that can prematurely end a leather garment’s life: cracking. Treat your leather with the care it deserves, and it will reward you with a lifetime of style and durability.