How To Take Care of Your Fall Leather

Marisa Tomei in Marios Schwab

As long as it is not raining, Fall calls for leather. So, break out your cropped, draped collar leather jacket, pencil skirt and booty shorts. For those that do not have any fine leather goods, or have deemed what you own perfect for your 1992 Halloween costume, you are in luck. Designers were dedicated with providing you with some fabulous leather goodies this season. 

As with any trend, the influx of leather goods brings one hit wonders, throw backs that went too far and other unflattering items. It can be difficult to find a fashionable leather peice that can stay stylish for more than a year, but once you do, the next part is ensuring its actual ability to last. Taking care of your leather is essential. By following the advice listed below your timeless cow clothing can persevere for many years to come…

Always hang leather garments on wide or padded hangers to maintain their shape.  Use shoetrees in footwear and stuff empty handbags with tissue to help retain their shape.

Never store leather goods in plastic or other non-breathable covers.  This will cause leather to become dry.

Allow wet or damp leather to air-dry naturally away from any direct heat source.  Leather can be treated with a conditioner to restore flexibility while suede can be brushed with a terry towel to restore its look.

In winter, promptly remove salt deposits from garments and footwear by sponging with water; follow with the above treatment for wet or damp leather.

Avoid very humid and dry environments as well as direct sunlight. 

Do not use waxes, silicone products or other leather preparations that will impair a garment’s ability to breathe.

Wrinkles should hang out.  If you really want to iron it, set iron on rayon setting, use heavy brown wrapping paper as a pressing cloth on right side of the garment and a quick hand to prevent overheating and shine.

Avoid spraying perfumes or hair sprays while wearing your garment.

Do not apply pins, adhesive, tape or anything sticky. I made this mistake once. If you have to wear some sort of badge, request a magnetic one.   

Wearing a scarf at the neckline will help keep hair and body oil away from the collar.

Hems may be fixed with a tiny amount of rubber cement.  For best results, see a leather care professional.

All products formulated for at-home use should be tested on an inconspicuous part of the garment.

Many of these tips were taken from the Professional Leather Cleaners Association (PLCA), a not for profit trade association founded by a group of leather cleaners from across North America, each are said to have at least 30 years of experience and dedicated to the highest standards for cleaning leather.  

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Burberry