A genuine leather jacket is an investment piece that, with the right care, can easily last decades. Here is a straightforward guide to cleaning, conditioning and storing your leather jacket so it keeps looking sharp for years to come.
Everyday Care
Hang your jacket on a wide, padded hanger rather than a wire hook — this keeps the shoulders from losing shape. Keep leather away from direct heat sources like radiators, and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for long periods, as this can dry out and fade the leather.
Cleaning Your Jacket
- Wipe down after wear with a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust and surface grime.
- For light marks, use a damp (not wet) cloth and mild soap formulated for leather, then wipe dry immediately.
- Never machine wash or tumble dry a leather jacket — this will permanently damage the grain.
- For deeper stains, always test any cleaning product on a small, hidden patch first.
Conditioning
Leather needs moisture to stay supple. Apply a good quality leather conditioner every 3–6 months, working it in with a soft cloth in small circular motions, then buffing off any excess. This prevents the leather from drying out and cracking over time.
Caught in the Rain?
A little rain won’t harm quality leather. Simply let the jacket air dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct heat, and follow up with a light conditioning treatment once fully dry.
Storing Your Jacket Off-Season
- Use a breathable garment bag — never plastic, which traps moisture and can cause mould.
- Store in a cool, dry place with some airflow.
- Stuff sleeves lightly with tissue paper to help the jacket hold its shape during long-term storage.
Quality You Can Trust
Every jacket from Clara Leather Jackets is made from genuine, full-grain leather designed to age beautifully with proper care. If you ever receive a jacket with a manufacturing fault, our Returns Policy covers free replacement when damage is reported within 48 hours of delivery.
Looking for your next jacket? Browse our full range of men’s leather jackets and women’s leather jackets.
Common Leather Jacket Care Mistakes to Avoid
- Drying a wet jacket near a radiator or with a hairdryer — leather dries out and stiffens under direct heat.
- Using baby wipes, makeup remover, or household cleaning sprays, which contain chemicals that strip leather’s finish.
- Leaving stains to set — the sooner a spill is blotted (never rubbed), the easier it lifts.
- Folding a leather jacket for long-term storage instead of hanging it, which creates permanent crease lines.
- Skipping conditioner because the jacket “looks fine” — damage often isn’t visible until it’s already cracking.
Caring for Different Types of Leather
Not all leather needs identical care. Smooth, full-grain leather (most of our men’s and women’s leather jackets) responds well to the routine above. Suede and nubuck are more delicate and need a dedicated suede brush and suede protector spray rather than liquid cleaners or conditioners. Distressed or vintage-finish leather is designed to show character over time, so it’s more forgiving of minor marks, but still benefits from conditioning to stop it drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my leather jacket?
A quick wipe-down after every wear, a deeper clean every few months, and conditioning every three to six months is enough for a jacket worn regularly.
Can leather jackets get wet?
Light rain is fine as long as you let the jacket air-dry naturally afterwards. Avoid heavy, prolonged soaking, and never speed-dry it with heat.
What’s the best way to remove a stain?
Blot (don’t rub) the stain immediately with a dry cloth, then use a leather-specific cleaner. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the grain and can damage the surface finish.
