How to Store Leather Jackets

Leather jackets and other leather outerwear are great for fall and winter, but when the snow thaws and temperatures start to rise, you probably want to switch to lighter materials that are more comfortable in the heat. 

That doesn’t mean that you should forget about your favorite leather items. Follow these tips and tricks on how to store your leather jackets in the summer, so they will be ready for you when fall comes.

See also: Caring for and Cleaning Winter Coats

Prepare your leather for storage

Before you think about putting your leather jackets and coats away for the season, make sure you take the time to prepare them. Professionally cleaning, repairing, and conditioning your leather will go a long way to making sure it lasts for years to come.

Clean your leather jackets seasonally

While you can sometimes wash faux-leather jackets (just make sure to check the care label!), genuine leather should be professionally cleaned. You should take your leather or suede jackets to the dry cleaner about once a season.

You can spot clean it yourself with a good leather cleaner, but when it comes time to clean the whole jacket, it's best to take it to a professional cleaner. Dry cleaners like Tide Cleaners have the tools and expertise to clean leather jackets without causing damage.

Getting your leather outerwear professionally dry cleaned before you put it away for the warm seasons will help ensure that it’s protected until you’re ready to wear it again. 

Repair your leather jacket

If your leather jacket needs any repairs, this is the perfect time to do it before putting your jacket away for the season. Many cleaners also offer alterations and minor repair services, so you can get it cleaned and repaired at the same place.

Condition your leather jacket

After cleaning and repairing your leather jacket, you can apply a leather conditioner to help keep the leather soft and supple. Leather conditioner helps prevent the leather from becoming dry and cracked. 

Best way to store a leather jacket

You have a lot of options for safe storage for leather clothing. Leather can do well either hanging or folded if you take care of it.

How to fold leather jackets

If you choose to fold your leather jacket, place it in a wooden bin with plenty of space. Leather needs to be able to breathe, and plastic containers prevent airflow and choke off the leather’s breathing space.

If you find it hard to fold your jacket while giving it enough room for airflow, you may want to choose to hang it instead.

How to hang leather jackets

When hanging the jacket, make sure you leave space around it so the leather can breathe.

You’ll also want to use a hanger that preserves and supports the correct shape of the jacket.

Thin wire hangers generally too light to support a heavy leather, and they’ll also affect the shape of the jacket by causing the shoulders to droop forward. After months of hanging with drooping shoulders, your jacket could develop creases that are hard to remove.

It's much easier to prevent creases in leather than to remove them, so save yourself the headache by investing in quality hangers now.

Best hanger for leather jackets

Wooden hangers are generally the best hangers for leather jackets, but a wide, heavy plastic hanger could work as well.

Just be sure that the hanger you choose is wide enough to support the jacket’s shoulders and keep them in their proper place. 

More tips for storing leather jackets

Make sure that your zippers are zipped and buttons are fastened when you store your leather garments. 

Before you put your leathers away for the warmer months, one more thing you should do is stuff the insides of the garment with acid-free paper.

With a combination of conscientious care and help from expert professional cleaners like Tide Cleaners, you can keep your leathers looking great for years to come.

Ready to clean your leather jacket for the season? Find a Tide Cleaners location near you.