Why some leather garments are more expensive than others:
Lower priced leathers tend to be made from cows that are older and whose hide is thicker, heavier in weight and generally quite durable. Higher quality leather is commonly made from a younger animal whose hide is smoother, lighter in weight, more flexible and delicate. Tanning processes and treatments can also affect a leather garment's price, as do all design elements.

The best way to store leather:
Usually, a dark closet that is neither too dry nor too humid is an ideal storage place. Always place them in breathable covers when putting garments away for the season. Never use plastic, which can dry out leather.

How to maintain leather’s shape:
Leather jackets and shirts should be hung on wide or padded hangers to best maintain their shapes. Shoes, boots and handbags will look better longer when stuffed with white tissue paper when being stored.

Products can be used to keep leather looking great:
Be sure to choose high quality products intended for your specific leather item. Carefully read and follow the instructions for best results. Never use household products, waxes, silicone or any other preparations that impair the leather's ability to breathe. And always test products on a small inconspicuous area first. Saddle soap is not recommended, as it may remove the natural oils. A leather cream used sparingly enriches gloves and accessories; if it's a transparent cream, there's no danger of rubbing off on clothes.

Common things that can damage leather:
Perfumes, hair spray and your natural body oils can over time, can discolor or damage leather. You should avoid spraying perfumes or hair spray while wearing your garment. A scarf at the neckline will also help keep hair and body oil away from the collar. Oxidation occurs over time as the leather ages. This process can be slowed down by a thorough treatment of quality leather care dressing. Sealing and not allowing it to breathe or storing in or needlessly exposing to sunlight. And like any other fabric, unnecessary abrasions can cause surface damage to leather.

What to do when leather is exposed to rain or street salt:
Promptly remove salt deposits by sponging with clear water, and then allow wet or damp leather items to air-dry naturally, at room temperature. You can then treat most items with a specially formulated leather conditioner to renew flexibility, while suede can be brushed with a terry towel to restore its surface. If suede gets wet or spotted from raindrops, you can stuff it with tissue and let it dry. Brushing it with a terrycloth towel will restore its appearance.

Visit a professional leather cleaner for more serious stains. Normal dry cleaning methods will remove essential oils, causing the leather to crack, fade and shrink. A cleaner who specializes in leather care will use a different method to clean and condition the leather.

Leather be ironed to remove wrinkles:
Most wrinkles will smooth out naturally as the garment is hung, although it is perfectly safe to iron leather. Set the iron on its rayon setting and to be safe, use a heavy brown wrapping paper as a pressing cloth. Wrinkles should come right out. You may first want to test the iron on a small, inconspicuous area first.

 

If you have any questions on how to care for leather, feel free to email us at: info@janddbikerleather.com.