


The Restory says if this happens, “it’s important to isolate the item from the rest of your wardrobe to prevent mould spreading”. Unfortunately, humid environments can cause leather items to develop mould. You should also keep it in a place where there is daylight without direct sunlight.” Alternatively, make sure you take your leather out for some air every so often. “Make sure where it is kept leaves air to circulate. If you live in a particularly humid environment, Esber says, storage is key. Instead, place leather garments on padded coat hangers and keep them in a dry space. Photograph: Sarah Lee/The GuardianĪccording to Esber, leather garments should never be stored folded, as this can damage the patina and result in early ageing. Padded coat hangers: the ideal leather storage solution to avoid damaging its patina. Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning Instead, wash the exterior of your leather item by hand, using soft detergents to spot clean the garment. According to the Restory, leather should never be machine washed. Look for specialist laundries that handle leather apparel”. When in doubt, he says, “trust the experts. What about washing?Įsber recommends removing superficial stains or dirt with a colourfast, slightly damp cloth and avoiding hard cleaners or detergents. Most shoe and handbag repair services will also take care of leather clothes, and you can ask them for advice on home care for the future. If you’re not sure, or if the item is particularly precious, Esber says to leave moisturising or replenishing creams to the professionals. “We also recommend waxing the edges and stitching on your leather garment to keep them resistant to water.” For black leather they suggest a natural black balm for tan and brown leather they suggest a neutral one. Photograph: Claudio Lavenia/Getty ImagesĪccording to the Maskell-Bells, you can also select a conditioner based on the colour of your leather item. For tan and brown leather, like this jacket worn by Xiayan Guo at Milan fashion week, use a neutral balm to condition, then wipe off any excess.
