More leather jackets are ruined in summer closets than on winter streets. Heat dries the hide, humidity breeds mildew, and plastic covers suffocate the leather. Here are the six rules of off-season storage.
1. Clean and Condition First
Never store a dirty jacket - body oils and grime break down leather over months. Wipe it down, let it fully dry, and apply conditioner before it goes into the closet. (Full walkthroughs: how to clean and how to condition.)
2. Use a Wide, Padded Hanger
Wire hangers create permanent shoulder dents. A wide wooden or padded hanger preserves the jacket's structure.
3. Never Use Plastic
Leather needs to breathe. Plastic garment bags trap moisture and cause mildew. Use a breathable cotton garment bag - or an old cotton bedsheet draped over the shoulders.
4. Keep It Cool, Dark, and Dry
Direct sunlight fades leather; heat cracks it; damp basements mildew it. The ideal spot is an interior closet away from radiators, windows, and exterior walls.
5. Do Not Fold It
Folding creates creases that may never come out. Hang it, always. If you must pack it (moving, travel), roll it loosely with tissue paper in the sleeves and unpack within days.
6. Check On It Monthly
Thirty seconds: feel for dampness, check for dust, let it air out. That is the whole job.
Stored Right, Leather Outlives Trends
A genuine full-grain jacket that is stored well comes out of summer looking better than it went in. If yours did not survive last summer's closet, our full leather collection ships free with 30-day returns.