How to Store Leather Outerwear

A Complete Guide from Jackets In Leather

Your leather jacket is more than just outerwear — it's an investment piece that, with the right care, can last decades and only look better with age. But even the finest full-grain leather can crack, fade, or grow mold if it's stored the wrong way. Whether you're packing away your favorite biker jacket for the summer or simply want to protect a new purchase from Jackets In Leather, here's everything you need to know about proper leather storage.

Why Storage Matters as Much as the Jacket Itself

Leather is a natural material. It breathes, it reacts to humidity and temperature, and it needs a little more thought than tossing it on a hanger in a crowded closet. Poor storage is one of the most common reasons a great leather jacket ends up damaged — not wear and tear from actually being worn.

The good news: proper storage takes just a few minutes and almost no special equipment.

1. Clean Before You Store

Never put a leather jacket away dirty. Body oils, sweat, dust, and food or drink residue can attract pests, cause discoloration, and break down the leather fibers over time.

• Wipe down the jacket with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove surface dust.
• For light stains, use a leather-specific cleaner (avoid household cleaners, which are often too harsh or contain alcohol).
• Let the jacket air out fully before storing — never pack away leather while it's even slightly damp.

2. Condition It First

Leather needs natural oils to stay supple. Before long-term storage, apply a light layer of leather conditioner to prevent the material from drying out and cracking.

• Use a conditioner made for the type of leather you have (lambskin, cowhide, and suede all have different needs).
• Apply sparingly with a soft cloth in circular motions.
• Let it absorb fully — this usually takes a few hours — before storing.

3. Use the Right Hanger

This one surprises a lot of people, but hanger choice matters. Thin wire hangers can create pointed shoulder bumps that become permanent creases over time.

• Use a broad-shouldered, padded or wooden hanger that mirrors the natural shape of the jacket's shoulders.
• Avoid plastic hangers that are too narrow for the garment.
• Never fold a leather jacket for long-term storage — folding creates deep creases that are difficult, sometimes impossible, to remove.

4. Give It Breathing Room

Leather needs air circulation. Storing it tightly packed between other clothes can trap moisture and lead to mold or a musty smell.

• Leave a few inches of space between your leather jacket and neighboring garments.
• Avoid vacuum-sealed bags or airtight plastic — these trap moisture rather than keeping it out.
• If you're storing multiple leather pieces, keep them slightly spaced along the closet rod.

5. Choose a Breathable Cover

Skip the plastic dry-cleaner bags. Plastic traps humidity against the leather and can actually cause the material to dry out or become brittle, while also potentially reacting with the leather's finish.

• Use a breathable garment bag made of cotton or canvas.
• A cotton pillowcase works well in a pinch for shorter-term storage.
• The goal is dust protection without sealing in moisture.

6. Control Temperature and Humidity

Leather is sensitive to its environment. The ideal storage spot is:

• Cool and dry — aim for consistent room temperature, ideally between 55–70°F (13–21°C)
• Away from direct sunlight — UV exposure fades color and dries out leather over time
• Away from heat sources — no radiators, vents, or attics that swing in temperature
• Humidity-controlled — too much moisture invites mold; too little dries out the leather. If your climate is humid, a silica gel packet nearby can help absorb excess moisture

Basements and attics are usually the worst places to store leather — they tend to swing between damp and dry, hot and cold.

7. Check In Periodically

Even in storage, leather likes a little attention.

• Every couple of months, take the jacket out, let it breathe for an hour, and inspect for any signs of mold, dryness, or discoloration.
• Reapply conditioner every 6–12 months if the jacket is in long-term storage.
• Gently reshape the shoulders and sleeves if you notice any creasing.

What to Avoid

• ❌ Plastic bags or vacuum-sealed storage
• ❌ Direct sunlight or heat sources
• ❌ Wire hangers
• ❌ Folding instead of hanging
• ❌ Damp basements or hot attics
• ❌ Storing without cleaning and conditioning first

Final Thoughts

A well-made leather jacket from Jackets In Leather is built to last for years — but that longevity depends on how it's treated between wears. Clean it, condition it, hang it properly, let it breathe, and keep it in a stable environment, and your jacket will stay ready to wear whenever the season calls for it.

Taking care of your leather isn't just about protecting an investment — it's about preserving the character and craftsmanship that made you fall in love with the piece in the first place.

Looking for your next leather jacket? Browse the full collection at Jackets In Leather and find a piece that's built to last.