Your leather jacket is what you turn to when you want to make a statement. Whether to complete a rockstar look or protection from the cold, this jacket is an essential piece in your wardrobe. But as time goes by and you wear it more often, you may start to notice wrinkles forming on the surface, especially around the elbows and shoulders.

Here’s where the real struggle starts!

You may have tried various methods, but nothing seems to work. And now, you probably have your leather jacket hanging in the back of your closet, too afraid to wear it because of those stubborn wrinkles.

But we have got your back!

In this blog, we will guide you through a step-by-step process to remove wrinkles from your leather jacket and bring it back to its original smooth and sleek state.

Step 1: Assess the Wrinkles

Before jumping into any treatment, take a moment to inspect your jacket. Are the wrinkles deep or just surface-level? If they are light, you might not need to do much. Deeper wrinkles will need a bit more attention. Also, check if the leather is delicate or if there are any existing damages like cracks or discolouration, as this will influence the method you choose.

Step 2: Use Steam (Carefully!)

One of the most effective ways to remove wrinkles from leather is by using steam, but you must be very careful. Too much heat can damage the leather.

How to do it:

Turn on your shower and let the bathroom fill with steam (make sure the water isn’t spraying on the jacket!). Hang your leather jacket in the steamy bathroom for about 10-15 minutes. The steam helps relax the fibres in the leather, making it easier for the wrinkles to smooth out.

What We Recommend: Keep the jacket away from direct water or excessive moisture. Steam, not water, is what you need here.

Step 3: Iron with Care

Yes, you can iron your leather jacket—but with extreme caution! Make sure you follow this method carefully.

How to do it:

Place your jacket flat on an ironing board. Put a cotton cloth (like a t-shirt or towel) over the wrinkled areas to protect the leather. Set your iron to a low heat setting (never use high heat). Gently press the iron over the cloth in short bursts, never letting it sit in one spot for too long. Keep the iron moving to avoid overheating or burning the leather.

What We Recommend: Always check a small, hidden area of the jacket first to make sure the heat isn’t damaging the leather.

Step 4: Use a Leather Conditioner

Once you’ve used steam or ironing, it’s a good idea to follow up with a leather conditioner. Leather can dry out, especially after exposure to heat, so conditioning helps keep it soft and smooth.

How to do it:

Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a soft cloth and rub it gently into the jacket, focusing on the areas where you removed wrinkles. This will keep the leather soft and stop it from cracking or becoming stiff.

What We Recommend: Choose a conditioner that’s specifically designed for leather clothing. Conditioning also gives your jacket a nice, polished finish.

Step 5: Store It Properly

After going through the effort of removing the wrinkles, make sure you store your jacket properly to prevent them from coming back.

How to do it:

Hang your jacket in a spacious closet with enough room for it to breathe (because leather needs air circulation). Avoid folding it or cramming it into tight spaces. If you’re storing it for a long time, use a breathable garment bag (not plastic) to keep dust away without trapping moisture.

Wrapping Up

By following these steps and storing your jacket properly, you’ll keep it looking its best for years to come! With Kakadu Traders Australia’s wide range of leather jackets, you can now confidently choose the perfect one for your style and needs.

So go ahead and enjoy that outdoor adventure, knowing your jacket will always be ready for the next one. And when someone asks how you keep it looking so good, just smile and say, "I know a few tricks".

September 18, 2024 — melissa whillas