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Insight · Leather Care
How to Store a Leather Jacket
The short answer
To store a leather jacket, clean it first, stuff the sleeves and body with acid-free paper, cover it in a breathable cotton garment bag, and hang it on a wide wooden or padded hanger in a cool, dry, dark closet. Never seal leather in plastic.
If you are putting it away for a season or longer, condition it before it goes in and check on it every few months. Heat, damp, and sunlight are what ruin leather in storage, not time.
When I helped organize the attic after grandad passed, I just knew there would be treasures in those boxes. Had I known that one of those treasures would be the actual leather bomber jacket he wore in WWII, I would’ve opened those boxes much sooner than I did. Man, I wish I had known.
All of his Air Corps stories came flooding back as I lifted that coat from its hiding place. And, when I realized the jacket had deteriorated beyond repair, I have to admit—I grieved all over again. The memories live on, but the jacket didn’t make it. I guess it’s nobody’s fault, really. But if I can save someone the heartache of losing a treasure like that, it’s worth a try.
One Note to Start: Knowing how to store a leather jacket doesn’t just apply to a “stow it away for the grandkids” scenario—if anything,.
1. CLEAN IT.
Before storing your leather jacket, be sure to clean it. You can check out our article on How to Clean a Leather Jacket for instructions.
2. STUFF IT.
Stuff the insides of your leather jacket with acid-free paper. Insert the paper in the sleeves and pockets of your jacket, and then close all the buttons and zippers. (You can also wrap the zippers to avoid scuffing the leather.) The acid-free paper helps create a barrier for dust, dirt, and moisture. It also helps the jacket keep its shape.
3. WRAP IT.
Wrap your leather jacket in a breathable fabric. You can use a white bed sheet, cloth garment bag, or a bag made with netting to do this. Do not wrap your jacket in plastic; plastic will dry out the leather. Avoid folding your jacket when you wrap or cover it because over time, the folds will permanently crease the leather, ruining the jacket’s original shape and form.
4. HANG IT. (Maybe.)
Hang the jacket using a wide cedar or padded hanger. These types of hangers can properly support the shoulders of your leather jacket and are strong enough to support your jacket’s weight. Avoid using thin wired or plastic hangers as these are not sturdy enough to properly hold a leather jacket, especially for an extended length of time. Using the right hanger will help your jacket not droop downward while in storage.
If you don’t have space to properly hang your jacket, you can place it in a wooden (preferably cedar) trunk or even a suitcase. Just like when you are wrapping the jacket, be sure to lay it flat without folds or creases. Additionally, making sure that air can pass in and out of the container. Avoid storing leather in a plastic container; the material will not be able to breathe.
5. PROTECT IT.
Protect your leather jacket by storing it in a dry, cool area away from direct sunlight. Exposing the jacket to too much light or warmth can cause the leather to discolor, expand, dry out, or crack. Moisture is also a major cause for concern as it can cause mildew and mold to grow. This means it is extremely important that the place where you store your jacket is not humid. Placing silica gel packets in the jacket pockets can help absorb moisture.
6. CONDITION IT.
It is wise to periodically condition your leather jacket if you plan to store it for an extended length of time. Use a leather conditioner for this purpose every 6 months or so. As part of the conditioning routine, remember to simply take the jacket out of its storage area occasionally and air it out.
Whether you need to store your jacket for a season or for a longer period of time, if handled properly, you will protect your investment and extend the life of your leather jacket, and hopefully have the opportunity to pass it on someday yourself.
Looking for a leather jacket with the kind of character worth hanging onto? Check out our leather jacket collection HERE.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to store a leather jacket?
Clean it, stuff it with acid-free paper, cover it in a breathable cloth bag, and hang it on a wide wooden or padded hanger in a cool, dry closet away from sunlight. Condition it before long-term storage.
Should you hang or fold a leather jacket?
Hang it whenever you can, on a wide hanger that supports the shoulders. If you have no room to hang it, fold it loosely with acid-free paper in the folds and lay it flat in a cedar trunk or a breathable box.
Can you store a leather jacket in a plastic bag?
No. Plastic traps moisture against the leather, which can lead to mildew, odor, and dried or cracked spots. Use a cotton garment bag or an old cotton sheet instead.
What kind of hanger is best for a leather jacket?
A wide cedar or padded hanger. Thin wire or plastic hangers can stretch and dent the shoulders over time.
Where should I store a leather jacket?
Somewhere cool, dry, and dark with steady temperatures, like an interior closet. Avoid attics, basements, garages, and spots near heaters or sunny windows. A few silica gel packs help in damp climates.
How often should I condition a leather jacket in storage?
Condition it before you put it away, then check it every few months. If the leather feels dry or stiff, give it a light coat of leather conditioner.
Should I clean my leather jacket before storing it?
Yes. Dirt, sweat, and oils left on the leather can stain or break it down while it sits. Follow our guide on how to clean a leather jacket first.
How do I get wrinkles out of a leather jacket after storage?
Hang it on a wide hanger in a warm room for a few days and let gravity and body heat relax the creases. Wearing it helps too. Never iron leather directly; take stubborn creases to a leather specialist.
Xan Hood founded Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. in 2009. He designs our leather jackets and outerwear in Matthews, North Carolina.