Here at Independence Brothers, leather is our favorite material. We like to care for it so that it lasts decades. As with any material, there are external factors that can damage it. Here, we’ll focus on common causes of damage and how you can prevent them.

Leather is a natural material. It is made from the hides of different animals, such as cows, goats, and sheep. In the same way our skin can get damaged as a human, an animal’s skin can get damaged as well. Even though leather has gone through processes to make it jacket material, it is still susceptible to damage.

The most common causes of leather damage are:

• Moisture
• Heat
• Over conditioning

While some of these things are unavoidable, you can take steps to make sure there is no lasting impact on your leather jacket.

While a little bit of everything is OK, factors outside of moderate levels are where the damage comes in. Here’s how to care for your jacket and fight those common causes.

Any excess of liquid can soak up into the leather and cause it to rot. If you spill anything on your jacket - it happens! - be sure to handle it immediately after. Get a dry cloth and use it to soak up as much of the liquid as you can.

You’ll also want to avoid wearing your leather jacket on rainy days if you can. Rain jackets work much better, anyway. If you happen to get stuck in the rain, take the same steps as if you spilled liquid. Pat dry your jacket and hang it in a space where it can dry.

Heat can cause your leather to dry up and crack, decreasing its longevity. While normal walking in the sun is fine, letting your jacket lay around in heat can cause a problem. To combat this, be sure to store your jacket in a dark, cool place. Don’t leave it lying near the window where it can absorb all of those rays.

The care of your leather jacket involves wax and polish. While your instinct might be to do this often, that practice is to the detriment of your jacket. Your leather jacket comes with care instructions which you should follow. Any leather waxing or polishing only needs to get done every few months. Any more than that, the over conditioning can soak into the leather and damage it. If you are hesitant about how often you should condition, ask the place where you purchased your jacket for more guidance.

Leather jackets are iconic pieces of outerwear that when cared for correctly, can last a long time. If you need to get your leather jacket cleaned or treated, it is best to bring it to a professional. If you’re not too sure about a jacket care question, the team over at Independence Brothers is happy to help. Our bloghas tons of tips about proper leather jacket care. We also have a leather care guide that dives into more detail on caring, cleaning, and storage. If you can’t find the answer there, you can reach out to us and we can see if we can give you more guidance. Our team is also here to help you on your shopping journey, whether you are getting something ready-to-made or a bespoke piece made with care. Do you have any leather care questions? Did any unique situations arise where you weren’t sure what to do? Reach out or let us know in the comments below.