Apparently, harsh UV rays are not only harmful to our skin but to our leather items as well. Leather is a natural material and a favorite to many because of its benefits like durability and cool appearance. However, no matter how durable later is, exposure to direct sunlight can take a toll on its form and practicability.

The good news is that there is something that you can do to protect your leather jacket from the damaging effects of sunlight. Read on to learn how sunlight can affect leather and what to do to prevent this.

Here are common ways that damaging sun rays can affect leather products.  

• Discoloration

When you expose your leather jacket to sunlight, the chances of it getting discolored are pretty high. As a result, it will fade losing its original dark color, and change into a lighter color. When exposed for extended hours, the leather can transform into white with a bit of tan coloring.

In other instances, frequent exposure to sunlight can cause your leather jacket to darken in some parts, especially if it's freshly oiled or conditioned. Although discoloration is not a very serious issue, it can still affect your leather jacket.

• Drying

 When leather is left out in sunlight, it can dry out and eventually crack. Generally, the leather material is highly porous and it requires natural essential oils to keep it in the right condition. Unfortunately, harsh sun rays can cause the leather's essential oils and moisture to evaporate, making it look and feel dry.  

• It Can Get Brittle

When the natural oils and moisture evaporate, the natural fibers in leather begin to lose their supple feel. When it happens, your leather jacket will get still and inflexible, and this can make it very uncomfortable to wear.

The sun’s heat and harmful UV rays can affect leather items. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to protect your leather items from the effects of direct sunlight exposure. They include:

• Proper Storage

Prevention is better than cure and this couldn’t be any truer for leather products. Knowing how to properly store your leather jacket will go a long way in ensuring that it remains in the right condition. Try as much as possible to keep your leather product in a dark and cool place like your wardrobe or closet to prevent sun damage.  

• Minimize Exposure to Sunlight

Try as much as possible to limit the amount of time you spend on a hot sunny day with your leather jacket. If you must go out in the sun, consider wearing another material to minimize the amount of time your leather item is exposed to direct sunlight.

Also, when you wash your leather items, take the time to first dry them with a towel before airdrying. This minimizes the amount of time that the leather will be exposed to the sun to dry.

• Clean and Condition Regularly

Cleaning and conditioning your leather jacket are the other protective measures that will keep it looking good as new for an extended time. Use the right products to clean your leather to eliminate any stains or dirt that could worsen with sun damage.

Conditioning, on the other hand, can help hydrate the natural fibers in leather. This means that your leather jacket will feel soft and flexible and less likely to crack when exposed to sunlight. It is recommendable to condition your leather item every 6 to 12 months for best results. 

• Use a Leather Protector

By applying a leather protector to your leather jacket, you will be protecting it from harmful sun rays. Ideally, a leather protector acts as a sunscreen when your leather items are exposed to direct sunlight. With many options to choose from, ensure that you choose one that best suit your item.

Where you buy your leather jacket also matters because it determines its quality and durability over time. Pay attention to where you buy your leather jacket to ensure that your purchase gives you value for your money.

While they can still suffer damage when exposed to sunlight, high-quality leather jackets are made from genuine leather. Hence, they are more likely to last much longer, with proper maintenance.

If you are after a high-quality leather jacket, Independence Brothers is a great place to start. Founded by two brothers, our brand is focused on creating a wide range of top-notch leather products that will last you for years.

Whether you want a brand or a custom leather jacket designed to meet your needs and fit your body, we can deliver. We will also help you choose the best jacket that fits your personality and give you tips on how to care for it to keep it looking good for longer.

Too much exposure to sunlight can have severe effects on your leather jacket, but this does not mean that you should not wear it. Ultimately, prevention is the best way to protect the leather from direct sunlight. No matter how much cleaning and conditioning you do, your leather jacket will still suffer damage if you continuously expose it to direct sunlight.

Did you find this article helpful? We hope you did! Don’t forget to share with us your experience on how you preserve the appearance and condition of your leather. You can also share it with other leather jacket owners.