Leather jackets are expensive garments but unlike your other clothing, they have the advantage of lasting for decades. Many people pass down their leather garments to their children, making these jackets a worthwhile investment. Of course, to get such longevity out of your favorite piece, you need to treat it with love. To learn how to make your leather jacket last a lifetime, check out our easy tips.

Getting the most out of your leather jacket begins before you’ve even purchased it. Low-quality leather is weak and will deteriorate quickly, so stick with better grades. Full grain leather is the highest quality and will get better with age. Top grain leather is next, followed by genuine leather. Bonded leather is the lowest quality option, made of scraps that are bonded together, so this is the worst choice for a leather jacket.

You may also want to consider where the hide comes from since they don’t all offer the same benefits. Cowhide is the most common since it is thick, heavy, and durable. Sheep or lambskin are light and soft, so they feel fantastic, though they won’t last as long unless used infrequently. Goat hide is somewhere in the middle, offering a mix of comfort and strength.

Despite how durable leather is, it’s still skin, which is porous and can absorb liquids faster than you think. Those spills can turn into stains if left alone, so it’s best to deal with such accidents as soon as possible. Wipe away any liquids immediately to keep them from soaking into the material.

Using a stain protector helps prevent stains from forming before they even occur. These products bond with the material, creating a barrier that repels moisture.

Cleaning your leather jacket is an easier task than you may think. Spot clean small areas with a damp cloth when needed. You can also use saddle soap and water to clean heavily soiled areas. Dampen a cloth with the solution and carefully wipe the jacket, then use a clean, damp cloth to remove the soapy mixture. Then let the jacket dry.

Over time, leather can dry out, resulting in cracks and brittleness. This is due to the porous material, which lets moisture out almost as easily as it lets it in. To prevent such an occurrence, be sure to condition your leather jacket once or twice a year, preferably after cleaning for the best results.

It’s best to limit how much moisture your leather jacket comes into contact with. You can wear it in light rain if needed, though it’s best to avoid heavy precipitation. If your leather jacket does get wet, hang it to dry using a wooden clothes hanger. Do not place it in the dryer or you could cause irreparable damage to the material.

When you’re not wearing your leather jacket, it’s best to hang it properly in your closet. Doing so will ensure that the jacket maintains its shape at all times. Tossing it over the back of a chair or stuffing it in a drawer offers no such promises.

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Proper storage is essential for increasing your leather jacket’s lifespan. Clean your jacket before storage, brushing off dirt or dust and removing everything from the pockets. Undo all buttons and zippers. Keep it away from any garments that contain dye that could bleed and stain the leather.

The best way to store it is to hang it in a closet on a wooden hanger. If this isn’t possible, place the leather jacket in a breathable cotton bag and lay it on a shelf. This will ensure no moisture is trapped with the jacket to cause mold and mildew issues. Keep the jacket in a climate-controlled area if possible to prevent any temperature fluctuations.

Leather jackets are more than just an item of clothing. They are an investment that can be passed down to loved ones. Using the methods we’ve described can ensure that your favorite leather jacket lasts longer than you do.