by April Quibido
A wife, a mom, and a definite homebody who loves writing about all sorts of interesting things online. She loves fashion, interior design, and other creative pursuits—writing included. She also has entrepreneurial endeavors and, like everyone else, wants to thrive and grow in all aspects of life.
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Leather has a reputation for being a flexible and durable material, but it is not immune to wrinkles. Admittedly, creases can indeed add some personality to the garment. On the other hand, they may also detract from the desired appearance. The good news is that this problem can be easily fixed once you figure out how to straighten leather.
Methods of Straightening Leather
There are several different ways of smoothing out creases from leather. The best method depends on the specific type of leather and the equipment available to you. Here are three ways to straighten your leather garments:
With SteamAvoid using a clothes steamer for this method. Instead, simply hang the leather garment somewhere in the bathroom before you take a hot shower. Make sure that it’s not close enough to the water that it gets wet since this will damage and stain the leather. As you take your shower, the steam will rise and make the material pliable. Once you are done, allow it to sit for ten minutes or so and watch the wrinkles disappear.
Without Using SteamThis involves creating a water and alcohol solution in a 1:1 ratio. Put the resulting solution in a spray bottle and mist the garment with it from three feet away. The liquid will loosen up the fabric, after which you can smooth the creases with your hands. This also helps clean the leather, so you might as well wipe down the whole thing and then apply a leather conditioner to the material.
Do not use this method on suede and unfinished leather. Avoid standing too close to prevent the color from rubbing off.
IroningWhen using an iron, make sure that the heat is turned all the way down. Arrange the garment on the ironing board and lay a towel or pillowcase on top of it. With this additional layer, your leather item of clothing will be protected from heat. Use the iron to flatten it out as much as possible, but do not apply too much pressure. Iron in a circular manner for up to 20 seconds three to four times, and you should be good to go.
Pros and Cons of the Straightening Methods
Below are the pros and cons of each method.
With Steam
Pros
· Cheap
· Can be done while going about your day
Cons
· Might require a bigger bathroom
· Can stain leather when not done properly
Without Steam
Pros
· Affordable
· Cleans the material
· Only requires water and alcohol
Cons
· Not recommended for suede and unfinished leather
· May cause discoloration
Ironing
Pros
· Effective
· Tried and tested
Cons
· Requires additional protection
· Might require more time
FAQs
Are leather creases normal?
Yes, leather naturally ages and creases. Prevention and care can improve the longevity of the material.
How can wrinkles in leather be prevented?
Store your leather pieces on good-quality wide hangers to prevent wrinkles. As much as possible, keep them away from direct sunlight. Always air dry or wipe them off with clean towels when they get wet.
Should I condition it after straightening the leather?
Conditioning the leather will replenish the oils in the garment. Make sure to get the appropriate product for the specific leather you have. It is best to apply the solution evenly to see the best results.
Conclusion
Did this article solve your problem with leather creases? It is important to look after your valuable leather garment to the best of your abilities. As soon as I see a wrinkle, I smooth it out right away to prevent future damage. If you liked this guide, let us know through the comment section and share it with your friends!