The Complete Guide to Leather Care
How to clean, condition, protect, and store leather clothing and accessories so they last for years instead of months.
By TRY Editorial Team · Published 2026-03-18
Leather is one of the best wardrobe investments when maintained properly — a quality leather jacket can last decades. But leather is also skin: it dries out, cracks, stains, and molds if neglected. A basic care routine of cleaning, conditioning, and proper storage keeps leather looking better as it ages.
Understanding Leather as a Material
Leather is animal skin that has been preserved through tanning. Like human skin, it contains oils that keep it supple. Over time, those oils evaporate — especially with exposure to heat, sunlight, and air — causing the leather to dry out and crack. Care is essentially about maintaining those oils and protecting the surface from damage.
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Leather naturally dries over time — conditioning replenishes lost oils.
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Different leathers (full-grain, top-grain, suede, nubuck) need different care approaches.
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Unfinished leathers (suede, nubuck) are more vulnerable to water and stains than finished leathers.
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Quality leather develops a patina over time — this is a sign of aging well, not deterioration.
Cleaning Leather
Regular cleaning prevents dirt from embedding in the pores and causing long-term damage. For smooth leather, a damp cloth for regular maintenance and a dedicated leather cleaner for deeper cleaning is sufficient. For suede, use a suede brush to remove surface dirt and a suede eraser for spots.
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Wipe smooth leather with a slightly damp cloth after each wearing season.
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Use a dedicated leather cleaner for stains — never use household cleaners, alcohol, or acetone.
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For suede: brush with a suede brush in one direction to restore nap, use an eraser for spots.
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Always test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first.
Conditioning: The Most Important Step
Conditioning is to leather what moisturizer is to skin. It replenishes the oils that keep leather soft, flexible, and resistant to cracking. Condition leather items every 3-6 months depending on how often you wear them and how dry your climate is. Over-conditioning can make leather too soft and floppy, so moderation is key.
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Use a leather conditioner specifically made for the type of leather you are treating.
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Apply a thin layer with a soft cloth, working in circular motions.
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Let the conditioner absorb for 15-30 minutes, then buff off excess with a clean cloth.
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Condition more frequently in dry climates or winter when indoor heating dries leather faster.
Storage That Prevents Damage
How you store leather matters as much as how you clean it. Leather needs air circulation to prevent mold, support to maintain shape, and protection from direct sunlight that causes fading and drying. Never store leather in plastic bags — use breathable dust bags or cotton pillowcases.
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Hang leather jackets on wide, padded hangers — thin wire hangers create shoulder dimples.
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Stuff leather bags with acid-free tissue paper to maintain shape.
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Store in breathable dust bags — never plastic, which traps moisture and promotes mold.
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Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and damp environments.
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Cedar blocks nearby help absorb moisture and deter insects.
Waterproofing and Protection
Waterproofing spray creates a barrier that protects leather from rain and spills. Apply before the first wear and reapply every few months. For shoes, this is especially important — water damage is the most common cause of leather shoe deterioration. Use products specifically designed for your leather type.
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Apply waterproofing spray before the first wear of any new leather item.
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Reapply every 2-3 months for items exposed to weather regularly.
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If leather gets wet, let it dry naturally at room temperature — never use heat.
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Stuff wet shoes with newspaper to absorb moisture and maintain shape while drying.
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Questions, answered.
How often should I condition my leather jacket?
Every 3-6 months for a jacket you wear regularly. If you live in a dry climate or wear it frequently in winter (when indoor heating is drying), condition every 2-3 months. For leather stored long-term, condition once before storing and once when you take it out.
Can I fix cracked leather?
Minor surface cracks can be improved with deep conditioning and leather repair cream. Heavy cracking where the leather has split through is difficult to repair and usually means the leather has been irreversibly damaged. Prevention through regular conditioning is far easier than repair.
TRY Editorial Team — Editorial
The TRY editorial team covers wardrobe strategy, sustainable style, and outfit building. Pieces without a named byline are collaborative work by our staff writers and editors.
Covers · wardrobe strategy · capsule wardrobes · sustainable fashion
Published 2026-03-18