Advice on caring for a leather coat.

December 26, 2003 1:36 PM

My wife bought me a nifty leather duster for Christmas. I've never had a leather overcoat before, and I'd like some tips on waterproofing it and caring for it.
posted by mr_crash_davis to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (6 answers total)

A bi-monthly treatment of leather cleaner and an occasional rubdown in hand lotion (it's skin, after all!) will keep your jacket shiny, tidy, and crack-free.

For any odors that may accumulate over time, check out the ExStink mentioned in a previous AskMeFi thread.

That's basically it, but if you want to "baby" your new baby a bit, saddlesoap and mink oil add a nice touch, with either a soft rag, old t-shirt or chamois cloth. (Save the power disc for your car or furniture, unless you're going for the Spirit of 1977 look.)
posted by Smart Dalek at 1:57 PM on December 26, 2003

Response by poster: So should I use anything to treat it prior to wearing it in the rain or snow, or is having a leather garment all about the after-care?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 2:40 PM on December 26, 2003

Depends on how the leather has already been conditioned, I'd think. The mfr. may be able to help you; if not, it might be worthwhile to wet a spot on the leather to see if water beads up on the surface. If it does, you likely won't gain much by conditioning now, and it may cause build-up.

I'd also recommend tack shops for leather conditioners - Nikwax makes a good one.
posted by vers at 3:08 PM on December 26, 2003

Crash, give it a little slack when you sit down (e.g. lift it a little as you sit down, as you would a nice pair of pants). Otherwise, the rear wil stretch out over time.
posted by whatnot at 10:21 AM on December 27, 2003

I used Langlitz leather dressing for decades on expensive custom leathers that got ridden in the rain regularly. Silicone based, keeps things supple and waterproof, easy to apply, a tub lasts forever, etc.
posted by cairnish at 4:14 PM on December 29, 2003

Oh, for new leather you really should ensure it has been treated once before exposing to its first rain. Less chance of spotting. As mentioned above, it may already have been treated. Unless you know for sure, I'd treat it myself to be sure.
posted by cairnish at 4:17 PM on December 29, 2003