Introduction: Why This Matters
A leather jacket is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s an investment in both style and quality. Whether you own a classic black bomber jacket, a trendy shearling bomber jacket, or a sleek luxury leather bomber jacket, proper storage is key to maintaining its beauty and longevity. If you’re storing your jacket in plastic, it might be time to rethink your strategy.
While plastic bags might seem like a convenient way to store your real leather bomber jacket, they can cause more harm than good. In this post, we’ll explain why leather jackets should never be stored in plastic and how you can take better care of your aviator jacket or military jacket to keep them looking their best.
Quick Summary: Key Points
-
Leather jackets need to breathe to maintain their shape and quality.
-
Plastic traps moisture, leading to mold and mildew growth on leather.
-
Store your leather jacket in a breathable fabric garment bag instead.
-
Check out Premium Leather Store for high-quality jackets and proper care tips.
Why Plastic is Harmful for Leather Jackets
Leather is a natural material, and like all natural fabrics, it requires proper care and attention. When you store your bomber jacket leather or aviator jacket in plastic, you’re essentially suffocating it. Here’s why plastic is not the friend of leather:
1. Traps Moisture
Leather, like your skin, needs air circulation to stay healthy. When you store it in a plastic bag, it can trap moisture inside. This trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Over time, this can lead to discoloration, foul odors, and even the breakdown of the leather itself.
Quick Tip: If your leather jacket gets wet, allow it to dry naturally before storing it. Never store it in plastic until it is completely dry.
2. Prevents Leather from Breathing
Leather requires airflow to keep its natural texture intact. When placed in a sealed plastic bag, the leather cannot breathe. This lack of ventilation leads to stiffness, cracking, and the loss of the leather’s natural softness. Whether you own a luxury leather bomber jacket or a full grain leather bomber jacket, storing your jacket properly ensures it stays supple and flexible.
Quick Tip: Always store your leather jacket in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming too stiff or brittle.
3. Leads to Unwanted Odors
As moisture builds up inside plastic storage bags, it can lead to musty, unpleasant odors. Leather, especially jackets like the shearling bomber jacket, absorbs and retains odors easily. If you’re storing your bomber leather jacket in plastic, chances are it will begin to develop an unpleasant smell over time. This can be particularly problematic for jackets that have been exposed to smoke, food, or other strong odors.
Quick Tip: If your jacket begins to smell, try using a leather-specific deodorizer or leave it in a well-ventilated area to air out.
4. Causes Leather to Lose Its Shape
Leather jackets are designed to fit and mold to your body over time. When stored improperly, such as in a tight plastic bag, your jacket can lose its shape. For instance, a bomber jacket men’s fashion style or aviator jacket may develop wrinkles, creases, or deformities from being compressed for extended periods.
Quick Tip: Always hang your leather jacket on a padded hanger to preserve its shape. For longer storage, use a breathable garment bag that allows airflow.
What’s the Best Way to Store Your Leather Jacket?
Now that you know why you should never store leather jackets in plastic, let’s go over the best ways to store them. Whether you own a real leather bomber jacket, a military leather jacket, or a custom bomber jacket leather, follow these steps to keep it in top condition.
1. Use a Breathable Garment Bag
Instead of plastic, store your jacket in a breathable fabric garment bag. This allows air to circulate around the leather while still protecting it from dust, dirt, and other debris. A fabric bag helps preserve the integrity of the leather without restricting airflow.
Quick Tip: Opt for a cotton or linen garment bag, which allows the leather to breathe while offering protection.
2. Hang It on a Wide, Padded Hanger
To prevent your jacket from losing its shape, always hang it on a wide, padded hanger. This will help maintain the structure of the shoulders and avoid creases or indentations that can occur from using a wire or thin hanger. A wide hanger helps distribute the weight of the jacket evenly, preventing stretching or warping.
Quick Tip: Invest in a good-quality hanger designed specifically for leather jackets to protect their shape and structure.
3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Leather jackets should be stored in a cool, dry environment. Avoid placing them in areas with high humidity or excessive heat, as both can damage the leather. A temperature-controlled closet or wardrobe is ideal. If you live in a particularly humid area, you may want to use a dehumidifier in your closet.
Quick Tip: Never store your leather jacket in a basement or attic, as these areas tend to have fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels.
4. Keep Leather Away from Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can cause leather to fade and dry out. The UV rays break down the natural oils in the leather, causing it to crack and lose its luster. Always store your jacket away from direct sunlight or fluorescent light, which can have the same damaging effects.
Quick Tip: If you need to store your leather jacket near a window, use UV-protective window film to minimize exposure to sunlight.
Quick Answer: Key Takeaways
-
Never store leather jackets in plastic—use breathable fabric garment bags instead.
-
Keep your leather jacket in a cool, dry place with proper ventilation.
-
Always hang your jacket on a wide, padded hanger to maintain its shape.
-
Explore Premium Leather Store for the best leather jackets and storage tips.
How to Measure Yourself for a Perfect-Fit Custom Leather Jacket
To keep your leather jacket looking its best, the fit is just as important as storage. A poorly fitted jacket can cause discomfort, wear, and stretching. If you’re purchasing a luxury leather bomber jacket or any custom jacket, make sure to measure yourself correctly for the perfect fit.
Visit our How to Measure Yourself for a Perfect-Fit Custom Leather Jacket page for detailed instructions on how to get the ideal measurements. Whether you’re shopping for a bomber jacket men’s fashion style or a shearling bomber jacket mens look, precise measurements will ensure that your jacket fits perfectly.
Shop the Best Leather Jackets at Premium Leather Store
Proper storage can extend the life of your leather jacket, but choosing the right jacket is just as important. At Premium Leather Store, we offer a wide range of high-quality leather jackets, including mens leather bomber jackets, aviator jackets, and luxury leather bomber jackets. Browse our Men’s Leather Bomber Jacket Collection to find the perfect jacket for your style and needs. If you want something truly unique, Customize Your Own Leather Jacket to create a personalized fit.
FAQ
Why can’t I store my leather jacket in plastic?
Plastic traps moisture, preventing leather from breathing and leading to mold, mildew, and stiffness. It also causes the leather to lose its shape and natural texture.
How do I store my leather jacket long-term?
Store your jacket in a breathable fabric garment bag, away from direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. Use a wide, padded hanger to maintain its shape.
Can I use a regular hanger for my leather jacket?
It’s best to use a wide, padded hanger designed for leather jackets. This prevents stretching and keeps the jacket’s shape intact.
How do I clean my leather jacket before storing it?
Use a leather cleaner specifically designed for jackets to remove dirt. Always condition your jacket after cleaning to keep it soft and supple.
