The Negative Effects Of Moisture On Your Leather Jacket
Your leather jacket acts as an icon of your individuality, an original piece that tells the world that you are the personification of style and versatility. A leather jacket can be paired with anything from jeans to slacks, making it easy to match with other pieces in your wardrobe. Yet, just like any other favorite piece of clothing, it will begin to show signs of wear and tear if not cared for properly. If moisture accumulates on your leather jacket, it can have adverse effects on the quality of the material, causing it to deteriorate quicker than usual. This article will explain the adverse effects of moisture on leather jacket, how to avoid them, and what you can do to fix them if they happen.
Changes in Leather's Tensile Strength
You've probably heard that leather should be stored in a cool and dry place, but did you know that moisture can also lead to dramatic changes in your leather's tensile strength? Tensile strength describes how well a material can handle stretching before it breaks. High-quality natural leather has high tensile strength, making it ideal for use in premium products such as wallets and shoes. However, when water seeps into the leather and causes damage to its fibers, there is a dramatic decrease in its tensile strength, making it brittle and easy to tear. Without proper care and maintenance, moisture will seep into your leather jacket over time and cause irreversible damage.
Mold and Bacteria Growth
When water is absorbed into the leather, it leaves a damp residue that promotes the growth of mold and bacteria. Eventually, mold will start to eat away at your jacket's texture. It may also cause discoloration and extreme foul odors depending on what kinds of bacteria are involved. The result is you have to dispose of your leather jacket before you'd otherwise like to do so. More money out-of-pocket for something that could otherwise last many years.
Leather Shrinkage
When leather is exposed to high levels of moisture, it begins to lose its shape. As a result, you may find yourself taking in your leather jacket with an iron once a month to keep it looking sharp. Remember that leather gets stiffer when it dries out, so make sure you don't overdo it! Although wet leather will dry out eventually, you shouldn't expect any miracle cures.
Degrades Appearance
When leather gets wet, it begins to soften and stretch, which makes your jacket look duller. Even if you dry it, your jacket will have a different appearance than before, whether it be more puckered, shrunken, or glossy.
Weakens Structure
For some leather jackets, water-damaged may just make it a little less shiny and stiff. In extreme cases, moisture can cause seams to rip, pockets to tear away from the lining, and zippers cease functioning smoothly. Leather soaked in water softens up and becomes weaker, almost like dough that loses its shape after baking.
Discoloration
The first thing moisture does to leather is discolor it. The warm, dark conditions are a breeding ground for mold and mildew, so you want to take care not to expose your jacket to any excess moisture.
A leather jacket is something that will always be in style. As long as it is taken care of, a leather jacket can last you years, if not longer.