Why Leather Jackets Crack And How You Can Prevent It
Aside from being crazy cool, what is the attraction of leather jackets? There are too many to list, truth be told. For starters, however, they are extremely attractive, soft and supple (when cared for properly), comfortable (again, when cared for the right way), and exceptionally durable. But, if the proper care just referred to is not given to a leather jacket, the problem of drying, cracking, and more can arise.
What can you do about dry and cracking leather jackets? Can it be avoided?
Cracking Leather
On the surface of leather, you will find thousands of small pores. You can't actually see them, but they are there. These pores are constantly absorbing or releasing moisture. The humidity level surrounding the jacket helps determine this.
Those pores shed moisture if your leather jacket is stored for an extended period of time in a dry environment. As this happens, the leather dries out. When leather dries out, it is more susceptible to cracking.
Once cracks appear, you can't fix them easily or quickly. A leather repair company may be able to professionally extend the life of your jacket, depending on the severity of the damage. Far better to prevent cracking at all costs.
Stopping Cracking Before It Starts
The best method of caring for your leather jacket is through conditioning. Some people prefer saddle soap while others grab any leather conditioning product that's on sale. How do you apply it? Easy! Until it disappears, you simply rub it into your jacket with a clean cloth. This is going to help keep the leather soft and supple, comfortable, smooth, and free of dryness and cracking.
In addition to the correct conditioning, the leather you initially purchase should be high-quality. The poorer the quality – and probably, the cheaper the product – the more you'll have to worry about drying and cracking. From a high-quality leather jacket, you should receive countless years of enjoyment. Remember, however, that conditioning is key!
Humidity Levels
Leather can eventually crack when humidity levels are below 60%. Once again, that's because the leather dries out.
If you're planning on storing your leather jacket away for an extended period of time, it's important you do so in an area that has a humidity level between 40% and 50%. If necessary, you may wish to set up a humidifier in the room where your leather jacket will be stored.
The Care Label
Manufacturer’s care labels are sewn into garments for a reason. Following the instructions on those labels gives you the best chance of enjoying your garment for as long as possible. This applies to leather jackets just like it applies to everything else. Never ignore the manufacturer's recommendations for leather garment care and cleaning.
Now That You Know How to Care for It – Buy Your Leather Jacket at Taylor's Leatherwear!
If you ever forget how to care for your Taylor’s Leatherwear jacket, we have a page on our website that applies to exactly that. Click on our Leather Care and Repairs section for advice. Of course, you have to decide on the jacket you want and actually purchase it before this is even something to concern yourself with.
To appeal to both men and women and all styles and tastes, we carry a wide selection of jackets. If you prefer bombers, we have those. Maybe you like police jackets. We carry those,too. We do, in fact, offer biker jackets, vintage jackets, clearance items, and more.
Don't wait one more day to find that perfect leather jacket. Before you shop anywhere else, check out the impressive inventory at Taylor's Leatherwear.