But keeping an older vintage jacket in “good” shape is a little trickier than one might expect. The trick is to not only in the conditioning but the storage as well. Storing leather improperly will lead to a disastrous result. The last thing you want when you go to take out your jacket after a long warm summer is to find it cracked, brittle and unwearable. This can definitely be prevented with just a few common sense tips.
1. Clean and condition your leather before storing (this will help prevent the leather from drying out and cracking and peeling).
2. Keep the leather from extremes in temperature. Too hot or direct sunlight will destroy and fade the leather and well as dry the material. On the reverse side of this, too humid or damp will cause the leather to mold which is a death sentence for your jacket. Mold is the #1 enemy of leather and if your jacket is subject to it, it will be almost impossible to restore.
3. Stuff the arms of the jacket with acid free paper (very important) to help the jacket keep its shape.
4. Finally, do not fold the jacket but rather hang it on a good, solid, sturdy hanger. Wooden is the preference but if you have a good heavy duty plastic that will work. Leather is heavy and if you skip over this step or decide to trim the budget with a cheaper hanger, then your investment will be ruined. Do not be penny wise and dollar foolish.
By following these simple, common sense tips for storage, your vintage leather jacket will remain as beautiful and “old” as the day you made your purchase.