How to Get Wrinkles Out of Leather Jacket - 5 Easy Methods

Introduction:

Taking care of your leather jacket is essential to keep it looking fresh. Over time, wrinkles may appear, but the process to remove them is simpler than you think. Our team has discovered effective ways to smooth out your favorite piece while also preventing future creases. Whether you’re restoring an old jacket or maintaining a new one, these steps make handling wrinkles simple. Let’s explore how to restore your leather to its original shape with minimal effort.

Preventing Wrinkles on Leather Jackets:

• Quality Hangers: 

Taking just a few minutes to hang your leather jacket properly in your wardrobe can significantly elongate its lifespan. A strong, sturdy coat hanger with wide shoulders will hold the weight, keep its shape, and prevent wrinkles. Using a wooden hanger, for example, provides better support than flimsy ones, ensuring your jacket will always look crisp.

• Conditioning the Jacket: 

Proper care and maintenance keep leather jackets smooth. Leather is a natural material that benefits from regular conditioning to stay soft and resist creasing. If dry, wrinkles form easily. Applying a conditioning product helps naturally lower the risk and severity of wrinkles, keeping the skin clean and fresh.

• Hang, Don't Fold:

Like skincare, caring for leather means preventing wrinkles instead of correcting them. Always hang your leather jacket instead of folding it to protect the shape and prevent deep creases or indents. Using cheap hangers can cause wrinkles, especially around the shoulder area of jackets. I recommend high-quality, affordable hangers to keep them in shape.

• Store It Properly: 

Proper storage prevents wrinkles and keeps your jacket in good condition.

For Home:

To prevent wrinkles from coming back, store your jacket properly by hanging it in a spacious closet with enough room to breathe, as leather needs air circulation. Avoid folding or cramming it into tight spaces. If storing for a long time, use a breathable garment bag instead of plastic to keep dust away without trapping moisture.

For  Travelling:

When you travel with a leather jacket, use a breathable garment bag to prevent wrinkles and protect it from dirt and dust. If you don’t have a garment bag, cover the jacket with an old sheet and cut a hole for the hanger so it can breathe. While transporting without folding.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Leather Jackets:

A leather jacket is an iconic part of any wardrobe, a true staple with enduring character that many wear with pride. But without proper care, it can become wrinkled and even distressed over time. Wrinkles can be tricky, but different methods can help remove them, even if some are more stubborn and deep than others. If it’s too damaged, consider replacing it with a quality piece made from nappa or nubuck.

Preventing the problem is always better than trying to cure it later, so it’s smart to stop it from forming in the first place. The best approach is proper storage and routine conditioning. Preventing wrinkles is the easiest way to keep your jacket looking sharp, but even if they do appear, they can be significantly reduced. At Bovshe, we’ve gathered the best care tips to help you maintain that refined look for longer.

• 1. “Pulling” Your Leather Jacket:

To remove wrinkles, place your leather jacket on a sturdy, wide clothes hanger and hang it in a secure spot. Gently pull the creased, wrinkled area for a few minutes, avoiding overstretching the fabric. This helps the leather jacket retain a smooth shape.

• 2. Steam Your Leather Jacket to Remove Wrinkles:

Skip direct steamers that can overheat leather. Use a hot shower to create gentle steam instead. Take your leather jacket into the bathroom, place it on a sturdy, wide hanger somewhere dry, and let steam build for about 20 minutes. The heat loosens wrinkles and creases just smooth them out with your hands. Before hopping out, make sure it looks good, then store it in the wardrobe, ensuring no remaining wrinkles stay. This keeps your jacket safe while restoring a smooth, polished look.

• 3. Using Heavy Books: 

To remove wrinkles from a leather jacket, place it on a flat, hard surface like a table or counter top. Smooth the material, then place a heavy hardcover book or flat object on top. Leave it overnight and check the area in the morning. The wrinkles should soften as the leather returns to shape. If needed, repeat to flatten any remaining bumps for a great look after each use.

• 4. Carefully Ironing: 

To remove Creases from a leather jacket, use an iron. Place it on an ironing board, arrange it flat, and cover it with a pillowcase or clean cotton towel for protection. Set the iron to the coolest setting and press gently over the fabric to apply heat without direct contact. The extra layer prevents damage while smoothing the leather.

• Avoiding Excessive Heat: 

Exposing a leather jacket to high temperatures can cause irreversible damage, shrinkage, and loss of shape. Avoid direct steam, as it can dry the leather, leading to cracks and fragility. When applying heat, always opt for low settings and test a hidden area first. A steamer or iron on the lowest setting can get the job done without harm, but improper steaming or ironing can worsen wrinkles instead of fixing them.

• 5. Using Rubbing Alcohol and Water: 

A great method to remove wrinkles from a leather jacket is by using a mix of rubbing alcohol and water. Simply mix equal parts in a spray bottle, test carefully on a hidden spot, and avoid using on suede or unfinished leather. Lightly mist the wrinkled areas from a distance, then smooth out the surface with your hand. This is a quick fix for minor Lines, but it must be done cautiously to avoid overly saturated spots that may cause stains. It’s not suitable for suede or unfinished leather, as it may damage the material.

Conclusion:

Keeping a leather jacket looking fresh is all about prevention and careful treatment. Always use sturdy hangers to maintain their shape and store them in breathable garment bags to protect them. Avoiding excessive heat is key since it can damage the appearance and durability of the material. When wrinkles appear, a great step is applying a conditioner to soften the fabric while letting gravity do its work. Steam from a hot shower can also play a crucial role in naturally relaxing the creases. Regular maintenance preserves the supple feel and refined look of your jacket but also ensures it remains a lasting and distinctive part of your wardrobe. These simple tips will enhance the jacket’s lifespan, letting you enjoy it for years to come.

FAQs:

Can I use a regular iron on my leather jacket?

Yes, but only on the lowest heat setting, and always use a cotton cloth barrier to protect the leather. 

Is it safe to use rubbing alcohol on all types of leather?

When dealing with creases on a leather jacket, you might wonder if rubbing alcohol can help. While some suggest it for softening the material, there’s a risk of damage, especially on suede or unfinished leather. If you’re considering this method, always test a small area first to see how the material reacts. To avoid ruining your jacket, it’s safe to explore gentler alternatives like steam or proper conditioning.

How often should I condition my leather jacket?

A leather jacket needs regular care to stay soft and prevent creases. Conditioning it every few months ensures longevity by keeping the leather smooth and hydrated. Without this, your jacket may develop lines, losing its original appeal.

Does real leather wrinkle?

Real leather comes from animal hides, making it unique with natural traits like wrinkles, creases, and marks that help it stand out. A simple test to see the difference between real and fake leather is to press it. Genuine leather reacts like skin, while synthetic materials stay rigid. This makes leather stylish, but it also needs proper care to maintain its texture.

Can dry cleaners get wrinkles out of leather?

Professional leather specialists can safely remove wrinkles while preserving the jacket’s natural character, making sure the delicate material is treated properly without damaging it.